4WD dashboard light

[mikey]

My old '83 Tercel had that inclinometer thing on it with the 4WD indicator light on it, actually a little graphic representation of the entire car. I had just assumed that my newer '86, without the inclinometer had no 4WD light at all. Yesterday, on the way home at night, I found out that it had a light, above the brake light, when it came on for the first time. The problem is that I was not in 4WD. The light stays on at speeds over about 30mph, and flickers and goes off when I turn, say on a mountain road. If I actually put it into 4WD, no light!

I looked under the car, and I'm not sure where the switch is. Could a defective switch cause this? Could this have anything to do with the gear oil level in the tranny?

The previous owner must have replaced the transmission. The back-up light has never worked, and I had to replace the rear differential to get 4wd to work at all, because the gear ratios were wrong.

[ARCHINSTL]

In the FSM: pages MT-15 on the transfer adaptor case and BE-5, 19, and 29. The latter shows testing procedures.
I don't think anyone has reported a similar problem. When you resolve it, post the solution.
The switch's operation is not dependent on oil level - although - it would not be a bad idea to check the level. Do a Search here for mods to sockets/wrenches for the filler plugs (they are very soft metal).
Since you are having probs with the 4WD light - maybe the PO did not hook up the backup light switch either. It's on the PS of the trans proper.
Look at Mt-20, top of page, for switch locations.
Tom M.

[4wdchico]

Most auto indicator lights are powered hot to the bulb whenever the key is in the run position. They are then switched on by making a connection to ground on the other side of the bulb. So my best guess is that the switch wire is either not connected to the switch on the TC or it is broken. Either way, is is likely being blown against something by the wind caused by going 30+ mph.

[xirdneh]

i wonder if the wire harness might have something to do with it. the different year trannys had slightly different wire harness's. I've found that the differences cause different lights to come on than expected. but still get the job done.
some trannys have an extra switch on 'em. i'm not at all good at wiring .