3rd gen 4x4 issue. HELP!!!

[themxracer168]

Hey guys I recently purchased my first 4runner. The four wheel drive will not engage on it though. I put the truck in neutral and select 4 high and the light on the dash wont even come on and 4 low is the same except it will gear the truck down but still no engage. Any ideas is there a relay or what could be the problem? Also for a side note will my diffs lock or are they limited slip?:cry2:

 

[pluton]

I just got a 3rd gen 4Runner recently, so I'm in no way an expert, however, I do know that:
1. The 4WD selection system changed partway through the 3rd gen, and, therefore:
2. It is in your interest to specify, as exactly as possible, what vehicle you have.
I suggest putting it in your signature, as you can see below.

 

[themxracer168]

Here is all I know about it: it is a 1996 model which is the first year of the 3rd gen (to my knowledge). The 4x4 selector is by the gear selector (It's an automatic). Other than that I'm not sure. It is stock with 267/75/16 tires. I'm guessing it could be a relay if there even is one since the light doesn't come on in the dash when I engage the 4x4. 3.4 v6 quad cam sr5.

 

[muttbutt]

im assuming once you put it in 4hi or 4low you tried shifting into drive or reverse to get it to engage?

 

[labradorrescuer]

im assuming once you put it in 4hi or 4low you tried shifting into drive or reverse to get it to engage?

I have a 97 4x4 Sr5 and I put it into neutral, shift into 4H/4L, no green light. Then put it in drive, drive about 5 feet and light comes on and you hear it engage.

 

[TheDurk]

My standard post:

VSV’s/ADD
Don't guess at it, troubleshoot! Start at the twin VSV's (Vacuum Switching Valves) on the driver fender wall. There are two long vacuum hoses that come up from the diff, one goes to each VSV. Check to see that one of the two hose nipples on the VSV’s has vacuum (engine running, 4WD NOT engaged. If no vacuum either side, check the check valve going to the intake manifold and look for loose hoses or a hole in the reservoir. If there is vacuum going to one hose, then put it in 4WD. See if the vacuum switches to the other hose. If it does, and no 4WD, problem is the diff actuator or the line to the diff. If it does not, then just switch the hoses and you should go into 4WD. This confirms diff is okay.

OK, switch them back. Then use a test light to see if electrical signal from the TC also switches sides of the VSV. If it does not, problem is the TC, the switch on the TC, or the TC actuator, or its wiring back to the button (last two for non-J shift only). If it does, but the vacuum does not, the problem is the VSV itself.

I start troubleshooting at the VSV's because you can figure out where the trouble is without having to climb under the truck. [Does not apply to '01-'02]

 

[themxracer168]

Yes I have tried forward and reverse and neither engage the 4x4. It doesn't make any sounds either like an older truck would like it is even trying to engage. I guess Ill start from the selector and work my way to the diff.

 

[Singtoe]

Check your fuses.

 

[labradorrescuer]

Any progress OP?