4Lo beeping

[rromanov]

I'm pretty sure this isn't normal -- when I shift my 4runner into 4Lo mode, unless I'm in neutral it begins to beep consistently and I am not quite sure that the 4Lo is engaging. If I am in N (neutral) nothing really happens until I shift to any other gear (including park) and then the beeps go on. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

Just to qualify -- I did read the other posts, and the beeps don't stop even after several minutes. If I am in Neutral, then I don't believe that the 4Lo ever gets engaged (ok, I did this for a couple minutes only, but I think that should be enough..)

 

[sharp4runr]

The beeping is to notify you that you are not in 4LO. To properly shift into 4LO, you have to be in neutral and then turn the knob to 4LO. The 4LO light should blink and then turn solid. When it is on solid, then you are in 4LO.

Check out your manual or the driver's sun visor for tips into shifting into the different modes.

 

[Kmvreter]

I'm pretty sure this isn't normal -- when I shift my 4runner into 4Lo mode, unless I'm in neutral it begins to beep consistently and I am not quite sure that the 4Lo is engaging. If I am in N (neutral) nothing really happens until I shift to any other gear (including park) and then the beeps go on. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

Just to qualify -- I did read the other posts, and the beeps don't stop even after several minutes. If I am in Neutral, then I don't believe that the 4Lo ever gets engaged (ok, I did this for a couple minutes only, but I think that should be enough..)

You should not only be in Neutral but also stopped (just in case you weren't.)
Sequence is:
Stop; shift to Neutral; turn knob to 4Lo; wait for blinking to go solid; shift to a gear; Go.
Anything else should be a trip to the shop for warranty or repair.

 

[bigwebb83]

is this a common problem with the 4runner? I just bought my 08 limited v8 and It WILL NOT go into 4lo no matter what procedure I follow (tried normal procedure first, then tried normal procedure on hill and letting it roll backwards in neutral a little). Mine is under warranty, but I've seen so many people having this issue that I'm afraid it will just continually screw up until I'm out of warranty.

 

[chaz]

if u get it working, u should do it every month, i think 10 miles is whats recommended, otherwise the acuator may fail & replacing it is big bux. also lock the center diff every now & then.

 

[00328]

As chaz mentioned, there have been postings from other members here of having to get their actuator replaced because it gets gummed up through non use.
I think about 2k to replace. Need to engage 4lo and CDL from time to time to keep them operational.
I would say just keep trying and maybe you'll get lucky.

 

[wayne551]

I'm pretty sure this isn't normal -- when I shift my 4runner into 4Lo mode, unless I'm in neutral it begins to beep consistently and I am not quite sure that the 4Lo is engaging. If I am in N (neutral) nothing really happens until I shift to any other gear (including park) and then the beeps go on. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

Had the same problem the last time I tried. If it happens again, I will have it serviced. You should do the same. Is your truck Shadow Mica? I love that color.

 

[bigwebb83]

I scheduled an appointment for next saturday. Guy told me it would be a two or three day job if they have to replace the actuator. I hope they plan on giving me a loaner!

One of the service guys had the nerve to say to me "it's not like you really need 4lo anyway, you would have to be in one hell of a situation to even need it". WRONG THING TO SAY. I just paid top dollar for a "certified" pre owned 08 4runner with an extended warranty and thats the last thing I wanted to hear. Will be letting the manager know about that when I head in.

 

[jonz]

I'm pretty sure this isn't normal -- when I shift my 4runner into 4Lo mode, unless I'm in neutral it begins to beep consistently and I am not quite sure that the 4Lo is engaging. If I am in N (neutral) nothing really happens until I shift to any other gear (including park) and then the beeps go on. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

Well, now I have this problem. Dealership says everything tests good and that the actuator IS FUNCTIONING, which I find difficult to accept. Truck is on the rack while waiting for a from reply from Toyota tech support as I write this. I have ran in 4WD HI periodically per manual, but not in 4 low. I purchased the extended warranty (thankfully) but despite that I'm not crazy about having my transfer case ripped apart and put back together.

Now that I think about it, this dealership replaced the tranny about 15 months ago...don't think I ran in 4 low since then. I wonder if that has anything to do with it? Any new fixes that aren't in the other threads?

 

[berettashot117]

The beeping is to notify you that you are not in 4LO. To properly shift into 4LO, you have to be in neutral and then turn the knob to 4LO. The 4LO light should blink and then turn solid. When it is on solid, then you are in 4LO.

Check out your manual or the driver's sun visor for tips into shifting into the different modes.

x2, this is exactly what I was going to say. it's beeping because your in park when you need to be in neutral.

