Jackaroo 4WD question

I've recently purchased a Holden Jackaroo, 2003 SE, manual, V6 petrol and I'm confused by the four wheel drive system.


The driver's handbook is as clear as mud on this issue but, basically, the system comprises; the usual five speed manual gearbox, a transfer case with a lever marked High and Low only (important: just two positions) and a switch on the dash marked "4WD".


My vehicle is the "Shift on the fly" transmission and NOT the "Torque on demand" one.


The four wheel drive system seems to work; ie. I press the "4WD" switch and I can hear a relay click and the transfer case is able to be moved to the Low position. The vehicle is certainly in low range and operating as expected.


My confusion is that the 4WD illuminated mimic on the instrument cluster, when the 4WD switch is pressed, is always flashing at the 2Hz rate, it is never constantly on. I can make it flash at the 4Hz rate by releasing the "4WD" switch when driving in low range so that aspect seems to be working correctly.


My understanding from the (mud like) manual is that the mimic should be permanently illuminated when "Shift on the fly" is not active although the manual is not clear on how to get into a 4WD mode which doesn't involve "Shift on the fly"!?


Two questions: is anyone able to explain this system more clearly than the manual please?


Is there an easy test to determine if the front wheels are actually being driven? I can readily tell the vehicle is in low range but is it driving all four wheels?


Thanks in advance.