I have part-time 4-wheel drive on my Jeep Liberty. It’s put into 4-wheel drive by pulling up on a lever in the center console. This morning I put it into 4-wheel drive in order to get out of my driveway, and then back into 2-wheel drive. But the dash light didn’t go out. I pulled it back into 4-wheel, and the light went out. Back into 2 and the light was back on. Stopped and parked. Turned it off. Waited for a couple of minutes (I dunno, this works on electronic stuff sometimes). Turned it back on. Light still on.
I should trust the lever over the light, right? I can’t get it into the shop today, but I can possibly get it in tomorrow if this is a Really Bad Sign.
That’s tough, does the lever actaully have physical linkage down to the transfer case? I would (without seeing your car) trust the lever until you can get it in. If I had to take a wild stab in the dark I’d guess the switch that turns the light on and off is screwed up. As a test, make a real tight turn on dry pavement, if the rear end skips around then four wheel drive is engaged.
The rear end will skip becuase the rear differential is locked and the wheels are forced to turn at the same rate.
On a dry surface, if the car is really in 4WD, you will know when you go to turn, especially sharply.
The vehicle (and you) will strain greatly, and turning will seem very very difficult. This will be a sure sign you are in 4WD. 4WD on dry, non slip surfaces is basically grinding away at your differentials/gears.
Try both positions. Usually a lever is cable or direct connected, so trust the lever. But, verify by doing a little tight turn test. You will know immediately.
I’m not sure if it has physical linkage because I’m a complete idiot when it comes to cars. It does not seem to have the trouble making tight turns on dry pavement that I am used to when it’s in 4wd.
If it dosen’t skip around, then it’s most likely not in 4WD. I still wonder though, since the light is on, if the front hubs are locked, but probably not. I sure some of our resident car experts will be in soon to explain exactly what’s going on.