Junior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2024
Location: Québec, CA
Posts: 1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2024
Location: Québec, CA
Posts: 1
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4WD Problem, Blinking lights (aka Limbo mode)
All inputs are appreciated, thanks!
Vehicle: Toyota Hilux Surf 1997 SSR-X
Transfer case model: VF2A (J-shifter with 4WD button on the side, aka Multi-mode)
J-shifter: 2H-4H > 4H(L) > N > 4L(L)
Center differential: Engaged manually by pulling back on the shifter. I DO NOT have a button for it.
Problem: The center differential is stuck in the locked position. I can shift from 2H to 4H, but when I'm in 4H, there is driveline binding when turning indicating that the center differential is locked, and the 4WD indicator lights are blinking. When in 2WD, the lights are off. When I put the lever in 4H(L)/N/4L(L), the lights turn solid and light up according to the position, as they should.
Question: I can't find any clear diagrams or videos of how the Center diff mechanically locks and unlocks. My assumption is that there is a fork on a rod connected to a sleeve. If that's the case, could the fork be disconnected from the rod in the locked position, making it impossible to operate with the shifter?
What I checked so far. The list is extensive since I troubleshot two problems at once, so feel free to use Ctrl+F to find something:
- Checked 4WD fuse = good
- Tested all switches for continuity on the bench while pressed in as well as on the truck = good
- Tested VSV actuation and checked ohms = good
- Tested lines to see if they hold vacuum = good
- Tested continuity on 4WD button = good
- Applied vacuum on lines and hand-turned the front side of front diff (since drive shaft was off) = locking/unlocking fine
- Tried the same thing but with the 4WD button pressed/depressed while truck running = locking/unlocking fine
- Tried jumping the actuator in and out of 4WD and turned the t-case side front drive shaft by hand = locking/unlocking fine
At this point, I assume the problem is coming from the rear and that the ADD relay is functional since front is locking as it should. I put the front drive shaft back on.
- Opened the t-case actuator = no corrosion
- Took actuator apart, cleaned old grease, then put back together with new grease, unsure of the timing of the big gear since it fell when opened.
- Tested to hear if actuator motor is turning when button is pressed/depressed = no sound if in limbo mode but works when the truck knows where it is situated (like when in 2WD until it hits 4WD)
- Tested wires continuity between plug at the actuator and plug at the 4WD ECU = good
- Manually put it in 2WD with jumping wires, did a short drive = lights stopped blinking
- Swapped out 4WD ECU and tried engaging 4WD = lights started blinking again
- Changed the 2 switchs on t-case actuator = problem still occurs
- Reopened t-case actuator, clocked it using picture found online = i can now shift in 4WD but same problem as before with the binding when turning and blinking lights.
Edited the post since the original one was not clear.
Last edited by KudoCl; 10-25-2024 at 04:41 PM.
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