Part Time Light in Jeep; Everything You Need to Know!
The dashboard has a part-time light which helps the driver know that the transmission is in part-time 4WD. However, many Jeep users are facing an issue with the part-time light not turning off.
So, how to turn off the part time light in jeep?
Firstly, this problem arises because of wiring issues. To solve this, inspect all the wires that are connected to the dimmer switch in the dashboard. Clean and patch up the dirty and corroded wires and connectors. Secondly, a bad switch/sensor of the transfer case may cause this problem. The solution for this is to replace the switch of the transfer case.
Although, you have to know the exact model number and switch type of the transfer case. This is only a briefing of the entire article. To know the solution and steps in detail, read till the end!
What Does Part-Time Light Mean in Jeep?
The part-time light of Jeep vehicles is a system of part-time 4WD cars of Jeep. This light allows the driver to know that the vehicle is in part-time 4WD.
The Jeep system locks the front and rear driveshaft when in part-time 4WD. This allows the 4WD to be used exclusively in challenging road conditions.
The part-time light is meant to be on only when the Jeep is in part-time 4WD. However, many Jeep users are facing this issue where the part-time light won’t turn off.
This can be annoying and problematic as the driver won’t know if part-time or full-time 4WD is activated.
There are a few reasons for the part-time light in Jeep. Furthermore, there are a handful of solutions as well. In the next segment, I’ve elaborated on the reasons and solutions for part-time light in Jeep.
2 Reasons and Fixes Part Time Light in Jeep
Here are the reasons, symptoms, and fixes behind the part-time light in Jeep:
| Reason | Symptom | Solution |
| Wiring Issue | Damaged/Dirty Wiring Harness | Clean and Replace the Wiring Harness |
| Bad Switch of Transfer Case | Transfer Case Switch Stuck/Not Working | Replace the Transfer Case Control Switch |
An elaboration of the reasons and solutions is given in the next section. Follow the solutions step-by-step to get rid of this problem!
Reason 1: Wiring Issue
If any wiring is not working properly, it can cause serious issues. Any indicator/light will malfunction on the dashboard and it may be risky to even drive the Jeep. Corrosion, disassembly, and damage can happen to the wiring harness, which can cause this.
Another way to confirm this issue is by inspecting the odometer. If your Jeep has an odometer, the Jeep odometer will not show if this issue occurs.
Solution:
To solve this issue, the wiring harness of the Jeep should be checked. Here are the steps to do so-
Step 1: Remove the Dash Cover
In this step, you have to access the Jeep dash wiring. From under the dashboard, you can get access to the wiring. Make sure the ignition of the engine is turned off.
Step 2: Inspect the Dimmer Switch
Now that the wiring is accessible, inspect the wiring harness of the dashboard. Find the dimmer switch in the harness. The dimmer switch controls all the lights on the dashboard. Check every wiring that connects to the dimmer switch.
Check the condition of each wire. If any wiring or connector pin is too damaged or too corroded, proceed with replacing it. You can use this video as a guideline:
If there is corrosion, you can try cleaning the corrosion with a contact cleaner. If any wire is disassembled or disconnected, connect the wires properly.
This way, the functionalities of the wire will be restored. If the rubber insulation is exposed in any part, patch it up with electrical tape.
Use a voltmeter to check if the wires are passing electricity. If there’s no reading, the wire is dead and needs to be replaced.
Step 3: Reattach the Dash Cover
For the final step, reattach the dash cover. Put the cover into place and apply some pressure on it to lock it in. Make sure no wire gets stuck in the way.
To minimize wiring problems in the future, try to keep your Jeep at lower temperatures. Heat can damage various aspects of your Jeep.
You can use the aftermarket coolants to help keep the temperature down. Understand the differences between the coolants before using them. For example, there are many differences between MS 12106 vs MS 90032 coolants.
Reason 2: Worn or Sticking Transfer Case
This reason is applicable to all the Jeep models with part-time 4WD. For instance, if you own a Cherokee, and the part-time light on the Jeep Cherokee might be on. Chances are, it’s because of the transfer case.
