4WD dash light always on

[Lazy Fox]

I've looked through older threads and most are about the dash light not coming on. An older thread said if I unplug the wires at the transfer case switch the dash light should go off, I tried that and it still does not go off. Okay so I have a wiring issue. I watched a Youtube video about the light not going on and this guy shorted the wires where they connect to the transfer case switch and they went on so it looks like I'm looking for a short in this pair of wires.

It's been a while since I took up this challenge, is there a connecting point at the fire wall? Are there any relays involved? How does the dash light get it's power? Any clues of where I should start? Appreciate the help

 

[Lou]

You have a short to ground on the black/red wire between the tcase switch and cluster.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

For an '06, from the instrument cluster, it runs through connectors C300 and C301 in the driver side kick panel before going to the switch. You'll want to go to this thread and download the right FSM for your year to get the right wire colors, connector locations and pinouts, etc.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

I agree with @Lou, and the differences in our diagrams regarding connector designations and wire color is evidence of Jeep changing things year to year.

 

[Lazy Fox]

Great you guys. Thanks a ton!

 

[Lou]

The diagram I posted is for 1998 because his profile says he has a 1998.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

The diagram I posted is for 1998 because his profile says he has a 1998.

Good call. I was too lazy to look at his profile. Just grabbed one of the manuals I already had.

 

[Lazy Fox]

Hey can I ask you guys, I'm 65 and kind of losing it but about ten years ago I changed out that turn signal unit thing that controls like everything? Anyway, seems like I may have disconnected the connector under the dash, sound like a good place to start? I hate chasing electrical issues, I may just run new wires. Thanks again.

 

[Lazy Fox]

Okay so unplugged at transfer case switch and the light stays on. Removed the instrument cluster everything looked good. Swapped the bulb out with another (REMOVED THE SHIFT UP/DOWN LIGHT!!!!!), put back together no change. Just went to the store and the light was off, came back on after about two miles and stayed on the rest of the way. Coming home the light was off at startup but came back on about two miles away and stayed on. No flickering but came on slow like something warmed it up......to be continued...