4x4low
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Quite a few threads on this topic. The front differential actuator and transfer case actuator motors become seized up over time from lack of use.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/162310-center-diff-lock-wont-engage.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/162310-center-diff-lock-wont-engage.html
Ya, what they said. Don't know your knowledge base so don't be offended here. But, make a full and complete stop, put transmission in neutral, then turn the knob to 4Lo and let it do it's thing. If it won't go, tap away on the Transfer case and maybe lightly on the actuator, don't break out the BFH! (big f$cking hammer) Keep trying it too. Put it back in 4hi, drive a few feet, then repeat. IF you manage to get it unlocked make sure that you put it in 4Lo at least once a month and drive a couple hundred feet. Lubricates everything, keeps things moving smoothly, and is just good practice for any 4wd vehicle.
IHeartE30s
New member
Does this only happen to 4Low? I just got my 4Runner and popped it in 4Low and it worked fine but when I went into 2High it just blinked for a minute untill I turned off the car and restarted then it was off. In neutral and not moving of course.
OzarkRunner
New member
Maybe I was just lucky, but I had this problem when I bought mine. I never tapped on the case or loosened bolts, but just tried to get it to engage over and over. After 20-30 tries, it finally went in. After some repeated engagement and use, it works perfectly now.
FWIW, the 2007 I bought did go into 4Lo, but was fairly reluctant. Had the F&R differential and transfer case oils changed, and all 4WD switching has improved hugely.
Of course, now I am like a kid in a candy store switching it around all the time, so maybe it is just from constant use?
Of course, now I am like a kid in a candy store switching it around all the time, so maybe it is just from constant use?
Slowgoat
New member
I got mine to move by loosening the bolts 4 turns and very gently tapping the actuator, and flipping the switch back and forth a bunch of times. I also changed my black differential fluid out to synthetic, Mobil 1 75w-90 the day I did the loosening and the tapping. Either of those things did it.
I tried just throwing the switch a lot for 2 months, but without luck. Did the loosening/tapping thing as a last resort.
Be gentle, it could tear it up the actuator if you tap too hard, or move it too much. There are synchronizers in there, and some folks a while back pulled their actuators out, and it wasn't pretty.
You're looking at $1500 plus 10 hrs labor. A lot of people just get a t-case from a yard and roll the dice.
I was so glad when it started working again. I am praying for you man!
I tried just throwing the switch a lot for 2 months, but without luck. Did the loosening/tapping thing as a last resort.
Be gentle, it could tear it up the actuator if you tap too hard, or move it too much. There are synchronizers in there, and some folks a while back pulled their actuators out, and it wasn't pretty.
You're looking at $1500 plus 10 hrs labor. A lot of people just get a t-case from a yard and roll the dice.
I was so glad when it started working again. I am praying for you man!
4RunnerFan
New member
Yeah, I'm one of those who didn't exercise 4-LO enough (only turned it on once a year) and it stopped working. While underneath trying to grease the drive shaft I used the back of a wrench to gently tap all around the actuator per suggestion seen many times on this forum. It works now.
JEL
New member
I would suspect, I flip my switches a lot as well in both 4runners so I don't (knock on wood) run into problems. Seems like the more I do it, the better they operate, now they are both almost instant across all modes. I'm sure you replacing used oil with nice, clean, new slippery oil may have helped as well of course. I can't imagine you guys have to use 4wd all too often over in Hawaii when you wake up to sunny, dry, and warm roads 90% of the time. :surfer: Although maybe AWD mode will be handy this week when you guys get hit with a ton of rain.
Oh yes, great fun watching a hurricane bearing down on you. All the stores are sold out of water, TP and such.
Just finished fiddling with the truck, so it is all good, though I do not expect to have to drive anywhere, sitting up on the side of a volcano the water just runs past us downhill.
Need to run the generator for a bit. The power here goes out with ridiculous ease.
Nah, you be thinking of the center differential lock, not 4Lo. You just will not be breaking the land speed record in 4Lo. Some have voiced concern about it getting stuck in 4Lo I think.
Far as I can tell, the CDL should be fine if you can just drive ahead nice and straight. I have and heard/felt nothing straining. You just do not want wheels tying to turn at different speeds as in going around a corner.
Ah ok. So its getting in and out of 4low that's the concern, not the center diff? And just to get things straight, I can drive on paved roads (and turn) with 4low, but not with the center diff locked?
Dylan
Member
Yeah, so think of 4lo as just being slower due to the low gears. Nothing is locked. However the CDL locks the front and rear so that the front wheels will spin at the same speed with the rear. When you are turning, the inner wheel has less revolutions as the outer wheel. The resistance of the road against the tire wanting to spin faster/harder can cause issues for you. This is why with CDL engaged, you want to be on a surface that allows these tires to spin a little more freely.
Gotcha thanks for the info guys!
philskeeter
New member
Maybe you can clear this up for me? I know you aren't supposed to turn when the CDL is locked due to thing needing to turn a different speeds, but I always heard of transmission wind up after driving straight a bit on concrete? Is this true? If I remember correctly It was because the back wheels didn't turn at the same speed as the front wheels so when you are on gravel or dirt roads or roads your tires can slip that's why it is acceptable because instead of binding up they spin free. Is this a myth and only for turning or does bind up occur on concrete too?