Slow to display Center Diff Lock/ABS light.

[LFD2037]

Did some off roading this past weekend camping. It took a long while for the center diff light and ABS light to illuminate after putting in 4 low. It felt like it instantly went into 4 low and the center diff locked but took miles for the lights to come on. What causes this? Thanks.

 

[retrofive]

Did some off roading this past weekend camping. It took a long while for the center diff light and ABS light to illuminate after putting in 4 low. It felt like it instantly went into 4 low and the center diff locked but took miles for the lights to come on. What causes this? Thanks.

Pull the indicator switch and clean?

 

[Malleus]

x2

 

[ZackR]

Replace the CDL indicator switch, mine had the same issue (CDL works but the dash lights didn't).

27mm socket or wrench needed
NAPA Part# ECH NS6421 (it was around $30 if I recall correctly)

The switch is toward the top, accessed from the passenger side.

 

[LFD2037]

Pull the indicator switch and clean?

As in the one on the dash? It's a '97 so I made a CDL switch from a hazard switch.

 

[ZackR]

Nope its the one on the T case, not the dash.

 

[retrofive]

Nope its the one on the T case, not the dash.

Correct. Can't remember which is which. One is like at 11 o'clock and one and 12 o'clock or something. Been awhile since I dug up there.

 

[ZackR]

Here's what it will look like:

 

[ppc]

Correct. Can't remember which is which. One is like at 11 o'clock and one and 12 o'clock or something. Been awhile since I dug up there.

The switches on the tail housing of the transfer you are speaking of are the 4-Low Position and Transfer Neutral position indicators. The CDL indicator is on the front of the transfer.

 

[bloc]

I've "successfully" cleaned the contacts on one out of three of these original switches. Even that one only lasted about 6 months.

New is the way to go, and cheap enough to keep a spare laying around.
Amazon.com: Beck Arnley 201-1788 Back Up Lamp Switch: Automotive

@ppc is correct about placement. I've found that you can rrmove the outer crossmember bolts and lower the transmission/transfer case with a jack a few inches (don't go too far or the head of the engine will contact the firewall) and get to the relevant switch with a large crescent wrench.

 

[LINUS]

I have had excellent luck just giving the CDL pos switch a acetone baptism - did the same for a RR locker pos switch - both have been fine since, the CDL was sluggish but the rear was DOA by the time I got it. Acetone & exercise was all mine needed.
YMMV.