4WD dashboard indicator in 1998

my 4wd indicator has never lit up when engaged in 4wd. i pulled the dashboard unit out to replace the bulb and found there was no bulb. so i tested it with another bulb. then realized the recept was not connected to a power supply. why does my 4wd vehicle have the 4wd symbol on the dash (the axles, driveshaft and wheels) when it doesnt have a way to light up the symbol?? frustrated and confused.

 

did you ever find a solution to the problem?

 

No I never figured out why the dash doesn't have a power supply for the 4x4 indicator bulb spot.

 

If you're not the original owner it's possible the cluster was swapped at one point. Maybe they put in a cluster from a 2x4 and it came with no power supply/light for 4x4.

 

Is this going to be a problem for the mechanical aspect of the rig? i.e. should this affect 4x4 functions at all?

 

I don't think so, but its best to get something in there to at least let you know if you are in 4x4.

 

It won't affect anything, the 4x4 will engage like normal, but you just won't have an indication that you're currently in 4x4 mode.

Maybe put a LED somewhere on the dash or center console that lights up when you're in 4x4?
Or, if you don't have ABS, Cruise Control or the rear diff lock, you can use these placeholder spots in the cluster. It will still be labeled as the option, but at least it will indicate when you activate 4x4.

 

yep, someone replaced the instrument panel and never swapped over the flexible circuit board I noticed the same issue with the diff lock light on my 4X4... I guess toyota figured that they wanted to make 3 or 4 different circuit boards rather than one an just eliminate the bulbs... My research shows 8 different flexible circuit boards from $80 to $100ish

 

so, if i use one of those empty spots, the transfer case or shifter needs to be connected some how to that one im using and I'm not sure how to go about doing that. luckily, since i have a a manual transmission and manual locking hubs its not easy to accidentally be in 4H or 4L.

 

I think @BartMaster1234 did it. Maybe he can help you with this?

 

I haven't done it yet but here's the schematic.