I'm leaving very early tomorrow morning for the beach and finally have an issue with my trusty 4Runner that I need to ask for help on. It is stuck in 4WD and apparently the center diff is locked as well. I've attempted everything and am about to crawl under the truck to see if there's anything obvious.

This happened at the same time that I accidentally nudged the 4WD lever into neutral while the truck was slowly driving in "D". Instantly the four illuminated wheel icons, as well as the center diff light, started flashing. I've read numerous write-ups this evening involving the testing of switches and actuators - but frankly I will not have the time this evening.

Is there something easy that I may be overlooking? I have the battery disconnected at the moment. This was to be the first time that I took the truck onto the sand at Assateague Island, VA. I figure after covering 151,000 trouble-free miles since buying it new, it was time to reward it!

I look forward to any and all responses. Please keep in mind that my truck is a 2001 with multi-mode 4WD.


Andreas

Problem solved - I think! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I went out to the shop and raised the truck onto four stands (the battery had been disconnected for at least 30 min.). Then I gently tapped the vacuum actuators with a small hammer and thoroughly checked each electrical & vacuum connection. The first thing I noticed when the rear came off the ground was a distinctive 'thud' in the driveline. I then lifted and supported the front, re-connected the battery, and turned the key to the first position. The flashing 4WD indicator was gone. So I started the truck, clicked it into 'D' and gently gave it a bit of gas. It was definitely in 2WD. From there I switched back and forth between 2WD & 4WD at least 10 times, allowing the wheels to stop first and with the tranny in 'N'. It worked each time without fail. The center diff lock switch also works as before.

So my simplistic theory is that something was bound in the transfer case when I accidently nudged the lever into 'N' (while rolling in 'D').

What a relief! As long as the over-sand area is open tomorrow, the truck will finally get a chance to romp on the beach (no saltwater BS of course...).


Andreas

I've read over on yotatech of the same problem... the actuators not working correctly, and he fixed it a similar way. Mine is also kind of sketchy, sometimes it takes a little while to lock in awd (going into 4wd is no problem)

Greg,
The 4Runner did great on the sand - no issues with the 4WD whatsoever. I found the ideal tire pressure to be around 15 psi and have ordered a set of Stauns for this coming weekend...

Here are a few pics:








Andreas

I've noticed with my '99 that with the actuator being vacuum controlled, that it seems like you need to have enough vacuum pressure to make it work. Still looking for any spec to see if this is true.