Part Time Light?

2002 Wrangler sport, just bought it. When I shift into either 4WD Hi or 4WD Lo the only indication I get on the dash is the "Part Time " light, what does it mean?
Thanks, new at this.

which T-case do you have? I'm not 100% sure about the wranglers, but I used to have an 02 grand cherokee, that had the "select track". it also had a "part time" light that came on when in either 4hi, or 4lo, but there was no light when in the full time position. If I remember correctly, when in "full time", it's like having all wheel drive, but the T-case is not locked. when in 4hi or 4lo(part time light ON) the T-case is locked, which gives a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear axles.
basically, "part time" is like the regular 4x4, which you are only supposed to use part of the time(guess that's why the "part time" light comes on). but sense the full time is like all wheel drive, you can use it all the time if you wanted(like on snow covered or wet roads) without having to worry about drive train bind, and possible damage to the 4wd system.
hope this helps ya out a little,
Keith

which T-case do you have? I'm not 100% sure about the wranglers, but I used to have an 02 grand cherokee, that had the "select track". it also had a "part time" light that came on when in either 4hi, or 4lo, but there was no light when in the full time position. If I remember correctly, when in "full time", it's like having all wheel drive, but the T-case is not locked. when in 4hi or 4lo(part time light ON) the T-case is locked, which gives a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear axles.
basically, "part time" is like the regular 4x4, which you are only supposed to use part of the time(guess that's why the "part time" light comes on). but sense the full time is like all wheel drive, you can use it all the time if you wanted(like on snow covered or wet roads) without having to worry about drive train bind, and possible damage to the 4wd system.
hope this helps ya out a little,
Keith


I found the window sticker in the glove box from when it was bought new and it states "Command-Trac" Part time 4WD.

All TJs, except the Rubicon, have the "Command-Trac" NP231J part time transfer case.

All Wranglers have part time 4wd only so on hard surfaces, 2wd is your only option.