2005 T4R 4WD low not engaging

[1Powderhound]

HI all,
I have a 2005 4R V8 sport with full time 4WD, original owner. The 4WD low will not engage. I have used the low many times so it is not a matter of user error. Basicaly it just wont engage and gives a grinding sound if I take it out of Neutral into drive if the control is switched to the low mode. Is there some kind of a switch or celenoid that caues the low to engage?
Thanks

 

[zonianbrat]

There is an actuator underneath the truck. I am not positive of how it looks or the location since you have full time 4x4. Some people have said to get it to engage you need to toggle the switch to 4 low then get underneath (make sure wheels are chocked securely cause you are in nuetral!!!) and tap gently on the actuator. That is what I would try first. Good luck and let us know what happens.

 

[alaskaman]

Sounds like you know what you are doing. Put it up and have a 4wd shop take a look would be my next step. Call your local toyota or better yet drive in and ask the service manager about the issue prior to any $ changing hands. might be something simple.....and; it might not.

 

[marked]

On my V6 I occasionally have trouble with 4Lo engaging. Try going into reverse, then back into neutral to engage 4Lo - this seems to work for me.

 

[1Powderhound]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try tapping and see what happens. I dropped it by my mechanic last week and he said it was the accuator on the transfer case. $1500 -$1800 if new. He is going to look for a used one for me. In the mean time I am going to try the tapping trick and see what happens. With the wheels well chocked of course

 

[TRDCal]

Over the last 7-8 years of ownership how often have you engaged 4lo?

 

[V8.]

I toggles it on/off for about half hour as well as some light tapping of the actuator. Finally engaged. Now I on it weekly and it works smooth as silk