Testing / Replacing 4WD Indicator Switch and Vacuum Lines 1998 Dodge Ram 4X4

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In this video I test the 4WD Indicator Switch and Vacuum Lines on a 1998 Dodge Ram 4X4. The switch needed replacing.

[@luisadriandelgado5343]

best instructions I've seen yet!!!

[@acroduster]

Ohms testing with the 3d printer singing in the background was pretty gold.

[@dylanwaldun8890]

I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 I temporarily bypass the vacuum lines with some fish tank hose but my four-wheel drive indicator light does not work the bulb is good and from what I can tell the switch is good I was hoping maybe you had some ideas of what might be wrong with it before I try to trace everything

[@brianlbreitag-pj3mx]

Great video, thnks

[@renzosanguinettiroman316]

hi how are you.? I wanted to ask, my truck has the 4wd light always on even if the 4wd is not activated, what could it be?

[@rejeparzansh1781]

Is four wheel drive indicator switch on 1997 Dodge Dakota the same place?

[@robert-wr9xt]

I learned something. Thanks

[@davidstahler931]

Super helpful, thank you.

[@rogeliohernandez5533]

Can you please share the part no. Of the switch? Where did you buy it? Thanks

[@dmitripetrov5536]

Good video. I have 99 Dodge Dakota has the same issue , faulty switch. When I shorted the two leg of connector, the 4wd bulb turned on. My question is, is these switches repairable? Because oem part are discontinued from Chrysler, and other people saying that aftermarket part is bad and even can damage the threat.

[@pauldejesus9644]

great video

[@durannathan930]

Great video , where does the wire connect into the truck? Mines completely missing, thanks !

[@nymincho]

I'm guessing he looped it. Thats what I'm going to try.

[@millermatic140]

Chris R my light stays on. My switch is good. What could it be?

[@jamesranger9193]

Does that plug have 12 volts to it. I can not see power to the switch.

[@JesusRamos-zk4zq]

Thanks for the info. I know how to start now.

[@L35inColorado]

Great video -- thank you very much!

[@millermatic140]

Did this. Not working. My light stays on and not sure if it’s just the light or if I’m stuck on 4x4

[@WilliamFrawley]

When you shift into 4WD, a rod inside the actuator pushes against the switch. If it doesn't shift out of 4WD the light will stay on. You can try taking the switch out of the actuator and push against the rod inside with a punch or something to manually shift it out of 4WD. You may have to have the front passenger tire off of the ground and rotate it slightly back and forth while you push the rod in to disengage it. Also, just to make sure the switch is working, take it out of the actuator, plug the wire back in and then push the button in and out on the switch and have someone watch the dash light to see if it goes on and off. (I have another video that explains how to replace the vacuum diaphragm if that is the issue, it also explains how the system works)

[@millermatic140]

Jay Gould so I disconnected the switch. Light went off. When I put it back on the light came back on. I took the actuator out and seems to be working fine. I manually moved the gear once I removed the actuator and there was a little resistance when sliding, is That normal? Also before all this when I would put it in 4h the light went out but when I put in 2H the light comes on. i also just changed the transfer case vacuum switch hoping that it fixed the problem but no. Which now lead me to remove the actuator

[@millermatic140]

I will try having my friend look at the light while I push the switch button manually. Great idea. I was just messing with the truck earlier wish I would’ve seen this earlier

[@FreakinA55]

I had left a comment about this on the other video... (replacing accuator) but i noticed you only had the red vacuum line connected, so quick question. Are both red and black vacuum lines supposed to have that amount of pressure at the same time or, one at a time like 1 color for engaged 4x4 the other for not engaged?

[@WilliamFrawley]

Only one vacuum line should have vacuum at a time. The vacuum pulls the diaphragm in opposite directions sliding the collar on the axle to engage / disengage the 4WD

[@Golen_]

Is the red line the one should have vacum to engage the 4x4? ​@@WilliamFrawley

[@jamesranger9193]

When i jumper the harness together still no light

[@Joseph-gi9fw]

Nice video 👍. I replaced the switch on my 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 and my light still flashes. Is it possible the switch I bought from autozone may not have good contact?

[@WilliamFrawley]

Try cleaning the contacts on the switch & plug first and see if that helps. Then use a jumper wire across the plug (like in the first part of the video). The 4WD light should come on and stay on, doesn't matter if you have it in 4WD. If you drive it like this it should stay on constant. You can try this to make sure there isn't anything wrong from the plug back to the dash light. If all of that checks out then possibly the diaphragm on the 4WD actuator is leaking or going bad. When you shift into 4 wheel drive, there is a shaft in the actuator that moves the yoke and the end of this shaft presses the switch to indicate that it is in 4 wheel drive. But the actuator can shift partially into 4 wheel drive and feel like it's in 4 wheel drive but not be shifted far enough to actuate the switch completely. If it is not completely engaged, this puts a lot of stress on the "collar" and end of the axle splines. I have another video showing how to replace the actuator if you want to see how it works.

[@Joseph-gi9fw]

@@WilliamFrawley thank you for your feedback.

[@jamesranger9193]

What if i have no power at all to the switch

[@alvaroa.m.5744]

Part number for buy in autozombie

[@jaredstuckey8562]

is that a 3d printer in the background?

[@WilliamFrawley]

Yes, a Prusa MK2/S. Very useful for prototypes

[@davekana8388]

Excellent, liked and subscribed, same for a 2000, 2500? Thanks, Dave.

[@thadpetersen2512]

Where is that switch located??

[@WilliamFrawley]

On the front axle 4 Wheel Drive Actuator