Is the transfer case switch spring-loaded?

[PXM]

I Just bought a new to me Jeep on Friday from a local dealer that took it in on trade. It's a 2005 TJ Unlimited Rubicon that needs a some TLC. The mileage is a higher than I'd like at 213K, and it has had some minor fender benders resulting in customized stock bumpers. The frame and body are remarkably rust free. During the test drive I was able to engage 4-High & 4-Low, however the 4WD light did not illuminate and the lockers wouldn't engage. When we got back to the lot I couldn't shift into park or 1st. The salesman disappeared to talk to his manager while we did some quick google searches. I did a cluster test to confirm the 4WD bulb was good & we found the "Chopstick Fix" for the shift issue. There were quite few few mentions of the lockers not being able to engage if voltage to the 4WD light isn't present, with the solution being to replace the transfer case switch with part #5083138AA.

I made an "as is offer", after some back & forth I drove away for 9K. Hopefully this proves to be a good deal; I'm sure the forum will let me know on that. I may have let my emotions take over as I've been driving a 2000 TJ SE since 2016. I really wanted, NO, NEEDED an LJ Rubicon!

The shifter is now fixed & from the FSM I found that the Transfer Case Switch is a 5 position switch the changes resistance based on depression depth. I removed the switch to test it and found it fully depressed; if shaken it will freely move back & forth.

Finally, my question: Is this a spring loaded switch? I thought I could just check the resistance with a meter on the bench.

My first thought was that this is obviously a bad switch, however I've got ahead of myself before thinking I had somethin figured out. I didn't want to take that risk on an $75 dollar switch that sounds like it needs to be Mopar and not an aftermarket, yes?

Thanks!

 

[Claytone]

The switch is spring loaded. Time for a new one.
Sounds like you got a pretty good deal.

 

[BigDan]

Yes it is spring loaded
Just changed min yesterday , fixed the problem

 

[PXM]

Yes it is spring loaded
Just changed min yesterday , fixed the problem

Thanks BigDan, Did you use Mopar or aftermarket?

 

[PXM]

The switch is spring loaded. Time for a new one.
Sounds like you got a pretty good deal.

Thank you. If this resolves the locker issue I'll be very happy with my purchase!

 

[707kevin]

If its in good shape, and needs a few k in repairs...this is an EXCELLENT deal.. pics???

 

[BigDan]

Thanks BigDan, Did you use Mopar or aftermarket?

Aftermarket ,

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

Only time will tell if you made a good deal or not, but you do show some potintial by finding this site sooner than later. Welcome, you will find whatever you neeed to keep your TJ on the road right here!

 

[PXM]

It's been a while but I wanted to report back that the transfer case switch resolved the issue, the 4wd light is working as well as both lockers! Now to fix all the other stuff that I've since learned about, but that's a topic for another thread.

@707kevin - here are a few pics:

The Cyclops fog lamp!

 

[sab]

Welcome! I think you'll find this forum very helpful, as I have. In today's market, I think you did well. I rarely see Rubicon LJs under $10k, no matter the condition.

 

[707kevin]

Very nice!

 

[HeffTJ]

Yes it is spring loaded
Just changed min yesterday , fixed the problem

BigDan or anyone else, can you suggest how you got you hands on the transfer switch? I tried reaching up and over the TC but wasn't able to find it or get my hands on it. I don't necessarily what to take the center console out but if that's the best way, then I'll do it. Thanks in advance!

 

[Ashim]

BigDan or anyone else, can you suggest how you got you hands on the transfer switch? I tried reaching up and over the TC but wasn't able to find it or get my hands on it. I don't necessarily what to take the center console out but if that's the best way, then I'll do it. Thanks in advance!

The switch is on top of the transfer case. I have an 1-1/4" body lift, so it was a little easier to get to it. If you need a little more room, you could remove the bolts from the belly pan and lower it a little with a jack supporting it. The switch has a pretty big hex, you'll need an adjustable wrench to fit it.

 

[HeffTJ]

The switch is on top of the transfer case. I have an 1-1/4" body lift, so it was a little easier to get to it. If you need a little more room, you could remove the bolts from the belly pan and lower it a little with a jack supporting it. The switch has a pretty big hex, you'll need an adjustable wrench to fit it.

Thank you.

 

[PXM]

Thank you.

HeffTJ,
Check out this video if you haven't already fixed it. Just follow the wire to the switch. I used an 11/2" socket to remove and a breaker bar as it allowed me to angle down and turn it enough to break it loose, then remove by hand. You can skip to 1:30 in the video to get to the switch location part:

 

[HeffTJ]

HeffTJ,
Check out this video if you haven't already fixed it. Just follow the wire to the switch. I used an 11/2" socket to remove and a breaker bar as it allowed me to angle down and turn it enough to break it loose, then remove by hand. You can skip to 1:30 in the video to get to the switch location part:

PXM, thank you. I actually got under the Jeep with a mirror and good light and found it. Something is not right with my Jeep as it doesn't have the 1 1/2" size, like I bought (Mopar) and was told, by Mopar, to get, (5083138AA), but a smaller size, possibly 7/8", which I've heard/read some you tubers suggest. I'm not sure why mine isn't the NP231, 1 1/2". Does anyone have any idea?

 

[PXM]

PXM, thank you. I actually got under the Jeep with a mirror and good light and found it. Something is not right with my Jeep as it doesn't have the 1 1/2" size, like I bought (Mopar) and was told, by Mopar, to get, (5083138AA), but a smaller size, possibly 7/8", which I've heard/read some you tubers suggest. I'm not sure why mine isn't the NP231, 1 1/2". Does anyone have any idea?

Heff, Watch the video from 1:18, he talks about the 241 vs 231 and needing to know which one you have prior to purchasing the switch. I believe the Rubicon is NP241, which has the larger 1.5" switch. I'm sure someone will confirm.

 

[HeffTJ]

Thank you, I'll check that out!

 

[HeffTJ]

Hello, I've got my issue of which NP231 transfer case switch goes to my NP231 TC. I was able to do this going to my local Mopar (CDRJ) dealer and speaking with their parts guy. Initially I was advised to get the 1 1/2" body, p/n 5083138AA, which is what I bought. Before doing this I watched some You Tube videos and read through the posts on our Jeep TJ forum. Some people said, oh you need a 7/8" deep socket switch but that didn't look correct because when I received the p/n 5083138AA, it was a heck of a lot larger than 7/8"! Then I thought that the previous owner of my 2005 TJ might have swapped out the NP231 with the Rubicon NP241 TC and that was my problem. But what I found by taking the Vin# of my Jeep to the dealer and actually looking for my specific application, I found that what determines the Switch part number is which transmission is used in the Jeep. My TJ has the Command Trac model and it takes p/n J8134473 switch. This is the (7/8") and has the tranny code is DG0. The other Switch, p/n 5083138AA is used in the NP231 also, but it has a different transmission. I guess the lesson I learned from this is, find either the dealer's documentation or some other reliable source before spending a lot of unnecessary time and money going down a rabbit hole. I hope this helps, BTW, the 4WD light on my instrument cluster works. Since Mopar doesn't manufacture these switches anymore, I found the 5083138AA at Rock Auto for $82 and the J8134473 at Parts Geek for $20. Remember both apply to the NP231 TC but your transmission determines which applies to your TC.

PS: If I posted this to the wrong place, my apologies but will someone place it where it can be seen by the greater audience? Thanks