2008 4Runner 4x4 help

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classic157

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I have a 2008 4Runner that I purchased new. I needed 4x4 this weekend and when I turned the knob, it only flashed the green and orange indicator lights on the dash - never engaged into 4 wheel drive. No noises, no jerking, no nothing. I currently have it at our mechanic right now and he is concerned it could be something major/expensive. I thought I would check here to see if anyone had a great suggestion. Thanks in advance!
 
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Sometimes it helps to shift into Neutral to get the transfer case to engage. Also, after I changed the transfer case fluid, shifts were much swifter and smoother.
 
Could be a frozen actuator. Most people never even use 4wd on their SUVs. It is recommended to drive in 4wd 10 miles a month or so. Just to keep things from freezing.
 
Anybody correct me if I'm wrong, but I recall reading on these forums that if 4x4 won't engage, you can take a hammer and tap on the transfer case underneath the car to see if that helps?

Perhaps you can try that before taking it to your mechanic for him to possibly try the same thing and charge you several hundreds of dollars for something you couldve done in 10 minutes
 
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Is your truck a V6 or V8? The V6 is optional 4WD, the V8 is Full-time 4WD.

If you've got the V8, I believe you need to shift into neutral before turning the knob from 4Hi to 4Lo.

I'm not exactly sure of the process for the V6...

Can you confirm this [MENTION=84223]JustSomeName[/MENTION] ?
 
I'm not sure either, just recall reading on these issues in the past as they do come out relatively often in new posts/threads.

I personally, never had to worry about this issue and I hope I never will (knocks on wood).

And just to confirm, I have a v6
 
Well, the mechanic said he "jumped" the wires on motor (that switches from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive) which is on the transfer case and it worked! So far so good. $135 vs $1500.00 or more! My terminology is probably completely wrong as to what he did, but all I heard is - it is fixed! He did say if it happened again, more drastic measures would probably be necessary. Thanks, Tricia
 
classic157 said:
Well, the mechanic said he "jumped" the wires on motor (that switches from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive) which is on the transfer case and it worked! So far so good. $135 vs $1500.00 or more! My terminology is probably completely wrong as to what he did, but all I heard is - it is fixed! He did say if it happened again, more drastic measures would probably be necessary. Thanks, Tricia
Click to expand...

For future reference,I would come here first before going to a mechanic. You probably could have saved yourself $135.
 
I'm having the same problem on my '04 V6. The 4wd lights just flash continuously, but never any mechanical noise... nothing. The only way I can get the lights to go off is by switching to 2wd and restarting the car.

I haven't used the 4wd in six months. It took a good ten minutes, but it finally transferred. Should I hammer on the transfer case or the 4wd activator (ADD unit)? Should I try jumping the activator? Any suggestions?
 
Changing the fluids in there tends to make things engage a lot easier on the components. Mine used to do the same also, and I don't have this problem anymore, changing more frequently and to synthetic. Engages in a second.

Engaging on a regular basis also keeps things in motion in there.
 
having fun said:
Changing the fluids in there tends to make things engage a lot easier on the components. Mine used to do the same also, and I don't have this problem anymore, changing more frequently and to synthetic. Engages in a second.

Engaging on a regular basis also keeps things in motion in there.
Click to expand...

What brand fluid do you use in your transfer case?
 
NOVA46 said:
What brand fluid do you use in your transfer case?
Click to expand...

Front, rear, transfer, I'm using Lucas synthetic. I have read that some say it's garbage, but I drive a big rig and this is what drivers use in it. Hey, if you can put 1-3 million miles and move 80k pounds with no break downs, can't hurt our rides as far as I'm concerned. Same with the grease, red and tacky heavy duty grease.

Really, just changing your fluids with recommended fluids, on a recommended basis, makes a difference. Along with keeping component working ( engaging as recommended ),
 
I'd love it if my 4runner came with a manual, but it was missing when I bought it used. I'm not asking for someone to fix my car for free, just for a little advice.

I'll check out the service manuals that are posted in the sticky. Before I change my fluids, is there a good way to tell if my 4wd actuator is just totally dead. I've read of problems with this unit on other forums.
 
4wd Issue

Hi Forum.. I just purchases a 2007 limited 4runner with 101xxx miles on it. Unfortantely for me, I did not check or ask the dealer how to engage the 4wd system. After reading the manual and trying all the diff options. I cant get it to engage. After switching from 2h to 4hi There are just blinking lights.. one is green the other is orange. I tried going slow, accelerating, etc. Help. Thanks
 
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