2005 Jimmy 4WD problem

[ninepointer]

The 3-button shift-on-the-fly in my 2005 Jimmy does not work reliably. It tends to get stuck in 4WD.

I'm told by a mechanic that the 2005 model year does not use the vacuum tube system found in previous models, its all electrical. Is this correct?

The same mechanic told me that the problem rests with the electrical connections found to the right of the front passenger's feet, behind the plastic side panel. He says the connectors heat up and lose contact.

When it gets stuck in 4WD, the solution seems to be to pop the plastic panel and unplug/plug the connection. This is a real pain and I would love to solve this problem. Any suggestions? Thanks

Derek

[MikeInCtown]

That makes no sense at all that they heat up and lose contact, but unplugging them works. Perhaps you reset the controller when you unplug and that is what does it.

Have you checked the 4wd switch panel with a multimeter to make sure the signals are going where they should be when you press the buttons?

[ninepointer]

My mechanic has already replaced the connector that I'm talking about, as well as replaced the electric motor found under the vehicle.

Whatever the reason, the act of unplugging/re-plugging the connection or wiggling/squeezing the connection restores things back to normal. My mechanic blames that connector and says is a design flaw is associated with a variety of electrical problems in North American vehicles. He says that under the slightest resistance, the tiny spring loaded contacts tend to heat up, curl back and lose contact. He's implying that its something I might just have to live with, but I'd really like to fix this. Anybody have any ideas?

[Yogi]

Quote: Originally Posted by ninepointer

My mechanic has already replaced the connector that I'm talking about, as well as replaced the electric motor found under the vehicle.

Whatever the reason, the act of unplugging/re-plugging the connection or wiggling/squeezing the connection restores things back to normal. My mechanic blames that connector and says is a design flaw is associated with a variety of electrical problems in North American vehicles. He says that under the slightest resistance, the tiny spring loaded contacts tend to heat up, curl back and lose contact. He's implying that its something I might just have to live with, but I'd really like to fix this. Anybody have any ideas?

Is it still covered by warranty? The fact that you can reset it by breaking and making the connection sounds like it may be a firmware issue. I'd want to check to see if there are any Technical Service Bulletins on this subject. If the dealer can't help you out, I know that you can get the TSBs from Alldata.com.

[beaniebmx]

my 2000 does the same, except its the wiring/connector, sometimes the 2wd selector will be lit up and hit a bump and it goes off, cant put it into 4wd or 2wd when the light is off.

tapping the 4x4 panel with my fingernail works good.

my dad took it off when we put the headunit in, so its all his fault

[lesterl]

These 4x4 switches develop bad connections on the external connector on the dash switch module, I have pulled several and resoldered the pins from the inside (just have to use a small screwdriver to gently pry out on tabs and pull out board and resolder), reassemble and presto! Good as new.

[lesterl]

You could also buy a new Dash Switch module from the parts store, the ones with the auto 4x4 (4button) are like $40, the 3 button ones are like $70.