Re:2001 Jimny 4WD won't stay engaged

Hi all, I’ve just got hold of a 2001 Jimny and have a problem with the 4WD. I’ve searched here but can’t find the specific problem I have. When shifting from 2H to 4H with the floor lever, the 4WD light comes on and the hubs engage ok but when I let go of the lever the light goes off and the hubs disengage again. If I apply backwards pressure on the lever, the 4WD light comes back on and the hubs engage again - basically I can’t get it to stay in 4WD unless I’m touching the lever. I’m assuming a switch problem but I wondered if this indicated an issue with the switch on the transfer case or if there was another one associated with the selection lever?

Thanks for your help!

Not heard this problem
Have you checked the transfer mounting brackets
these are cast ally and break
so it could be box alignment issue

Seconded. It is usually the push button box that tends to give switching issues. Does it make any kind of heavy clunky noise ? Welcome to the forum.

Thanks both for the reply - I've not checked the mounting brackets yet, will have a look today (if it ever stops raining). No heavy clunking noises - I can hear a normal sounding click when the hubs engage, and then another click when they disengage and the light goes off. I don't think the 4WD has ever been used before.

Does it do the same in 4 low

Yes, it does the same in 4LO but the light stays on for a bit longer before it goes out.