I just purchased a 1996 Honda Passport.
Im having trouble with engaging the 4WD. I was under the impression that on-the-fly-shifting meant just pop the 4WD into what was required. I tried this yesterday testing it on the beach, but to no avail. The back tires were doing all the work while the front ones played dead. Is there a button or something I need to hit before throwing it in 4WD?
Can anyone give some insight as to what is going wrong?
Its the first on the fly shift Ive drove, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Edit, Also I dont see the indicator light on my dash. ??:(??

I didnt think '96 had SOTF. Thought only ''98 and up had that.

Try fully stopping then shifting into 4wd.

I didn't think '96 had SOTF. Thought only ''98 and up had that.

Try fully stopping then shifting into 4wd.'96 and '97 both have SOTF. They aren't "push button" but are SOTF.

2H-->4H ... Shift the lever to 4H (and back) with the wheels pointed straight ahead and vehicle speed <60 mph.

4H-->4L ... Vehicle must be fully stopped with A/T in N (or clutch fully depressed).

Thanks for clearing that up.

My first thought was auto locking hubs not engaging. But I dont know that that would prevent the dash light from comming on.

Thanks for clearing that up.

My first thought was auto locking hubs not engaging. But I dont know that that would prevent the dash light from coming on.
No Auto-Locking hubs either... Hub Flanges just like your 2nd Gen.

Thanks for clearing that up.

My first thought was auto locking hubs not engaging. But I dont know that that would prevent the dash light from comming on.

Your vacuum-operated switch may not be functioning if the light isn't coming on. If your '96 is similar to my '97, then crawl underneath and remove the small brush cover that is below the front differential and follow the vacuum hoses to the switch. Also check the wiring pigtail. This module may be mis-aligned or the hoses are cracked, or maybe the wiring is corroded from road or sea salt? It is 10 years old....and probably due for an inspection anyway. A few years ago I had to buy a new switch and have it shimmed to the proper height to get the dash light to work on mine. Works great since.

high, Ill take a look at it when I have the time to get under there. I appreciate the response--I hope that may just be the problem, Ive been itching to get this baby dirty. Thanks all, I shall return with any resolution or questions. All been very helpful!

No Auto-Locking hubs either... Hub Flanges just like your 2nd Gen.

Ahhh. The manual files I looked at showed hubs for the '96 and didnt show any actuator for the front axle like the 2nd gens had.

In that case I would also check the shaft for actuators that engage the front axle and xfer case if it has one on it. The one for the front axle at least can corrode and get stuck in position. Might be able to clean it up and get it move again.