Hi all -

I am new to the forum so forgive me if this topic has been discussed.

I have a 2004 4 Runner and it has been flawless up til now.
Last week a transformer on an electric pole across the street from my house exploded. My 4-Runner is always parked outside and was directly across from the exploding transformer.

Now, this might all be coincidental but, since the explosion, I've had to have my alternator and battery replaced because they were gone....DEAD!
Now I noticed that when I switch my car into 4 WD, the lights on the dash blink constantly and then I start hearing a clicking noise coming from the right side of the car (glove box area). It seems the 4wd is trying to engage but it never does.

Are there solenoids that control the 4 wd in these cars? Could the EMF from the exploding transformer be the cause of my sudden issues or is it just a strange coincidence?

Also, I have lights on my dash illuminated that never have been before. I'm not sure what else I'm going to find as time goes on.

Thanks for any insight you can offer.

Kim C
High Desert, CA

WOW! It makes you wonder if there was an EM pulse from the exploding transformer. I guess our 4Runners won't fair well in a nuclear war.


What other lights are on?

The battery light remains illuminated even though I had a new alternator and batter installed. Actually 3 of them. My mechanic put in three new alt/batt just to make sure he wasn't getting bad parts from Napa.

The traction lights are on also. They stay illuminated all the time just like the battery light.

Hmmmm... No clue other than to say ask your insurance agent about some possible help. If you get the OK then let the dealer have at it. If a pulse did get it then that's an "act of God" or the result of the power company using crappy transformers. If the transformer was hit by lightning then we're back to the Act of God thing...

same thing happens to me, except mine didn't get zapped or struck by lightning. put it in 4WD a few months back, and it kicked on after 15-20 seconds. Snowed yesterday, and tried to engage the 4WD (4H) and the orange vehicle with X and green (engaged light) flashed for 10 mins. nothing happened. when i push the VSC Off button, and nothing happens either. won't shut off and i have the clicking noise around the glove compartment when i push the VSC Off button. does anyone know what is wrong and is there a major problem?

2004 4Runner Sport 65,000 miles