99 GC Shift Indicator Light Out

[gshep]

The P-R-N-D-1 shift light on my 99 GC recently went out. I removed the center console and like others, found the "Black Box". I cleaned the contacts and checked for broken wires. After finding nothing out of the ordinary, I replaced the console. I still have to go out tonight and check. I saw one post from last year where someone said they actually replaced a bulb in the box. I have e-mailed them and await an answer but I thought I would see if anyone else could confirm this. If so, what bulb? I was not sure if this light strip was made of some material that glowed when current was present or if it was fiber optic with a bulb.

[hulkmn069]

Originally Posted by gshep

The P-R-N-D-1 shift light on my 99 GC recently went out. I removed the center console and like others, found the "Black Box". I cleaned the contacts and checked for broken wires. After finding nothing out of the ordinary, I replaced the console. I still have to go out tonight and check. I saw one post from last year where someone said they actually replaced a bulb in the box. I have e-mailed them and await an answer but I thought I would see if anyone else could confirm this. If so, what bulb? I was not sure if this light strip was made of some material that glowed when current was present or if it was fiber optic with a bulb.

That thing lights up??? LOL i have a 99 and that thing has never lit for me.

[gshep]

Yeah, amazing huh. Although as close as I can figure it's either magic or pixie dust.

[hulkmn069]

well good luck but now that i know there is a light down there i think i may have to look into fixing it. well let me know if you have any luck with yours and i'll do the same

[gshep]

Seriously, I think the strip is made out of a luminescent material that glows under current. There is not a bulb. There is a little black box that has two wires going in and two contacts on top. The contacts touch two ends of the magic strip. That little box has to be a step down transformer or something. Anyway good luct to you. The consloe comes out pretty easy.

[RBrandon]

hmmm. I have a 98 JGC and now that you mention it, I used to have a light on my shifter... It's been years but now I want it back. Thanks... something else to fix. My jeep is at the tranny doctor right now but if and when I get it back I will tear mine apart. What you describe almost sounds like a light guide with a surface mount LED facing it. LED's require a resistor as to not burn out as soon as voltage is applied. I don't know about a transformer, but then I have never actually looked under my center console. At the same time, I don't see the manufacturers spending time and money on that when lightbulbs have worked cheaply for years... If it is indeed pixies, then we should look at our owners manuals... There may be a 'proper care and maintenance of pixies' section.

[Bob D.]

Pretty sure it's not serviceable; the "black box" needs to be replaced.