4lo Blinking

[BltByKrmn]

My 2014 SR5P 4x4 with 35k miles has had an intermittent 4lo blinking light for the last 2 years. It doesn't happen often, but this is now twice in the last month. The gear shift lever has also become very stiff. No CEL, no traction lights.

Anyone else have a similar problem?

 

[4Rager]

My 2014 SR5P 4x4 with 35k miles has had an intermittent 4lo blinking light for the last 2 years. It doesn't happen often, but this is now twice in the last month. The gear shift lever has also become very stiff. No CEL, no traction lights.

Anyone else have a similar problem?

Like just randomly blinking when your just driving along in 2H, or blinking when you try to use it?

 

[BltByKrmn]

Like just randomly blinking when your just driving along in 2H, or blinking when you try to use it?

Randomly in 2hi

 

[MrJux]

What does it do if you put it into 4lo?

 

[DKFTPNYC]

Does it happen when only when driving/moving or also at complete stops?

 

[catrains]

it most likely will not throw codes because it is a drive train signal error..
if so probably when its flashing no 4wd.. just create the flashing dash light.

the 4WD actuator probably has a electrical failure/water damage in it ...

PCM not receiving the signal it expects..

you use car washing services ....?

 

[BltByKrmn]

Does it happen when only when driving/moving or also at complete stops?

Both.

 

[BltByKrmn]

What does it do if you put it into 4lo?

Engages as normal after 20' or so. Granted we don't use 4hi or 4lo that often since my previous LX450 and now GX470 are the offroaders.

 

[BltByKrmn]

it most likely will not throw codes because it is a drive train signal error..
if so probably when its flashing no 4wd.. just create the flashing dash light.

the 4WD actuator probably has a electrical failure/water damage in it ...

PCM not receiving the signal it expects..

you use car washing services ....?

Very rarely use a car wash, last time was probably 6 months ago.

 

[MrJux]

Engages as normal after 20' or so. Granted we don't use 4hi or 4lo that often since my previous LX450 and now GX470 are the offroaders.

Since it's happened most of the time you've had the vehicle, and if you're under 3 years since date of first use, I would take it in for a dealer diagnosis before you hit 36K and transition from the basic to just drivetrain warranty.

 

[BltByKrmn]

Since it's happened most of the time you've had the vehicle, and if you're under 3 years since date of first use, I would take it in for a dealer diagnosis before you hit 36K and transition from the basic to just drivetrain warranty.

Unfortunately I'm out of the 3 year original warranty, bought it in January 2014.

 

[wfo9]

Scan with TIS for the answer. Don't understand why more people don't recommend this. Playing guessing games without it and it is almost free.

It won't always give you the answer, but always the logical first step.

 

[hyper15125]

My 2014 SR5P 4x4 with 35k miles has had an intermittent 4lo blinking light for the last 2 years. It doesn't happen often, but this is now twice in the last month. The gear shift lever has also become very stiff. No CEL, no traction lights.

Anyone else have a similar problem?

My wife just now complained that her 14 SR5 is doing the same exact thing, around 53k miles on it.

 

[BltByKrmn]

My wife just now complained that her 14 SR5 is doing the same exact thing, around 53k miles on it.

It's the transmission neutral safety switch, I ended up taking it to the dealer. They tried to charge me $900 for parts and labor to replace it so I called Toyota corporate. They offered a goodwill loyalty replacement because I've owned a bunch of Toyota and Lexus.

Shifter feels normal again and no lights.

 

[jim4runnerny]

I have been having this issue lately on my 2010 Limited, 120k miles.. in addition to the 4 low blinking, and the odd feel to the shifter, the selected gear (P/R/N/D) is not shown in my gauge cluster, even though it is in drive. If I shift back to Park, it returns again. Odd. I have to cycle the ignition to get the light to stop blinking.

Do you have a part number for the transmission neutral safety switch you had replaced? I'd like to order one and replace it myself, assuming it is accessible (like in the center console, versus embedded in the transmission)

Thanks!
Jim

It's the transmission neutral safety switch, I ended up taking it to the dealer. They tried to charge me $900 for parts and labor to replace it so I called Toyota corporate. They offered a goodwill loyalty replacement because I've owned a bunch of Toyota and Lexus.

Shifter feels normal again and no lights.

 

[BltByKrmn]

I have been having this issue lately on my 2010 Limited, 120k miles.. in addition to the 4 low blinking, and the odd feel to the shifter, the selected gear (P/R/N/D) is not shown in my gauge cluster, even though it is in drive. If I shift back to Park, it returns again. Odd. I have to cycle the ignition to get the light to stop blinking.

Do you have a part number for the transmission neutral safety switch you had replaced? I'd like to order one and replace it myself, assuming it is accessible (like in the center console, versus embedded in the transmission)

Thanks!
Jim

Sure, here's the part # off the receipt 8454060050

 

[kbeckner50]

4 lo light blinking still.....

all,
we took our 2013 4runner into the shop. The Toyota Dealer said they couldn't find anything wrong and for us to keep an eye on it. The 4 lo light kept blinking rapidly. We took it to our other repair shop. They replaced the __Transfer Case__ switch.
Everything seemed ok. This was like 2.5 weeks ago. Well this AM, the shifter shifted hard again, and sure enough the 4lo blinking light came back. I insisted they replace the neutral safety, the repair shop thought the other switch would make the difference. I am now fearfull/concerned of taking it anywhere. Has anyone who had the neutral safety switch replaced had it come back on again? I am not a mechanic, but certainly don't want to keep adding charges/repairs. Need to get this figured out.
Thoughts? Thank you all.

 

[hyper15125]

I had the same issue.

It was solved by the dealer replacing the neutral safety switch under extended warranty.

Apparently water can get in and during colder temps it freezes up and this is what makes the shifter stiff.

There is an updated part number so it is assumed that Toyota improved The product based on the initial deficiency.

 

[DigitalRJH]

Once you get it fixed it’s also a good idea to maybe every month cycle through all your drive modes, 2, 4Hi, 4Lo, a few times. Will keep things in good running order. I know with my Hummer I had to do this periodically because the electrical connectors would get buildup on them causing the drive lights and traction control light to blink. So id just have to cycle them though all the modes and it would remove the buildup and work fine again.

 

[Benji70]

Just took my 2015 4runner in to the dealer after the 4lo light blinked intermittently 3 or 4 times over the last 12 months. They just called me and said no codes, no 4lo light on, nothing they can do. I have the 6 year 125K Platinum warranty so the repair would be covered. They told me if it was the neutral safety switch it would throw a code.
Can anyone please provide more details as to how they got their Toyota dealer to fix the problem correctly? I do go to the car wash, I do live in the northeast with wet weather.
Again, they told me it could not be the neutral safety switch because that would throw code/check engine light.
Thank you