ClydesdaleKevin

So on my old 92 YJ, it had the vacuum actuated fork that engaged the front axles, and of course it didn't work...so I installed a Posi-Lok. I was crawling under my 98 XJ today, wondering if I would have to do the same thing since the 4x4 indicator lights don't come on...and the axle is completely different, with no fork or housing for one.

So, a couple of questions...how are the hubs engaged/disengaged on a 98? Or do they just spin the front driveshaft which is disengaged at the transfer case when in 2 wheel drive?

And...how do I troubleshoot the 4x4 lights? It seems to be going into 4x4 mode, but the lights in the dash don't come on when I shift the transfer case into 4H or 4L. Where is the sensor located that turns those indicator lights on when I put the transfer case in 4x4?

98 XJ, 5.5 Rubicon Express lift, 4.0 I6, automatic.

Thanks!

Kev

freegdr

Fronts always locked. On transfer case theres a switch that activates the light assuming bulbs good.

ClydesdaleKevin

Thanks! Using "search", I was able to determine that my 98 XJ has the NP231 J transfer case, manufactured in '97...and has part time 4H and 4L.

Now that I know where the switch is, I can test it and see if I can get the dash indicators to come on with a jumper. And if I have to replace the bulb, I will PULL the bulb from the damn airbag indicator light, which is always on since the airbags are disabled completely...lol!

Thanks!!!

Kev

andrewmp6

The cad system on your yj the xj had from 91 and older,As far as the light in the dash like said the switch is bad or the light its self is burned out but im betting its the switch is bad.

cruiser54

Where are you in Arizona?

ClydesdaleKevin

Apache Junction...but only from around Thanksgiving, to around the middle of April. We are fulltime RVers the rest of the rear, traveling to other states and operating our small business, Siege The Day, at Renaissance Festivals and Medieval Faires.

Kev

ClydesdaleKevin

Update: My 4x4 indicator switch on my '98 is up on top of the NP231 J transfer case, but looks the same as the one in the picture someone so graciously provided. I jumped the wire, and YEP! The "Part Time" light came on on the dash. So I will try to clean up the switch and get it working again...or buy a new one...but those little buggers are expensive for what they are. 50 bucks? Geesh!

Kev

cruiser54

Pull it out and clean it with brake clean while cycling it with your fingers.

freegdr

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...551/20640690-P

THX-1138

That picture above is incorrect, but you appear to have figured that out. I'll just add that usually the replacement switch doesn't come with a O-ring on it so pull the one off the old switch if it's still good and throw it on your replacement.

ClydesdaleKevin

Nice! 10 bucks is way more like it!

Kev

ClydesdaleKevin

Using the Dorman part number, I found the switch on eBay...11 bucks delivered. I installed it this morning, and the light now works!

Thanks everyone!

Kev

freegdr

Simple fixes