cost to fix the "4 wheel drive LOW" issue

[mace4runner]

how much would a dealer charge to fix this issue?

in talks with someone right now -- with this problem...

wondering if its worth taking the risk on the truck - or keep looking.

Price is already really good - and they said they would knock more off because of this.

 

[paraordnance]

Not worth it in my opinion. I was quoted $1900 just for the actuator itself from a dealer. Ok, don't forget I'm in Canada and our prices here a little inflated by as much as 25-30% due to current exchange rate. I was able to find brand new OEM actuator for $1500 which is a little better.
And then there is a 12 hour job @ $120/hour (according to mechanic's book of secrets) to replace that actuator since the TC will need to be split.
It actually comes out cheaper to buy new OEM TC which I seen for $2800 and install it yourself.
I just had my truck stuck in 4LO couple weeks ago pulling my hair out about what to do next. What I did is I "unstuck" it by tapping on actuator with rubber mallet while my wife was switching. And I canceled appointment to the stealer-ship immediately after since I know they will take for a looong & expensive ride.

 

[mace4runner]

ok - that is what i have been finding -- about $2500 on average i had guessed to fix this.


Bummer! I liked this one a lot and have been looking for one that i wanted for about a month now.

I should..... and probably will just pass on this one. I dont think i would ever use the 4wheel drive LO -- but i guess you never know. And having it working for resale is probably a good idea.

 

[nevada]

how much would a dealer charge to fix this issue?

in talks with someone right now -- with this problem...

wondering if its worth taking the risk on the truck - or keep looking.

Price is already really good - and they said they would knock more off because of this.

its a fairly healthy repair bill. the TC has to be removed to replace the actuator. in reality, its a terrible design..

they would have to come down several thousand for it to cover the repair...


as said above, you MAY get lucky, and be able to get it unstuck.
I got my 06 from a Toyota dealer, but I knew to check for this problem. it was also stuck, a new actuator was part of the purchase agreement.

 

[nevada]

ok - that is what i have been finding -- about $2500 on average i had guessed to fix this.


Bummer! I liked this one a lot and have been looking for one that i wanted for about a month now.

I should..... and probably will just pass on this one. I dont think i would ever use the 4wheel drive LO -- but i guess you never know. And having it working for resale is probably a good idea.

and that is why so many are stuck. they just never get used.
im confident that I was the first person to ever attempt shifting mine into LOW.

if its a nice shape, and a good deal, have them knock some off the price and buy it. like you said, you may never use it, or you may be able to get it fixed cheap/free.

 

[mace4runner]

and that is why so many are stuck. they just never get used.
im confident that I was the first person to ever attempt shifting mine into LOW.

if its a nice shape, and a good deal, have them knock some off the price and buy it. like you said, you may never use it, or you may be able to get it fixed cheap/free.

yea exactly. I am wondering if its worth buying if they drop the price a couple thousand -- and then PRAYING i can wack it with the deadblow ... and unstick it myself.

that would be amazing new lift and tires!

we will see...........

 

[ben550]

Its worth a try. As long as the center diff lock and 4HI works it could be a great deal. Get a couple grand knocked off the price and hopefully tap it free...

 

[mace4runner]

yes, 4HI works just fine.


This is from a dealer and comes with a small warranty as well. (3 month)


It is a 2006 SPORT with 125K on it - for $9,700.

I am in talks with them now to see how much more would come because of the 4LO issue.

 

[ASUMTNEER]

Its worth a try. As long as the center diff lock and 4HI works it could be a great deal. Get a couple grand knocked off the price and hopefully tap it free...

this

Mine was stuck when I bought it 2 years ago. 4Hi works fine and the center diff works fine. I don't even worry about it.