Z71456

Hi everyone. I just picked up my 99 Cherokee a week ago today and I just had the transfer case linkage adjusted because it appeared it was stuck in 4H. Well, everything shifts smoothly, however, when you put it in 4H or 4L, the "Part Time" Light comes on. Not sure what this means or how I can fix it. Any help or comments would be greatly appreciated.

okcjeeper

That's suppose to come on if memory serves...It is basically telling you that you are in part time 4wd..4H and 4L are part time 4wd ...

Kyle

Correct, that is the light indicating that you are in 4wd. Part time means you can not drive it "full time" on the road, it should only be used in less then perfect conditions.

BlueXJ

Jeep Cherokees have done this for years. Even my ancient '90 has those idiot lights.

okcjeeper

Mine has em but I think the bulbs are burned out so one day I will replace em when I get a chance...Yeah if you drive on dry solid surfaces you will notice some jerking around when in 4L or 4h...

COSXJFAN

Sounds like you have an NP242 T-case, which has a Part time and Full time mode. The difference is that part time is for wheeling and the full time mode is for crummy roads and what not. It will not hurt the Jeep to be driven in full time mode on dry pavement. It does use more fuel, and is not needed. It is basically all wheel drive. Hope this helps, later!!

OnlyInMyXJ22

Sounds like a 231.

But as stated the light is supposed to come on.

COSXJFAN

Does the 231 have a "part time" light?? If so, my bad!!

BlueXJ

As previously stated the lights are normal and will come on when not in 2WD. They are to warn you not to operate your Jeep on the road in that mode. If you have a 242TC then you can operate in fulltime 4WD but it uses more fuel. If that is what you have and the roads are dry you will not harm anything but your wallet. If you don't have a 242TC then you will not get a light that says fulltime 4WD, thus do NOT operate your Jeep in that mode that says part time 4WD unless in off road conditions.
Clear now?

Z71456

Thank you for all of the replies. I knew that it meant I was in 4WD, but I guess I should've better worded my question. There is also a full time light as well, but that has not come on. What is the difference between Part Time and Full time and when do the different lights come on? I have a 231 transfer case.

I know, the idiot lights in that thing suck.

Thanks very much.

-Chris

COSXJFAN

So if you're saying that you have never seen the light illuminate but you can see it in the dash it's because its a blank if you truly have a 231. The 231 does NOT offer a full time mode and that would explain why you have never seen it lit. If your T-case shifter has a full time option, you have a 242, simple as that!! As far as I know, none of the 231s have a full time option, if I'm wrong please tell me!! That way I can get closer to knowing everything!!LOL!! Hope this helps, later!!

BlueXJ

As COS says the same dash is in all XJs from any particular year. The ones with a 231 just dont need that particular light so there is frequently not even a bulb from the factory. Many POs have just replaced all bulbs when changing one as the dash is easier serviced in that manner. So even if you have a bulb in the socket for the fulltime light there is no signal/power to turn it on so it will never light.

Z71456

AWESOME! That explains it then. Sorry I'm new to the world of Jeeps and just didn't know. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to come on or not. I figured it was ok since the lever moved into 4wd and I could feel it engage.

Thanks for all of the feedback. Sorry if it was a dumb question. I'm freakin stoked on it though. I love it.

COSXJFAN

No DUMB questions here!! Glad to help!!

BlueXJ

You are now officially a jeep addict. There is no 12 step program and it will last as long as there is a Jeep anywhere in the world. "It's a Jeep thang"