So, I bought my jeep last year and have only been off road a few times. But, the few times that I have been, when I try and shift the T-case into 4wd it only works in 4 low (it is an NP231 btw). When I try to shift into part-time or full-time, it stays in 2wd. Also, my 4wd light indicators on the dash don't work. When I looked at the transfer case I noticed that there was a plug that didn't have anything plugged into it. However, when I shorted the two terminals in the plug together, the light in the dash came on. I did some research and found that this was a vacuum plug but my jeep doesn't have the right wiring harness for that plug. Could I possibly have the wrong transfer case? I was wondering if I should have a 242 maybe and the previous owner just swapped a 231 in for whatever reason.

Thanks in advance.

 

You can go to the Mopar site and order your vehicle build sheet using the VIN, it will take a couple days for them to email it. There are links to the page on here somewhere.

 

Look at the data plate on your transfer case. It will show if it's a 231J or a 242J.



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I know that it is a 231, I was just wondering if it was originally a 242 and someone swapped in a 231

 

Bad engine or trans mounts?

You mention full time/part time in your first post. 231 doesn't have that.

Are you shifting on the move like you're supposed to?

 

It's much easier than that.

Go to this site: http://www.jeep.com/webselfservice/j...527R%2527%2529

Click "Equipment Listing"

Paste VIN into box.

bwalls53,

I suspect that your jeep came with the 242, but at some point was swapped out for a 231 because they are much easier to find. Whoever did the swap just changed the transfer case and did not do the rest of the work, ie swapping out the shift gate, shift bezel, and rewiring the transfer case switch connector. Your transfer case will work fine without these parts, but it is confusing as you've discovered. The biggest concern is the shift gate because the transfer case handle may not lock into place correctly and can easily be bumped out of 4HI. I think.

You have 3 options at this point.

1. Do nothing and continue about your life, but understanding the quirks you're going to have
2. Find an NP242 and swap it in
3. Swap the 242 gate, bezel, and switch connector out for a set from a 231.

I swapped my 231 for a 242 last year and may have the parts you need hanging around. Or you can go to a junkyard and get them locally. If I can find the shift gate and bezel from my 231, would you care to do a 1-for-1 swap? 97-01.