[Zaderhof]

Hey friends, I have a 2001 4Runner ltd. Yesterday I used the 4Wd to get out of a snow drift (I have actuated the 4wd every so often as per the recommendations, even if it's not 100% necessary).

The vehicle never went into 4wd. The lights are blinking and there is a constant grinding noise if the vehicle is in forward motion or rear ward motion of any kind.

I tried putting it in neutral and doing every combination of h2-h4 / L4 / N / etc. All options result in a very loud grinding sound if the car is in any type of movement.

The truck has 325k miles, trans was replaced at 300 something, has hardly any milage on it.

Xfer case was replaced at 200k-ish.

Car was out all night in sub zero temps but I don't see this as too much of an issue.

As of now I consider it unable to be driven.

I feel like this is a simple matter of moving the leavers in a specific order to fully get the vehicle back into 2wd(?) Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Tldr; 4runner won't go back into 2wd, very loud, violent grinding noise when vehicle is in any kind of motion

[96RedRunner]

Subzero temps do make a difference, lube so thick servo not enough force to overcome vacuum operated same happens.
Put a heat lamp on Xfer case so you can get gears n things moving then fiddle with modes.

Took my 01 Ltd out for a drive last night 11 pm 14*F been in garage all day at 20-25*F.
2-3 minute warmup reverse out garage 50' to street you could tell gear lube was thick Trans did fine.
Shift to D good in trans, moving forward caught my attention things were sluggish.
Once moving hit 4wd amber & green flashing for 1/2 mile all was well.

[Zaderhof]

Thanks a million, I've got a discussion going over on the T4R reddit at the moment. Just about everyone thinks it's the cold. Brought the truck inside, have a hair dryer on it for now. Really hope it's just the temp thats the issue. The grinding sound is absolutely awful and constant.

[alumarine]

What transmission do you have?
What type of 4WD do you have?
Were the wheels spinning when you tried to put it into 4WD?

I regularly shift in or out of 4WD at -15 when truck is cold.
Sometimes it's a bit firmer to go in. I use semi-synthetic.
I have an Auto with the J shifter.

[Malcolm99]

if you where stuck and attempted to shift into 4wd and one of the rear wheels where spinning/freewheeling because you didn't apply the brake, or your rear drums aren't adjusted properly allowing a rear wheel to freewheel you can damage the t-case, the PO of one of my 97's j-shift trashed the t-case doing this.

[Bad Luck]

Originally Posted by Zaderhof

Hey friends, I have a 2001 4Runner ltd. Yesterday I used the 4Wd to get out of a snow drift (I have actuated the 4wd every so often as per the recommendations, even if it's not 100% necessary).

The vehicle never went into 4wd. The lights are blinking and there is a constant grinding noise if the vehicle is in forward motion or rear ward motion of any kind.

I tried putting it in neutral and doing every combination of h2-h4 / L4 / N / etc. All options result in a very loud grinding sound if the car is in any type of movement.

The truck has 325k miles, trans was replaced at 300 something, has hardly any milage on it.

Xfer case was replaced at 200k-ish.

Car was out all night in sub zero temps but I don't see this as too much of an issue.

As of now I consider it unable to be driven.

I feel like this is a simple matter of moving the leavers in a specific order to fully get the vehicle back into 2wd(?) Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Tldr; 4runner won't go back into 2wd, very loud, violent grinding noise when vehicle is in any kind of motion

Sounds like the transfer case actuator is stuck or too weak to get it back into 2wd. Gear oil gets sludgy in below freezing temps so it may be too thick for the transfer case actuator to over come.

[Devbot]

Pour some gear oil into a cup and leave it out over night, and check on it in the morning - it'll be like cold honey
Sub zero can be pretty rough. If I'm not wrong the diesel Surfs sent to Canada came with block, oil pan AND trans heaters just to combat similar temps. Throw a small space heater near it for an hour or so and see if it helps
@3bears might have more to say about it, I'm willing to bet he sees some pretty low temps

Originally Posted by alumarine

What transmission do you have?
What type of 4WD do you have?
Were the wheels spinning when you tried to put it into 4WD?

I regularly shift in or out of 4WD at -15 when truck is cold.
Sometimes it's a bit firmer to go in. I use semi-synthetic.
I have an Auto with the J shifter.

He said he has a 2001 Limited. All Limited trim models came with automatics and multi-mode transfer cases. Manual trans was dropped in 2000 as well

[3bears]

yes I deal with cold temps, lowest ive seen so far is minus 54. I have heaters...block, oil pan, trans pan, battery and a trickle charger all wired in.
I usually plug in about 2 to 3 hours before needing,
then remote start for about 10 mins b4 driving.. But there will be days the tranny is not happy, the brakes and wheel bearings are cold and the car just drags....the tires will be out of round for a few miles.

however with your issue I cant really answer, as come November I shift into 4wd and it wont come out till March

I will still occasionally kick in the locker to exercise it, and on really cold days it might take several attempts


but yahooo....this spring I am getting a place with a heated garage. If paperwork goes well, move in in june. ( take possession earlier,,,gonna do some remodel and new floors first)