2014 SR5 Transfer Case Actuator Replacement Cost

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The 4WD on my SR5 4Runner will not go into 4H or 4LO. When I try to put it in 4WD, the green 4WD light flashes but it does not go into 4WD. I’ve tried all the suggested ways to get it to work. It is not a case of it never being used, I use it all the time.
Brought it to the dealer today. They say the Transfer Case Actuator needs to be replaced and said it will cost $4,774. Is that a typical dealer charge for this repair?

I did bring it in last week for the same problem. They said it needed a zero point calibration. Brought it home and the 4WD was still busted. I slammed them in the customer service review for not road testing it to see if it was fixed. Kinda wondering if this repair cost is payback.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

The Aisin actuator is $680 on RockAuto.com. I would be hard pressed to spend more than two hours removing and installing one.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

There is also an actuator that locks the front differential into 4wd. They sell an Aisin unit on RockAuto for $192.

You really need to diagnose before throwing parts at it. First verify that the actuator on the front differential is working. You would need two people: one observing/listening for the actuator working; the other operating the vehicle. Probably can do this with just the front on stands. Alternatively, remove the actuator and observe it while being operated out of the front differential. In looking at the part, it has a fork which is operating by a motor. Should be able to pull it and observe the motor shift the fork back and forth. If it doesn’t then test that it is getting power when when it’s being operated.

You’re trying to eliminate potential issues here before needlessly replacing a part. Unfortunately, your dealer is doing exactly that (throwing parts at it) and you are suffering the consequences.

 

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The front actuator tested good by my mechanic. He not only bench tested the actuator, he installed a new one, which did nothing to solve the problem so he put the original, working actuator back in.

How is the transfer case actuator tested to confirm that it is bad?

 

[CutthroatSlam]

The front actuator tested good by my mechanic. He not only bench tested the actuator, he installed a new one, which did nothing to solve the problem so he put the original, working actuator back in.

How is the transfer case actuator tested to confirm that it is bad?

The transfer case shift motor is typically not bench tested, as that can ruin it. They should be able to pull codes for it. The shop manual, or All Data should have a diagnostic procedure to follow for this.