 

[zerowkul98]

Ive had my 2003 V8 for YEARS and ive never turned the 4LO on....im almost afraid to.:hiding:

 

[jonz]

x2, this is exactly what I was going to say. it's beeping because your in park when you need to be in neutral.

Guess I wasn't clear...I followed the proper steps for shifting into 4 low. I actually pulled the owners manual out and re-read it to make sure it wasn’t "pilot error" before I took the truck to the dealer.

Regardless, they appear to have located an open in the actuator circuitry they think maybe the culprit. It will be covered by the extended warranty but before the warranty company (Fidelity?) will sign off on covering the repair, they want their own people to inspect the car. Looks like it's going to cost someone (not me!) big bucks to repair this one. If it's in the $2500 plus range to repairs I have seen in other threads on this subject, the extended warranty has just paid for itself plus about another $1000 more.

 

[berettashot117]

Guess I wasn't clear...I followed the proper steps for shifting into 4 low. I actually pulled the owners manual out and re-read it to make sure it wasn’t "pilot error" before I took the truck to the dealer.

Regardless, they appear to have located an open in the actuator circuitry they think maybe the culprit. It will be covered by the extended warranty but before the warranty company (Fidelity?) will sign off on covering the repair, they want their own people to inspect the car. Looks like it's going to cost someone (not me!) big bucks to repair this one. If it's in the $2500 plus range to repairs I have seen in other threads on this subject, the extended warranty has just paid for itself plus about another $1000 more.

I was helpin out the OP, I didnt even notice where you said you had a problem.

 

[jonz]

I was helpin out the OP, I didnt even notice where you said you had a problem.

Berrettashot, no attempt to :flamethrwoer2:"flame" you intended. Sorry if I came off that way. Frankly, this is one of the most civil forums I've seen and all the memeber are always anxious to help others with their issues. I'll keep doing my best to keep it that way.

 

[stanleybb50]

I'm wondering what went wrong with the trans to need replacement so soon like you said, (years ago).


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[jonz]

I'm wondering what went wrong with the trans to need replacement so soon like you said, (years ago).


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My tranny was replaced due to a totally random and intermittent problem...when shifting from reverse to drive, it wouldn't engage for 3-5 seconds. Hot or cold engine made no difference. This would happen like once or twice a month. Took it to one dealer who found nothing wrong and sent me on my way. Dealer I bought from couoldn't find a problem or replicate it, but replaced it under factory warranty without any arm twisting whatsoever.

 

[stanleybb50]

My tranny was replaced due to a totally random and intermittent problem...when shifting from reverse to drive, it wouldn't engage for 3-5 seconds. Hot or cold engine made no difference. This would happen like once or twice a month. Took it to one dealer who found nothing wrong and sent me on my way. Dealer I bought from couoldn't find a problem or replicate it, but replaced it under factory warranty without any arm twisting whatsoever.

Nice! Thx for clarifying.

Good luck with the 4low. I would just keep trying. Try putting it in neutral, stopped, facing downhill, if/when it doesn't engage, let off the brake slightly and just creep forward a few inches at a time and see what happens.


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[d2huffman]

I don't think that my 07 that I purchased in Feb had seen 4Lo very often as when I first got tried to go into 4Lo it took awhile and had me worried. I use 4Lo quite often on back roads and going to our cabin if I am pulling the util trailer. The road is steep and kind of rough so slow is better. Now it is engaging very quick - could be the 20 miles of some of the rockyiest road I have driven on that I did on the 4th. It is really good that you don't get front wheel creep in 4Lo - unless you lock center diff. I have always used 4Lo when driving FS roads as you can control your speed much better without using the breaks all the time - good when road hunting.

 

[mspencerc]

I just bought a 2003 with 81,000 miles. It would not shift into 4Lo. I crawled underneath to see if I could find the actuator. I couldn't see anything because there was so much mud packed in the undercarriage. I hosed it off and tried shifting again. It worked and seems to work fine now.

 

[ur7x]

This thread kinda freaked me out.. I have a 2003 V8 Limited.. and it has never been in 4Lo... this morning I tentatively shifted into neutral, mashed hard on the brake reached forward, pushed the knob thing in, and turned it to the right...

No flashing... No drama... Just a satisfying instantaneous CHUNK and a solid 4LO light on the dash.

20 yards up the drive way... Ya that is 4Lo... I stop, select neutral, and stick it back to 4Hi... another reassuring instant CHUNK... and the lights it out.

I love this truck...