so, sometimes when i start my jimmy none of the 4wd buttons will have the orange light illuminated. other times the 2 hi is illuminated. i assume the 2 hi button is supposed to always be illuminated unless ive selected 4 hi or 4 lo. when the light is not on, it does not always let me choose any of the 3 options, i have to push all of the buttons randomly and sometimes something will turn on and engage, then once that happens, i can pick the option i actually want assuming i didnt already. what ive been doing is just hitting 4 hi and 4 lo until one engages, then picking the one i really want, including 2 hi which will become selectable... ive done some research and a lot of these issues seem to come from the encoder motor. i dont seem to have any problem getting the transfer case to engage/disengage 4wd, when the switch allows it to happen. it doesnt fall out of 4wd or refuse to go into 4wd (when the lights are on)

could it be my encoder motor?/sensor? and assuming that was the problem, i contacted oriellys to price a new one, there is one for $211 and one for $279 both have lifetime warranty, both have different harnesses. is there a way to check what harness i should have without taking it off? or can i drive with this disconnected and take it into the store, i guess my problem is this is my only vehicle.

 

doesnt sound like encoder motor. either dash switch or tccm, im leaning towards the dash switch.

 

What? Those buttons light up? Hmmm. Looks like I have something else to replace now.... :-(