2004 T4R - 4LO and DIF Lock Light Randomly Flashing On

[notfromtheuk]

Out of no where over the past few days my differential lock light has been flashing on even though I haven't pressed the button. Usually a restart or engaging then disengaging the dif will shut it off. And more recently the 4LO light has started to flash at the same time, even though I haven't switched anything. When the lights flash at the same time, I can't switch into 4LO. But if I restart the vehicle I can switch into 4LO no problem and the lights shut off for a while. It hasn't been happening for long, but they usually come on under hard acceleration.

Anybody else experience this?

 

[kacper]

Some weird things happens when the battery is bad. switch the battery for a week just to ensure. You no need to buy a new one just borrow from your friend ,wife etc

 

[Izlu]

Probably water got inside transfer case actuator. You can check it for rust yourself but be careful when you take its lid off.

 

[notfromtheuk]

That makes sense. I did cross a bit of a stream yesterday before that happened. I figured it might be a sensor or something, but cause its switches fine after a restart. So what would you recommend doing?

 

[Izlu]

That makes sense. I did cross a bit of a stream yesterday before that happened. I figured it might be a sensor or something, but cause its switches fine after a restart. So what would you recommend doing?

When water gets inside actuator its contacts corrode and two electrical motors which operate diff. lock and 4lo shafts eventually seize up. Diff.lock motor and plastic gears are easily accessible so you can clean and grease them yourself, however it's not the case with 4lo part. If you decide to clean it yourself put your truck in 2Hi first and be careful when opening the actuator as the gears and everything else might just fall on you. Don't forget to put marks on the gears and snap a few pics before taking them out.

Here's a good read for you: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/151582-4lo-actuator-rebuild.html

I used this grease: Amazon.com: Permatex 80345 White Lithium Grease, 1.5 oz.: Automotive