2000 Limited Flashing 4wd Light - Help Needed

[twofiftyseven]

Looking for some advice:

2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD

Automatic with Multi-Mode 4wd(J Shift with AWD button on the side).

I am experiencing the infamous flashing 4wd indicator on the dash and after many attempts I cannot fix it. I’ve read every thread regarding this and still haven’t found a fix.

It randomly started one day and has been going on for a few months. It usually flashes for equal times although sometimes it will flash sporadically. I cannot get the lights to go away(sometimes they go away on their own but return). I cannot go into AWD, HI or Low. The rear diff locker works. What I've done/tested:

1) Tested/replaced of the 6 4wd indicator switches (5 on T case, 1 on front diff). I replaced 3/6; they weren't broken but weren't showing perfect continuity either. I have check all the wires and connectors going to them as well.

2) I have tested the front diff actuator. I can get it to lock/unlock by switching the vacuum hoses. So that seems to be in working order.

3) I have tested the transfer case actuator. I can jump it using a battery and get it to lock and unlock. So that seems to be in working order as well.

4) I have replaced the 4wd ECU. That didnt seem to change anything. The only reason I thought this could be it was I had a set of cheap HID's that seemed to go out around the same time and figured maybe I fried the unit.

5) Checked the 4wd fuse and have tried to reset the capacitors and similar components by disconnecting the battery.

6) I've replaced the fluids.



I'm not sure what else to try. If anyone has any advice it would be much appreciated! I'm split between tahoe and the bay area if anyone is local and able to help.

Thanks in advance!

 

[twofiftyseven]

2000 Limited Flashing 4wd Light - Help Needed Please!

Anybody have any insight into this?

 

[Filthy4Runner63]

Sorry I have no insight but wanted to comment to bump it up and so I can educate myself if anyone chimes in. Best of luck

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Bad Luck]

Anybody have any insight into this?

Did you test the VSV electrically or just swap vacuum lines? Here's a 2000 FSM if you don't have one: 2000 4Runner FSM - Printable - Google Drive Click on folder 29 and the SA-49. The test procedures are on page SA-50.

 

[wake_rider]

Looking for some advice:

2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD

Automatic with Multi-Mode 4wd(J Shift with AWD button on the side).

I am experiencing the infamous flashing 4wd indicator on the dash and after many attempts I cannot fix it. I’ve read every thread regarding this and still haven’t found a fix.

It randomly started one day and has been going on for a few months. It usually flashes for equal times although sometimes it will flash sporadically. I cannot get the lights to go away(sometimes they go away on their own but return). I cannot go into AWD, HI or Low. The rear diff locker works. What I've done/tested:

1) Tested/replaced of the 6 4wd indicator switches (5 on T case, 1 on front diff). I replaced 3/6; they weren't broken but weren't showing perfect continuity either. I have check all the wires and connectors going to them as well.

2) I have tested the front diff actuator. I can get it to lock/unlock by switching the vacuum hoses. So that seems to be in working order.

3) I have tested the transfer case actuator. I can jump it using a battery and get it to lock and unlock. So that seems to be in working order as well.

4) I have replaced the 4wd ECU. That didnt seem to change anything. The only reason I thought this could be it was I had a set of cheap HID's that seemed to go out around the same time and figured maybe I fried the unit.

5) Checked the 4wd fuse and have tried to reset the capacitors and similar components by disconnecting the battery.

6) I've replaced the fluids.



I'm not sure what else to try. If anyone has any advice it would be much appreciated! I'm split between tahoe and the bay area if anyone is local and able to help.

Thanks in advance!

I've had this same problem for years and have not been able to figure it out, nor has my mechanic. I'm to the point of trying to swap out the transfer case for something that's manually engaged rather than electronically, but I'm just not too aware of that process and the problems it creates.

I'm following this thread. I hope people have some insights.

 

[twofiftyseven]

Did you test the VSV electrically or just swap vacuum lines? Here's a 2000 FSM if you don't have one: 2000 4Runner FSM - Printable - Google Drive Click on folder 29 and the SA-49. The test procedures are on page SA-50.

Performed both tests. They both have resistance ohms within spec and pull the correct vacuum when applied power to. The 4wd computer seems very confused; if I manually lock the front diff, transfer case etc and move the 4wd shifter into various positions, sometimes I’ll get solid green , sometimes solid green and orange other times just flashing or no lights at all.

One thing I’m confused about is how to manually lock the center diff/ how to have it supply power to the front axle but not be locked. What I’ve been doing is applying power to various pins on the electric transfer case actuator connector. It locks and unlocks. But I’m unsure if it’s splitting 50/50 power front and rear or applying power but using the differential to give power when needed.

 

[Bad Luck]

Performed both tests. They both have resistance ohms within spec and pull the correct vacuum when applied power to. The 4wd computer seems very confused; if I manually lock the front diff, transfer case etc and move the 4wd shifter into various positions, sometimes I’ll get solid green , sometimes solid green and orange other times just flashing or no lights at all.

One thing I’m confused about is how to manually lock the center diff/ how to have it supply power to the front axle but not be locked. What I’ve been doing is applying power to various pins on the electric transfer case actuator connector. It locks and unlocks. But I’m unsure if it’s splitting 50/50 power front and rear or applying power but using the differential to give power when needed.

It's been a couple years since I had to test mine, but I looked at my EWD to refresh my memory. The transfer case actuator motor only uses pin 2 and 3 (green and yellow-black) to power the motor. Pins 4, 5, and 6 provide feedback to the 4wd ecu for the 4wd ecu to know when the transfer case actuator motor has reached the correct location for the corresponding 4wd engagement. Here's a link to a 2000 EWD in case you don't have access to one. If it were me, I would try checking the resistance of pin 4-6 at the transfer case actuator motor to the corresponding pins at the 4wd ecu. You might want to clean and check resistance to ground on pin 1 as well.