4 Wheel Drive Dash Lights

silversport · January 28, 2008

I have a 2000 Cadillac Escalade (think 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe)...

...strange problem with the lights on the buttons for my 4WD on the dashboard...sometimes they light up and sometimes they don't...I'm thinking loose connection of something but all the other dash lights work just fine...also the amber/yellow light for which mode I'm in...2WD, 4WD AUTO, 4HI, 4LOW is on and this one doesn't go out...does this intermittently...anyone know where to look??? I don't see anything immediately at hand when trying to look under the dash...none of the other lights have this intermittent problem...

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

Bill

unit731 · January 28, 2008

Did I tell you my 1993 Ford Explorer story?

Given to me. Very rusted. But did run fine.

The two buttons/lights on dash. One for 4WD Low and one for 4WD High.

Well, the previous owner told me that sometimes unit will not engage. Then he showed me how to get 4WD to engage. Take a hammer, climb under vehicle, and bang the electric motor/connector at the 4WD unit. AND while holding the button on dash. Quite hard to do by onself. Once on, the 4WD work flawlessly. Had to do this about every 3rd time when starting vehicle. I had to learn to become a contortionist.

Drove it for 3 years though.

silversport · January 28, 2008

hey well at least someone responded...riiight???

Bill

c4cruiser · January 28, 2008

Just replace the switch assembly. This is a common problem with the circuit board inside the switch. It runs about $50-$55.

Simple plug and play. Just remove the trim around the face of the dash (pulls off) and then two screws that hold the switch assembly in place. Disconnect the wire harmess and plug into the new switch. Reinstall the switch and pop the trim back in place.

GDSQDCR · January 29, 2008

Just replace the switch assembly. This is a common problem with the circuit board inside the switch. It runs about $50-$55.

Simple plug and play. Just remove the trim around the face of the dash (pulls off) and then two screws that hold the switch assembly in place. Disconnect the wire harmess and plug into the new switch. Reinstall the switch and pop the trim back in place.

Don't mean to hijack, but I have a similiar issue. My dealer wanted over a $100 for the part. Where can I buy this for ~$50. I am willing to pay that to have all my dashlights working again.

Thanks!

Anthony

silversport · January 29, 2008

just so I understand you correctly...and I am getting responses that this seems to be a common problem...the new switch will keep the white lights behind the letters lit...my switches work fine and the amber lights work always...just the white behind 2WD*AUTO 4WD*4HI*4LO...mine came back on today...just happens intermittently...thanks for responding...I'd also like to know where I can get one for $50.00...

Bill

GDSQDCR · January 30, 2008

Does anyone know where to get these from for the mentioned ~$50? I have tried to locate it on GM-partsdirect, but without the part number, I am having no luck finding it.

Thanks!

Anthony

silversport · February 1, 2008

Does anyone know where to get these from for the mentioned ~$50? I have tried to locate it on GM-partsdirect, but without the part number, I am having no luck finding it.

Thanks!

Anthony

...same here...it must be the part...I took the dash facia off and removed this piece...everything is connected tight...just seems to be a defective part...SO...if I can find a replacement for $50 I will replace it...over $100...not so much as the parts work...just the lights go out...

Bill

unit731 · February 1, 2008

hey well at least someone responded...riiight???
Bill

Well, his post was hanging out there with no responses. I did give something. Not much. But at least others responded with correct information.

Now, where can he get this for 50 bucks?

RVJ · February 2, 2008

is this it. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-00-02-CH...sspagenameZWDVW

if not look here for the right one. http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?f...hevy+4wd+switch

silversport · February 2, 2008

they currently don't have one but that is a great resource...thanks...

Bill

silversport · August 12, 2009

I had no idea GM still made this switch (19168765) and looked on ebay...for not much more than an unwarranted old part (probably has the same problem as mine as I read this is a common ill) off of ebay I have a new Genuine GM part installed and my 2000 Cadillac Escalade (Tahoe putting on airs ;) ) is back running like it should.

Thanks again,

Bill