those would be my guess over the switch itself. the idea of the switch not working seems unlikely to me. ive have had some fuse and wire problems with my truck though just due to old age. all little problems easy fixes, unrelated to 4x4.

 

As has been mentioned the easiest thing to do at this point is to check the fuses. #17, 30 amp, in the Power Distribution Box under the hood on the Driver side fender. This fuse controls the shift motor via the Transfer Case relay module. If it checks out with the key set to run turn the **** to 4Hi and get under the truck and tap the shift motor with a rubber mallet. If the light comes on the Shift Motor is most likely defective.
Check the resistance values in the 4x4 Switch. Unplug it and probe the connector where the Dark Blue wires connect. In 2WD the resistance should be 3.9k, in 4Hi it should be 1.1k and in 4 Lo it should be 360 ohms. Check for water intrusion at the GEM. It is attached to the fuse box in the cab on the driver side.

 

Thanks guys I will try this. Luckily a new switch was only 16 bucks so we'll see how that goes. How much does a probe cost? I don't have one, is there a specific kind I need?

I will check the actuator as well. The guy I bought the truck from said he replaced it but doesn't have the receipt.

 

Switch will be delivered today. Will keep you guys posted.

 

You need a multimeter to measure resistance. I suspect that if you are asking how much a probe costs then you are not familiar with multimeters? Since you have purchased a new switch one can hope that it measures up correctly eliminating the need to test the old one. Any parts store should carry multimeters. Electronics stores certainly will. If you plan on doing any electrical diagnostics then it is certainly a useful tool to have.

 

Haha not familiar with multimeters in an understatement but I will see how much they are. Would one work to test fuses or is a fuse tester something competely different. I was going to buy a fuse tester tonight so I could test fuses but if a multimeter can do it I'd rather just buy one of those and call it done. Thanks for being so patient with my electrical questions guys. When it comes to actual wrenching I promise I know my stuff but electrical has always been a mystery to me.

 

You can use a multimeter to test fuses. Google how to use a multimeter and read up on it. The problem is that if you do not understand simple circuits having a multimeter is a waste. But then again you do not need to be a mechanic to be useful with a screwdriver. You need only know how to use it.

 

Father in law is bring over multimeter tonight. I will google how to use it with the fuses. How would I use it to test the switch?

 

Set it to measure resistance and compare the values to the ones I posted.

 

As you guys thought. It was definitely not the switch. Got a multimeter. Will be testing tonight as well as pulling the battery and checking the vacuum lines to the IWE Solenoid.