The transfer case of a jeep is an essential part of the drivetrain. This case provides and transfers power from the transmission to the rear and front axles. Transfer case helps the shifting from 2WD to 4WD and vice versa.
The transfer case has a switch that detects if the part-time 4WD is activated. The switch can go bad easily. A sticky or worn-out switch can’t function properly.
When the switch doesn’t work, the Jeep’s part-time 4WD can’t be distinguished. As a result, it just stays on.
You might be wondering, how to turn off the part-time light on Jeep Liberty, Cherokee, Wrangler, etc. Well, the solution is given in the next segment, give it a read.
Solution:
If the transfer case switch is locked/gone bad, the only solution is to replace it. Some people try cleaning the switch, but it’s not that effective. The transfer case switches need to be replaced every 2-3 years.
The chart below mentions all the Jeep models with part-time 4WD and their corresponding transfer case models. Take a look:
| Jeep Model | Transfer Case |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive II |
| Jeep Liberty | NV231 |
| Jeep Cherokee | NP242, NP231, NV231 |
| Jeep Wrangler | NP241OR |
You can also identify the transfer case by knowing the stock transmission of your Jeep uses.
By knowing the sizes of the splined output shafts, you can match them to the transfer cases. Additionally, you can manually see the transfer case fluid type, model, etc under the Jeep.
If you’re having trouble identifying the transfer case, you this video as a guideline:
After acknowledging the matching transfer case, you have to get a switch replacement for that transfer case. You can contact your seller or the Jeep manufacturer to have them deliver the transfer case switch.
Now that you have the replacement switch, you can start replacing it. Follow the steps below to successfully replace the transfer case switch on your Jeep:
Step 1: Park and Turn off the Jeep
First and foremost, you need to park the Jeep on a flat surface. Make sure to activate the parking brake. Lastly, turn off the Jeep.
Step 2: Get under Your Jeep
All the transfer case work should be done from under the Jeep. For this step, use a creeper to get under your Jeep. Make sure you’re in a position where you can access the transfer case with ease.
Step 3: Locate the Switch and Unplug It
Usually, the switch of a transfer case is always on the top of the transfer case. You can see a small plug sticking out of the transfer case, the switch should be underneath it.
After locating the switch, unplug the wire from it. Just pull the plug out of the switch.
Step 4: Unscrew the Switch
For this step, you can use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the switch. You can unscrew it by hand after losing it with the wrench.
Step 5: Transfer the O-ring
If you can compare the new switch with the old switch, you may see a rubber ring. The new switch won’t have the rubber O-ring.
Use something pointy to pry out the O-ring from the old switch. Then, transfer the ring to the new switch.
Step 6: Screw in the New Switch and Plug It in
For the final step, just transfer the new switch with the O-ring to the transfer case. Simply screw it back in with a wrench. Also, Plug back the small plug back in, on the top section.
After all the steps are done, you can proceed with driving the Jeep! The part-time light issue should be solved now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the difference between part-time and full-time 4X4?
The difference between part time and full-time 4X4 is the orientation of the drive. In a part-time 4×4, you can drive the rear wheels on the road. Yet, you can switch between the 4X4 for off-road driving. But for the full-time 4X4, you’ll always have to drive the AWD on a 4X4 drive. You cannot switch between drives.
Is Jeep Cherokee always in 4WD?
Yes, the Jeep Cherokee is always in 4-wheel drive. It’s a full-time 4X4 system that delivers insane track and street wheel performance. The 4WD is available in all 5 modes; auto, sport, snow, sand & mud, and rock.
Does 4WD consume more fuel?
Yes, 4WD or 4-wheel drive does consume more fuel. 4WD are heavier and larger than 2WD vehicles and they require more power. As a result, they require and burn a lot of fuel.
The Final Words
This is the end of the article. Hopefully, now you know what a part time light in jeep is and its solutions!
You can always call a mechanic if you’re needing a set of helping hand. In exchange for some labor charge, the mechanic will get this issue resolved fast!
Good luck.
