Flashing 4x4 lights on dash

[racefan_67]

Hi everyone....was wondering if anyone could help....here's the lowdown on what's happened so far....my check engine light came on last week along with my VSC and VSC OFF light....it turned out to be an o2 sensor that needed replacing....yesterday morning on the way to work I tried putting my truck into 4X4 but the two lights on the dash (the 4x4 and the 4x4 with the 'x' on it) kept flashing. I figured that it was related to the check engine light VSC light problem and that when I replaced the o2 sensor this morning that everything would reset but the 4x4 lights keep flashing. I've tried unhooking the battery to reset the computer but no luck. Also, it will not shift into 4-high or 4-low right now.....any help would be greatly appreciated....thanks everyone!

2003 SR5 4X4
27,000 miles.

 

[KMX3060]

Your problem is not like this one is it?
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16428

 

[racefan_67]

I hope not!!!!.....I'm pretty sure it's related to the o2 sensor that went because the 4x4 shifting was working fine before that. I followed the sunvisor directions and tried unhooking the battery to reset the computer. I thought I'd pick everyone's brain before I tried anything else. Thanks for the $3800.00 scare though.....

 

[Good Times]

When you replaced the o2 sensor, did the dealer clear the code on the OBDII? If they did not the chrismas tree lights will continue to light up like crazy.

Good luck

 

[racefan_67]

haven't gone back to the dealer since replacing the o2 sensor....the CEL and the VSC lights reset themselves right after the o2 sensor change......what does the OBDII code mean?....if it's a simple thing like that for my 4x4 to work again then I guess I'll have to get them to do it....

 

[Good Times]

The CEL (Check Engine Light) is on right? If so, this means that it is throwing an error code (bad O2 sensor in your case).

To clear the CEL, you need to reset the OBDII (it's an ECU monitoring the motor). Dealer should clear it for free. If they charge you, give them the finger

good luck

edit:
your 4x4 system will still function.

 

[racefan_67]

no...the two 4x4 lights are flashing on my dash....the solid one and the one with the 'x' through it....my 4x4 doesn't engage now because of this....the CEL light and the VSC lights are off now that I replaced the bad o2 sensor.....

 

[Good Times]

Do you have a local Autozone or something similar that has an OBDII tool/checker? Maybe they can see if your ECU is throwing any codes causing your 4x4 and the vsc to light up.

I've had a similar problem but ended up being a bad sensor on the throttle body (completely unrelated). Oddly I was still able to use my 4wd (full time) hi and lo.

I'd take it into the dealer if all else fails.

Good luck

 

[racefan_67]

thanks....I'll investigate who can check the codes out for me....might be just as cheap for the dealer to diagnois it for me like they did the o2 sensor......by the way, very cool looking truck.....looks good all done up on the beach....wonder how it would handle up here in all this snow?....enjoy the sun.....

 

[sesegal99]

I was in the mountains this weekend and switched to 4hi, the 4wd light and 4wd with the x through it flashed for a few minutes until it was able to engage, seemed like it took longer than normal, but it did eventually get into 4hi. didn't see any check engine light though.

FWIW.

 

[racefan_67]

....I'm heading to the dealership tonight after work to have them scope it and do the diagnostics on it.....I'll let everyone know what they say and how much it'll cost.......:bash:

 

[racefan_67]

Well, the news is bad and good I guess....it took them a bit to find that the differential 'vacuum actuator' was no good. It was full with water and the front differential fluid was totally contaminated with water too and looked like a thick grey soup instead of clean 90 weight oil..the rear differential fluid looked OK though.....(they changed the front fluid and will change the back differential fluid Wednesday when I go back)...they've ordered the part, #4140035031, and should have it covered under warranty. As for the water contamination, the seals all looked good, the tranny fluid looked good and there was no other signs of flooding as their first suggestion was that I went off roading in water....not likely......I have to say that they have treated me fantastic so far and haven't charged me a dime...yet. If anything else pops up I'll keep you updated.

 

[Good Times]

That's the best news I've heard I was going to comment that there is no such thing as a solenoid on the transfer case so the dealer may be pulling a quick one. Good to hear.

Good luck!

 

[zareh]

2005 toyota 4runner limited

Hi everyone, I have a 2005 4runner limited , Bought it about a month ago from the first owner. It has 90k . We normally don't get much snow around here .Last week finally we got some snow and I used the 4x4 for the first time and everything was fine. 3 days ago I started up the car and now 4x4 light along with the VSC light are flashing and I my 4x4 does not engage anymore. Its basically stuck in H2.Any help would be greatly appreciated.thanks

 

[mrpanic7]

Hi everyone, I have a 2005 4runner limited , Bought it about a month ago from the first owner. It has 90k . We normally don't get much snow around here .Last week finally we got some snow and I used the 4x4 for the first time and everything was fine. 3 days ago I started up the car and now 4x4 light along with the VSC light are flashing and I my 4x4 does not engage anymore. Its basically stuck in H2.Any help would be greatly appreciated.thanks

Did you see the resolution to the OP? You might have gotten snow/water in your diffs and they just need to be flushed.