CJ5 Four Wheel Drive Indicator Light

[Jeepeagle]

I hope this hasn't been asked and discussed before, if so please point me to it, but I need help figuring out how to make the four wheel drive indicator light work on my speedometer. I know it's not needed, but I want it to work. The previous owner of my '78 CJ5 didn't take time to fix things correctly, and took many shortcuts. I've already replaced all the bulbs, cleaned all ground contacts, and made sure my dash was grounded. Thanks.

 

[CJ]

Hello Jeepeagle and welcome to our site!

The 4WD indicator lamp was used for auto transes in those years (CJ5 's did not come with Auto's). You should have a Dana 20 Transfer Case which does not have a 4WD switch.

 

[dislsmoke]

You could have the wrong year speedo for your year.

 

[IOPort51]

I hope this hasn't been asked and discussed before, if so please point me to it, but I need help figuring out how to make the four wheel drive indicator light work on my speedometer. I know it's not needed, but I want it to work. The previous owner of my '78 CJ5 didn't take time to fix things correctly, and took many shortcuts. I've already replaced all the bulbs, cleaned all ground contacts, and made sure my dash was grounded. Thanks.

hook it up to something cool like the emergency brake or the auxiliary light relay.

 

[CJ]

hook it up to something cool like the emergency brake or the auxiliary light relay.

LMAO! That is wrong on so many levels! Too cool!

 

[IOPort51]

LMAO! That is wrong on so many levels! Too cool!

A dash lite is a terrible thing to waste,

 

[CJ]

A dash lite is a terrible thing to waste,

Quoted for posterity...

 

[rushpowersystems]

Well if you really want you can do it this way;

take 2 to 6 small high power magnets and place them on the front drive shaft, it’s a good idea to tape then in place for extra security. Then build a fixture that will hold a magnet switch, this will act as a pick up for the magnets. Run 12 volts key on into the one side of the magnet switch and the other wire to the lite in the gauge. As the drive shaft turns it will light up the light, as an added benefit if you forget to unlock the hubs it will light up the light. Bad part is the more magnets you add the more the chance it will stop at a magnet and leave the light on when not in 4wd. We have set this up on many times and it works quite well. Option two is to mount a momentary push button switch or switches and configure them to supply power when the linkage engages the switch.

Of course you could use an audio warning method and wrap a large wire tie around the front drive shaft, as it slaps the frame and trany you will hear the warning.

 

[IOPort51]

Well if you really want you can do it this way;

take 2 to 6 small high power magnets and place them on the front drive shaft, it’s a good idea to tape then in place for extra security. Then build a fixture that will hold a magnet switch, this will act as a pick up for the magnets. Run 12 volts key on into the one side of the magnet switch and the other wire to the lite in the gauge. As the drive shaft turns it will light up the light, as an added benefit if you forget to unlock the hubs it will light up the light. Bad part is the more magnets you add the more the chance it will stop at a magnet and leave the light on when not in 4wd. We have set this up on many times and it works quite well. Option two is to mount a momentary push button switch or switches and configure them to supply power when the linkage engages the switch.

Of course you could use an audio warning method and wrap a large wire tie around the front drive shaft, as it slaps the frame and trany you will hear the warning.

I tried the audio warning method but I had a problem hearing it over the radio.

 

[rushpowersystems]

You need a larger wire tie, you can feel the really big ones. My only problem was the guys at the goofy lube would cut the "sensor" off.

 

[monzy22b]

I hope this hasn't been asked and discussed before, if so please point me to it, but I need help figuring out how to make the four wheel drive indicator light work on my speedometer. I know it's not needed, but I want it to work. The previous owner of my '78 CJ5 didn't take time to fix things correctly, and took many shortcuts. I've already replaced all the bulbs, cleaned all ground contacts, and made sure my dash was grounded. Thanks.

Here is a "back up switch" that works for the Dana 20 . It took some random searching, but I ran into it and it works PERFECTLY. I got it at Napa for $13. Here is the link to it. Make sure to click on "Click here to shop online and have the part shipped to you." If it doesn't work, search for part # NS6566

Store Locator | NAPA Online

Of course it is not the correct connector, but I did a bit of soldering and put some connectors on the ends and then filled with RTV sealant to seal it. I will end up running one to a ground (xfer case casing) and then one to the light in the Speedo cluster. This is just a simple switch that completes a circuit, which is why I have to run one of the wires to a ground as it doesn't just ground through the case of the switch.

I am pumped that I was able to get my 4 wheel light to work. Let me know if you have questions.

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