4WD Help

[gray_es300]

So I'm looking at a 2003 Sport and when test driving it, in 2wd there were no flashing lights. When I put it into 4high, the center diff light and 4wd light were flashing. When into 4low, those lights remained and the VSC light turned on and there was a beeping noise. Does anyone know what this means? Sorry if I didn't search more as im currently looking at the car. Also it looks as if the rear diff fluid has been changed which is good. Any input would be great. Again thanks for the help and sorry for not searching more

 

[Range]

So I'm looking at a 2003 Sport and when test driving it, in 2wd there were no flashing lights. When I put it into 4high, the center diff light and 4wd light were flashing. When into 4low, those lights remained and the VSC light turned on and there was a beeping noise. Does anyone know what this means? Sorry if I didn't search more as im currently looking at the car. Also it looks as if the rear diff fluid has been changed which is good. Any input would be great. Again thanks for the help and sorry for not searching more

Did they remain "on" or "flashing"? When I engage my center diff it usually takes a while to engage. I have a V8 so I'm always in 4Hi. Going to 4Lo is fast for me. When the truck loses traction the VSC light will come on and beep like you said but it shouldn't be going on if you're parked or not losing traction.

 

[CXS]

Try putting it in neutral then switching 4low, that should eliminate the light.

 

[gray_es300]

The lights were flashing, the only way they would go away is if I turned off the car, started it with the switch at 2h.

 

[earthrealm]

So I'm looking at a 2003 Sport and when test driving it, in 2wd there were no flashing lights. When I put it into 4high, the center diff light and 4wd light were flashing. When into 4low, those lights remained and the VSC light turned on and there was a beeping noise. Does anyone know what this means? Sorry if I didn't search more as im currently looking at the car. Also it looks as if the rear diff fluid has been changed which is good. Any input would be great. Again thanks for the help and sorry for not searching more

ur actuator is most likely stuck, or you are not doing it right...you cant switch into 4hi above 55mph, n it best if you are going straight. 4lo, u gotta be in neutral for it to switch into 4lo, easily

for scenario 1, most folks got the actuator unstuck by giving the TC some love taps with a mallet, while trying to engage it...search the forum for the correct procedure....its a common issue on the 4runner, if you go long periods without excercisng the 4wd system

 

[M1911]

Try the following. Come to a gentle stop with the wheels straight. Put the shifter in neutral. Now put it in 4WD hi. The 4WD light should briefly flash. If it won't stop flashing or beeping, then the actuator is stuck. This can be very expensive to fix, so if you haven't already bought this truck, I would not buy it until and unless that is fixed.

 

[gray_es300]

Thanks for all the input, the owner says the 4wd works, so maybe I was enganging it incorrectly? Regardless now I know and we will see when I look at the car again this weekend. It's a V6 galactic gray Sport with all the options and leather which I really want. 2 owner from NC so no rust rust on or underneath, a hard find here in Buffalo. Also has all new brakes so hopefully it works out. We have a 2000 4Runner with 50k miles and while we love it, the 4th gen is just so much nicer to drive. Honestly drives almost as well as out old LX

 

[M1911]

Thanks for all the input, the owner says the 4wd works, so maybe I was enganging it incorrectly? Regardless now I know and we will see when I look at the car again this weekend. It's a V6 galactic gray Sport with all the options and leather which I really want. 2 owner from NC so no rust rust on or underneath, a hard find here in Buffalo. Also has all new brakes so hopefully it works out. We have a 2000 4Runner with 50k miles and while we love it, the 4th gen is just so much nicer to drive. Honestly drives almost as well as out old LX

Don't trust the owner. If you can't get it into 4wd, walk away.