I recently purchased a 97 Rodeo from a friend. After cleaning the EGR valve as mentioned elsewhere in the forum I thought I would see if anyone had this problem. When I put the vehicle in 4wd the transfer case seems to shift but I rarely get the 4wd indicator light on and the front tires do not seem to be locked in. Also, when I do get it locked in there is a there is a bad vibrationin front when I decelerate- bad u-joints? Thanks

c-clip was off the driver side axle- still cant get it to show the 4wd light though.

Do you have to "shift" into 4 wheel drive or do you just push a button to shift into 4 wheel drive? I have a 93 and I'm not familiar with the 97's. But if you have to "shift" into 4 wheel drive, then there is probably a switch on the trans/transfer case that indicates your in 4 wheel drive. If you just push a button to shift into 4 wheel drive, again there is probably some kind switch on trans/transfer case and assisted by vacuum. This was how my Chevy Blazer was set up.

Yeah, I just have to throw a lever - no button. I will look at the motor on the front differential to see if it's frozen up next I guess.

Had same problem same vehicle. Was a vaccum switch on the front axle that engages and disengages the front axle. Dealer only item, expect to pay about $170-$180.00. Easy fix.