another 4lo problem...

[tozar]

so I have read about a hundred post about 4lo not working on 4runners, seems mostly due to stuck actuators. Most of the posts are related to v8 full time 4wd models. Mine is an 06 V6 and I use 4hi somewhat regularly. It shifts 2hi to 4hi and back, no problem but doesnt want to engage 4lo?? Yes I have made sure I was shifting it properly and it has engaged in the past but have only used it 1-2 times since new (now has 84k miles).

Do the v6 models have the same problems as the V8 full time 4wds? or might it be something else (hopefully simpler and cheaper) than a stuck actuator?

 

[snhrph]

Just recently I had an issue with switching to 4-Lo. It took several attempts to get it to engage. I was starting to worry when I heard the CLANK, and the 4-Lo engaged. I cycled it a couple of times afterward.

I usually keep it in 4-Hi all the time, but cycle through 2-Hi to 4-Hi to 4-Lo fairly regularly (every 3 months or so).

 

[chaz]

i did a search online & someone said it could be the electrical solenoid (little black box behind the transfer case), try going forward then backwards a few times

 

[tozar]

thanks, I am in neutral, stopped and turn switch to 4lo, it blinks and does nothing, if you put it in drive or reverse and travel it just blinks and beeps until I move the switch back to 4hi or 2hi. I tried going back and forth and nothing. Not sure what else to try except maybe let it run in 4hi, drive around for a while and then try again?

Any clues to look for to indicate a solenoid problem?

 

[snhrph]

thanks, I am in neutral, stopped and turn switch to 4lo, it blinks and does nothing, if you put it in drive or reverse and travel it just blinks and beeps until I move the switch back to 4hi or 2hi. I tried going back and forth and nothing. Not sure what else to try except maybe let it run in 4hi, drive around for a while and then try again?

Any clues to look for to indicate a solenoid problem?

Try doing it several times. Mine did EXACT same thing. The only thing that comes to mind, I initially tried engaging 4-Lo when the truck was cold, and it finally engaged when it warmed up. Not sure if that makes any difference... :shrug:

 

[tozar]

thank, I'll give it another try and with it warmed up this time, I have tried on two occasions already but both while cold, well NC cold (90 degrees out)

 

[chaz]

not sure if it will help but heres a couple threads i found on the issue 4WD playing games - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum 4WD Mode Locked, VSC + Engine Lights On - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/60835-4wd-lights-flashing-help.html http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9506&highlight=stuck+4wd+solenoid

 

[tozar]

thanks for the help guys but still no luck, gonna just let this one ride since i dont feel like spending the money on getting it looked at/fixed when i obviously dont use it enough to keep it working properly

 

[bigwebb83]

if your dealer is giving you the run around on warranty repair for this issue

 

[00328]

I think with 84K on it he's SOL.
I would just keep playing with it. I've heard that some members have finally got it to engage doing this.

 

[DaveS]

Try waiting for the weather to warm up - I heard somebody else who had the same issue found it resolved once the weather improved. -20 is not the best circumstances to do this in for the first time in 40,000 miles !

 

[cali_axela]

I wonder if switching to a nice synthetic tcase fluid with better cold flowing properties would help with the issue? Do most people having problems still have the OEM fluid in there?

 

[bigwebb83]

Try waiting for the weather to warm up - I heard somebody else who had the same issue found it resolved once the weather improved. -20 is not the best circumstances to do this in for the first time in 40,000 miles !

that was me (at least i was one of them). I was about to have mine in the shop and once the weather got a little warmer (out of the teens) I kept playing with it and eventually got it to engage. Now it engages everytime within seconds. I just make sure to throw it in neutral and engage it once every few weeks when i think about it so it doesn't seize up. Use it or lose it. :reddance: