i have a 96 dodge ram 1500. i noticed that when im in 4 wheel drive, there is no light on the dashboard to indicate that im locked in. my father has a 98 dodge ram 1500 and when he is in 4 wheel drive, there is an indicator light on the dashboard so that he knows its on. do the 96's not have this feature?

 

It should, it isn't on the actual gauges though, its a separate light just below the gauges to the left, if your driving i notice sometimes my tilt lever is in the way and i cant see it, it should be there, if not maybe the light is burnt out?

Good Luck

 

Any idea if it would be hard to replace that light?

 

I wouldn't think so. Pop the dash off and you will see the set of 3 inticators there, ABS,4x4 and Low Windshield Fluid. Im pretty sure its just 2 screws holding it down and the 3 lights should just be a twist out on the back.

 

before taking the dash apart - check the indicator switch on the end of the cad. if you unplug the connector and jumper the 2 pins - the light should come on. if it does, then the problem is in the switch, the dirty connector, or the cad.

a common problem is dirt, mud, salt, crud in the connector.

 

well we can swap i only have 2wd but since dodge used the same setup for it. my 4wd light on all the time finally i got tired or seeing it so i took it and my air bag light out. my impact sensor quit and dodge wants a fortune so.

 

What exactly do you mean by "jumper the 2 pins"?

loner... i purchased a jeep without 4 wheel drive... i will never make that mistake again... i feel your pain!

 

its a 2 wire connector. unplug it at the cad, and connect a short jumper wire from 1 pin to the other, shorting them to each other. this is what the switch in the end of the cad does. it should close the circuit to the dash lamp.

 

I had the same problem with my 01. Look at the wire harness that goes into the front axle on the passenger side. Mine wasnt plugged in all the way.

 

+1. IMHO it's more likely that the problem is at the CAD then the dash light. Have you verified the truck is actually in full 4-wheel drive? The only way to do that is engage 4x4, jack the front end up and check that the two front wheels are tied together - if you turn one by hand the other should turn too.