Jimmy Bob

'97 4runner 4x4 dash indicator light (little green lite) has become inop when engaging 4 wheel drive. Probably a burned out bulb. Any one had to pull the instrument cluster out to replace bulbs ? I wouldnt know where to start.

habanero

It's been a little while, but from memory...

4 10mm bolts on the panel below the steering column- don't need to remove entirely, just enough to expose the screw heads and remove the ignition surround...you may have to unplug the switches in it to drop it enough, if you have switches there
pop out the ignition surround, be gentle, little plastic bits hold it in.
I believe 4 screws hold the cluster surround, 2 at the top above the cluster, one on either side of the steering column. You should be able to remove it enough (may have to lower your steering column) to unplug the one or two switches in the cluster surround.
4 screws hold the cluster itself

RAD4Runner

How about first getting a $6 multi-meter and checking if the 4WD indicator switch is working properly? You should be able to probe it at the connector where it mounts to the transfer case.
If above proves OK, then take things apart as Hab describes^^^.
But what the heck; it's more fun to take things apart anyway

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

My question would be is the 4 wheel drive engaging?? .

It also would depend just what 4x4 system the OP has to get more specific trouble shooting .

I have doubts it is something as simple as the bulb .

Having the EWD at hand I would not say this is a quick circuit to trouble shoot for a rookie .

Jimmy Bob

Thanks for the input folks. I'm probably the oldest rookie you'll ever meet. I'm 68 & just got my 1st smartphone, I'm about ready to run over it with or without 4 wheel drive. I haven't pulled any wrenches since 1977 when they disappeared, but I can still recognize a few things under the hood (like the battery}.
I can't even figure out how they light the fire in these things w/out a distributor/points/rotor.
The 4 wheel drive is engaging. I pulled up to a dirt berm & the wheels started digging in. Thanks for the location tip on the indicator switch. I'll check that 1st & if it's OK, I'll use the helpful pictures to get to the bulb.
It's a good thing I retired last month & don't have anywhere to go as this is my daily driver.
Thanks again all for the helpful advice.