4Hi Only Engages with Diff Lock on?

G

GoldenUT

New member
Hey guys being a newb here to 4x4 systems I had a question I couldn't troubleshoot. 03 Limited V6 97,xxx mi, When I switch from 2hi to 4hi both the green 4wd and orange diff lock lights just blink and don't stop. Ive attempted every method of trying to get them to engage being in N, Drive, Reverse, dive slow and straight etc. As soon as I press the diff lock button both lights are solid and the VSC Off is illuminated. What could be the issue with it only switching when I press the diff lock? Also when I try to turn off the diff lock it doesn't work and just blinks when I want to stay in 4Hi. Any suggestions? Again I'm pretty new to 4x4 systems but am mechanically inclined.

I've been reading tons off this site to take up as much as possible, so much knowledge here!
 
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Sounds like the center diff never unlocks after switching to 4wd. After you push the diff lock button, the system gives the locked condition its blessing and the lights go solid.

Frozen actuators from non-use are pretty common and you'll find many threads about them. For the time being, just keep trying.
 
Thanks for the feedback, I will keep trying to exercise them and see if they come loose if not i'll look into replacing them.
 
This is the first posting I've seen regarding an issue such as yours.

My first question would be, are you sure you are actually in 4HI? Can you hear the front diff actuator engage as well as the transfer case engage switching from 2HI to 4HI?
 
So I went to a friend of mine and we got underneath and noticed the transfer case actuator was loose and all the bolts holding it were as well. We tightened them down but still no go. I can hear the transfer case actuator attempt to engage and can also hear the front actuator as well, but it is definitely not engaging into 4Hi or low. The only way we can get the lights to stay steady and stop blinking is to press the diff lock and switch to 4Hi, but I don't think its engaging even at this point.

One curious thing was while the lights are flashing when switching back from 4Hi into 2Hi the diff appears to be locked. Found this out from making a U turn when it was in the process. Is this normal or offer any additional insights? Also when moving if I switch to 4Hi there is a brief grind noise (sounds just like if you miss a gear when shifting on a clutch car) and that didn't sound like a good thing.
 
GoldenUT said:
So I went to a friend of mine and we got underneath and noticed the transfer case actuator was loose and all the bolts holding it were as well. We tightened them down but still no go. I can hear the transfer case actuator attempt to engage and can also hear the front actuator as well, but it is definitely not engaging into 4Hi or low. The only way we can get the lights to stay steady and stop blinking is to press the diff lock and switch to 4Hi, but I don't think its engaging even at this point.

One curious thing was while the lights are flashing when switching back from 4Hi into 2Hi the diff appears to be locked. Found this out from making a U turn when it was in the process. Is this normal or offer any additional insights? Also when moving if I switch to 4Hi there is a brief grind noise (sounds just like if you miss a gear when shifting on a clutch car) and that didn't sound like a good thing.
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Who did you buy the vehicle from? Sounds like someone tried to remove the actuator and didn't know it was pinned internally to the transfer case and they probably broke/damaged the actuator and/or possibly the transfer case.

Otherwise that's the first I have ever heard of all the bolts coming loose by themselves.
 
I bought it used a couple weeks ago from a dealer in town. Unfortunately I didn't have in mind to check the 4wd due to being more focused on engine noise, leaks, any broken things, etc.. Is there a way we can tell if its the actuator or transfer case causing the problem? Sounds like my oversight is going to cost me quite a bit.
 
GoldenUT said:
I bought it used a couple weeks ago from a dealer in town. Unfortunately I didn't have in mind to check the 4wd due to being more focused on engine noise, leaks, any broken things, etc.. Is there a way we can tell if its the actuator or transfer case causing the problem? Sounds like my oversight is going to cost me quite a bit.
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Do you have an option to return it? 30 day warranty or some such? T-case repairs on 4th gen T4R's are $2500 - $3000 and up.
 
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