wheel lock light

[torchard]

I know there are a number of comments and threads on this topic but nothing definitive. Can someone explain how the wheel lock light and mechanism works? As I understand it, the switches (4-wheel indicator light and the wheel lock light) are wired in series and both are found on the transfer case, however I don't understand how the wheel lock light operates i.e what tells the light the front hubs are engaged? My 4-wheel indicator light works but not the wheel lock and I'm not sure how to deduce where the issue is (assuming a wire isn't broken at the switch). Thanks.

[jessef]

The wheel lock light indicates that the auto hubs are in locked position (instead of freewheeling in 2WD)

It's possible either the solenoid or the light itself is not working properly.

There are many ways to check and see if your 4WD is working properly.

For example, you can shift into 4H while in a straight line drive forward. Jack up the vehicle and try to rotate the front wheels. If you cannot, that means the hubs are locked - front driveshaft engaged - transfer case - rear driveshaft.

If you can rotate the wheels and they are feelwheeling, then it's possibly the hubs themselves are not operating properly.

I've come across a number of internally damaged or malfunctioning auto hubs in the past.

If you know your 4WD is working but the wheel lock light does not come on, then I would check the bulb in the dash, wiring and switch.

[konadog]

My 4x4 and wheel lock light have never worked... Personally, I think they are both redundant and completely unnecessary.

[Erebus]

The wheel lock light indicates that the auto hubs are in locked position (instead of freewheeling in 2WD)

To get a little more precise, it comes on when some sensor detects that the front driveshaft is turning. If you have autohubs, it means that they have locked. If you have "flanges" rather than hubs you wouldn't have the wheel lock light, because the "hubs" are always locked (so that isn't your case).

If you have manual hubs, the light means one of two things:
1) you have the hubs locked
2) the hubs are unlocked, but you have the shift lever in 4H (or 4L).

In the second case, the transfer case is turning the driveshaft, but with the hubs unlocked, that power isn't getting to the wheels, so you are still in 2WD. Ya gotta know what your manual hubs are doing.

[torchard]

Thanks all. I do understand the purpose of the lights and can get along fine w/o them. But I'm a wee bit retentive and like it when all these things work correctly. However as this isn't the season for lying on my back under a dripping driveline, I'll let it go till dryer and warmer weather prevails.