2WD 4WD Button Lights Do Not Work

Hi,

Hope everyone is well.

Recently purchased a Jimny and realised when driving in the dark, neither of the 2WD/4WD buttons light up on the centre console (see pic). The car still uses the original vaccum hoses and the buttons do work. I can hear the hubs engage and disengage. The dash also shows the green 4wd light when operated.

My issue with this is, when I full lock in 2WD, I hear a clunk under the car and also the steering feels quite heavy when driving at slow speeds. I do feel the hubs disengage when pressed so was wondering if anyone has come across the buttons not lighting up and any reason why the clunking would be happening?

Thanks,
Fraser

Image attached and link below.
Link to image: imgur.com/a/FNS9NFB

The illumination lights are just that and separate to the function of the 4x4 system. The lights are replaceable but it involves taking the centre of the dash apart. You are not using the 4x4 on a high grip surface are you as that will immediately start to put undue tension into the driveline. The clunk is potentially just this tension releasing.

Thanks for the response Lambert.

Great to hear they are seperate to any issues that may arise with the system.

I rarely use the 4WD at all, only once in snow back in December.

I use 2WD every other time just as a good few people have stated here similar to you about the tension on the driveline.

Might check the CV/track rods for the clunk. Cheers

There are two bulbs, it looks like one is working.

The switch lights are quite easy to change,

Remove the ash tray
Remove the centre console facia, by removing the 3 screws inside the ash tray slot.
The facia then pulls off, it is held in place with several plastic clips.
The switch unit is held in by two plastic tabs on each side, depress the tabs and the unit comes out of the front.

The lights/bulbs are removed from the back, there are a couple of brown holders. They are wire ended bulbs. I replaced mine with LEDs, but had to solder them in as I couldn’t get wire ended 12v LEDs.

I can find some photos if you like?

Robin