service 4wd switch

crjaynes · #1 10-06-2003, 09:26 AM

I have read several responses to the service 4wd switch. It is kind of irritating that most service managers have no clue as to what this is. I finally found one who told me it was the indicator switch on top of the transfer case. I purchased one for $32 but still am getting the message.

Has anybody got any idea what else I can check to rid the error message, ie, is there another component that works along with the 4wd indicator switch that may be malfunctioning or it it wiring. The problem may be wiring as the message I get is intermitent rather than every 2 minutes or so as some people have posted. Thanks for any suggestions.

Mario_Jeep_93 · #2 10-20-2003, 02:48 AM

I managed to fix that problem by taking out the VIC and open it up. it is made out of two parts that connect through some pins. The two sides of the VIC are joined together with some plastic legs that usually brake...what I did I glued the two parts together so the pins conecting them will not lose contact. Now it's working perfectly for the past year. The reason it breaks in the first place is because of the vibration of this stupid car...but anyways we got them now we have to fix then :-)

PS: if you follow the patern when it starts to blink "Service 4WD Switch" you will notice that it usually starts on a bigger than usual street bump.

mwgrcherokee · #3 11-09-2003, 09:43 AM

Looking at the VIC is something I hadn't thought of... I had one dealer tell me that the only way to fix this problem is to replace the entire VIC ($$$). Another dealer said, 95% of the time we replace the switch and it's fixed (cost me about $60 including labor).

After replacing the switch, I have the message far less often, but still often enough to be very annoying! The switch must have played a part, but replacing the switch didn't eliminate the entire problem.

I'll check out the VIC and see if anything looks broken as Mario mentions.

MITTENS116 · #4 11-14-2003, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crjaynes

I have read several responses to the service 4wd switch. It is kind of irritating that most service managers have no clue as to what this is. I finally found one who told me it was the indicator switch on top of the transfer case. I purchased one for $32 but still am getting the message.

Has anybody got any idea what else I can check to rid the error message, ie, is there another component that works along with the 4wd indicator switch that may be malfunctioning or it it wiring. The problem may be wiring as the message I get is intermitent rather than every 2 minutes or so as some people have posted. Thanks for any suggestions.

THAT'S FUNNY I HAVE A 1995 AND I'M GETTING THE SAME MESSAGE I HAVE SPENT OVER 2800 DOLLARS AND STILL THE DAMM THING WON'T GO AWAY. WHAT IS THE VIC?

mad max · #5 11-21-2003, 07:40 AM

my '93 grand cherokee is driving me crazy! Before I found the correct switch which didn't help the problem, I installed a shorter switch which made it stop. Now I'm thinking about trying to find a shorter switch again! What is this thing supposed to do anyway?

JoeEx · #6 12-06-2005, 10:19 AM

I agree 100%.

When this happens to me I just bang the message display with my fist and it stops for a few days.

Changing the switch does nothing.

I was told that Jeep knows about this issue but since it wasn't a big deal they just ignored it.

mad max · #7 12-09-2005, 02:19 PM

Just unplug the switch on the side of the transfer case. Noone seems to know what the stupid thing does anyway! I finally did this a few months ago and haven't had any problems since. Before that it was going off every minute or 2!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeEx

I agree 100%.

When this happens to me I just bang the message display with my fist and it stops for a few days.

Changing the switch does nothing.

I was told that Jeep knows about this issue but since it wasn't a big deal they just ignored it.

nfo184 · #8 01-14-2006, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mad max

Just unplug the switch on the side of the transfer case. Noone seems to know what the stupid thing does anyway! I finally did this a few months ago and haven't had any problems since. Before that it was going off every minute or 2!

what is the vic? is that the transfer case? and wheres the switch located...or what does it look like?thanks ....mine comes on like once every 20min....but still annoying and sometimes like every 10min

mad max · #9 01-29-2006, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nfo184

what is the vic? is that the transfer case? and wheres the switch located...or what does it look like?thanks ....mine comes on like once every 20min....but still annoying and sometimes like every 10min

The VIC is the Vehicle Information Center - that screen below the radio on the dash that displays the message "service 4wd switch", followed by beep beep beep, beep beep beep.

The switch is on left side of the transfer case. If I remember correctly there are 3 wires on it in a plug that snaps onto the switch. I just unpluged the stupid thing and it worked for me. I tried replacing the switch and even had the oil level checked but no luck till I just unplugged it.

ssunford · #10 06-08-2006, 01:39 AM

since you unpluged does your 4wd indicator still work or does it always think your in 2wd?

mad max · #11 06-08-2006, 10:10 AM

My jeep is full time 4wd. It only has a high/low lever.

mach5p1 · #12 11-16-2006, 04:43 AM

What does the switch indicate ? Hi level, low level, north, south, up, down. It must have a purpose.

bringselpup · #13 11-16-2006, 05:15 PM

All the switch does is drive the display of the four wheels in the VIC lighting them up if you are in 4wd.

mad max · #14 11-18-2006, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bringselpup

All the switch does is drive the display of the four wheels in the VIC lighting them up if you are in 4wd.

I don't think so since my 93 Grand is full time 4wd.

I think it displays when it's broken - just unplug the foolish thing.

BTW the rear anitlock I special ordered it with blew up at around 80K miles.
I replaced it with a used standard rear end. Now the front axle bearings are making a loud growl above 30MPH, almost deffining at 60-70MPH, and at 169K miles, with all the smoke from the seals of my 6cyl, and the rot pokeing through hear and there, I'm debating wheather or not it's worth it to repace the front axle with another used one now. I think it may be time to put the poor old girl down.

mach5p1 · #15 04-12-2007, 05:45 AM

The 4wd switch is an appendic of the sport model. The VIC [vehicle information center ] is also from the sport 2wd 4wd. The switch tells you that you are in 2wd or 4wd , even though you know that you have a full time 4wd. The switch was kept in place even though the unit was a 4wd. Easier to keep them in place than have to change them both out. They could last a long time. Mine 47,0000 miles. Question..........what wires do I cut ? That is my question. Note: I have had this alarm for more than 5 Mo. your trans. will not fullout from underneath you.

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