Make your own NP242 4WD mode indicator harness for '00-'01 XJ

[maxbraketorque]

This is a how-to for making an adapter to plug an NP242 4WD position indicator switch into the factory harness of a 2000-2001 Cherokee XJ.

The easiest but not quite 100% plug-n-play solution is to join two Standard Brand pigtails together.

The plug for the NP242 4WD position indicator is the Standard Brand S-638, while the plug to attach to the vehicle harness is the Standard Brand S-738. The not quite perfect aspect of this is that the S-738 plug is not keyed correctly for the connector on the vehicle harness. One of the key guides on the vehicle harness plug needs to be removed to allow using the S-738. Here is a photo of the modified connector on the vehicle harness.

https://se30.dyndns.org:8080/XJ/NP242_4WD_wiring_1.jpg

The exact fit connector is the APTIV APEX 54200310, but I have not been able to find that plug with pigtails preattached. If you want this plug, it can be found on many electronics sites. I usually go with Mouser.

The connections between the harness adapter plug and the NP242 4WD position indicator switch are shown in the two photos below.

https://se30.dyndns.org:8080/XJ/NP242_4WD_wiring_2.jpg

https://se30.dyndns.org:8080/XJ/NP242_4WD_wiring_3.jpg

 

[Emumilk]

The links for the images aren’t working, do you have another way to show the pictures?

 

[maxbraketorque]

Updated image links:

 

[maxbraketorque]

Third time is a charm.

 

[Emumilk]

Thank you so much!!

 

[Emumilk]

Just to make sure, the connectors that you used are the ones mentioned in your original post, and the wire labeled 2wd doesn’t get connected to anything?

 

[maxbraketorque]

Just to make sure, the connectors that you used are the ones mentioned in your original post, and the wire labeled 2wd doesn’t get connected to anything?

Correct.

 

[FusilliJerry82]

Any chance for a fourth times the charm? I really want to do this but the pics are dead again.

 

[maxbraketorque]

I lost the server as a result of an OS update. Let me try to get it running again.

 

[maxbraketorque]

And here are the images...

https://se30.dyndns.org:9180/XJ/NP242_4WD_wiring_1.jpg

https://se30.dyndns.org:9180/XJ/NP242_4WD_wiring_2.jpg

https://se30.dyndns.org:9180/XJ/NP242_4WD_wiring_3.jpg

 

[kastein]

Nice. Good to see another PNWer who knows that Mouser and Aptiv exist. Those Apex series connectors are heavily used on XJs and actually one of my favorite connector series.

 

[maxbraketorque]

It took a fair bit of effort to figure out this one.

 

[tfluthy]

Aptiv APEX 2.8 3 Way Female 1' Pigtail

Aptiv (formerly Delphi) APEX 2.8 pigtails in stock! Order by 2pm PT for same business day shipping. Free US shipping on orders $125+!

www.customconnectorkits.com

Look what I found