Question, took my 4runner to the dealership who have been very good to me. My 4wheel drive would not engage it just kept blinking. They said I needed a front actuator which was a thousand, now they said I need the back which will cost me 3000 more including parts and labor. I am a single father raising two girls both 4 and 7, is there an recalls on this and my 4runner only has 114000 miles on which isn't a lot for a 4runner. Any suggestions?
20074runner
- Thread starter coachb
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preacher35
New member
[MENTION=117489]coachb[/MENTION], first of all, welcome to our forum. And let me say that as a father of 2 little girls (10 and 6) you totally have your hands full, and doing it by yourself, you are also one of the bravest men on Earth (luckily, my wife is still in the picture helping me). Anyway, I want to recommend to you that you move this post to the 4th gen sub-forum here: 4th Gen T4Rs - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
as WAY MORE 4th gen owners, like yourself, will see read your post and be able to address the problem that you are having with your 4Runner. Good luck!
Last winter I was out of state, PNW, and when I returned it would not engage on my 2007 SE V6. Weeks later when it warmed up a bit and my truck was outside for the day, it went right into 4WD. Not sure how cold it is there, but there are things you can do if you go under and check. Do post in the 4th gen. good luck
WI_4Runner
New member
Ahhhh -- the dreaded and well chronicled 4wd Actuator problem....
How often have you been "excercising" ie engaging it from 2wd>4wd?
Driving the V8 myself, I don't enjoy looking at my MPG readings, but I do like not having to worry about this issue given our rigs are full time 4wd....
How often have you been "excercising" ie engaging it from 2wd>4wd?
Driving the V8 myself, I don't enjoy looking at my MPG readings, but I do like not having to worry about this issue given our rigs are full time 4wd....
Replace them yourself! I will NEVER pay a stealership to do ANY work on my truck!! I broke my ring and pinion the other day, I can order a new set for $225. Dealership told me $1100 for the same part!! F&#$ that!! If you really can't do it yourself, find a good mechanic and never go to that stupid dealership again.
DBrockwell20
New member
Mine did the same exact thing. I got under there with a big rubber mallet and beat on the actuator, I guess it was just gunked up. Works every time now. Just make sure you exercise it periodically
salong53
New member
Can you take a pic to point out the exact area on the transfer case that you were hitting with the mallet? I'm not exactly sure where the 4Lo actuator is inside the transfer case once I crawl under the car.
Robs08Runner
New member
Also try going in and out of neutral with 4high engaged at low speed. People have also had success by turning right to left sightly at low speed. If you get it unstuck, just drive it all day a day or two a month in 4high. Wont hurt it a bit and will keep it lubed up.
Good luck
Good luck
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The front differential actuator must engage first, then the transfer case actuator engages. Unfortunately, these actuator motors, seize up from lack of use. That is why it is recommended to engage your 4WD system periodically.
If you go through Toyota, the front differential actuator costs around $400 and the labor is about $300. They're raping you if they quoted you $1000.
There is a youtube video of a guy replacing his on an FJ Cruiser. I think on the 4th Gen 4runner you don't need to drop the front differential in order to remove the actuator but it's a tight fit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OeVZsresGo
I had mine replaced by Toyota under warranty and requested to get the original one back. Here is a thread pertaining to the front differential actuator I tore down and inspected.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/162097-front-differential-actuator-disassembly-pics.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/157329-2007-4runner-4hi-4lo-solved.html
If you go through Toyota, the front differential actuator costs around $400 and the labor is about $300. They're raping you if they quoted you $1000.
There is a youtube video of a guy replacing his on an FJ Cruiser. I think on the 4th Gen 4runner you don't need to drop the front differential in order to remove the actuator but it's a tight fit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OeVZsresGo
I had mine replaced by Toyota under warranty and requested to get the original one back. Here is a thread pertaining to the front differential actuator I tore down and inspected.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/162097-front-differential-actuator-disassembly-pics.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/157329-2007-4runner-4hi-4lo-solved.html