Hey all,

I have a 96 2.3 4x4 Ranger, 5 speed with manual transfer case,

4wd works just fine, both high and lo, but the dash indicator light for the 4x4 is doing some weird stuff and I can't seem to figure out how to fix it.

If I start the truck with the headlights off, and keep them off, I will never see the 4x4 light come on for 4 hi or 4 lo, though 4wd is clearly working fine.

If I start the truck with the headlights off, then switch the headlights and dash illumination on, no 4x4 light will appear regardless of whether I'm in 2wd, 4 hi or 4 lo, but once I turn the headlight switch off, I have a 4x4 light on the dash that will not go off, even in 2wd?

If I shut the truck and lights off and start it again with the lights off, the light will be gone again and will only come on if I turn the headlights on an off again... but the light doesnt care what drive mode I'm in. Its like the 4x4 light is wired to the headlight switch!!

What should I check? Could this be a fuse issue? Where is the sensor or switch for the 4x4 dash light? On the t case somewhere? What is this part called?

Thank you! I'd love for this light to work properly and this one has me stumped

 

Sorry was responding to this over at another forum.

Looks like light switch and previous owners wiring was at fault for 4x4 lights