FREE BEER!!! a SoCal member needs help troubleshooting

J

Jeremiah James

Junior Member
Hopefully the beer got your attention!

Hey guys, any members want to come help me out?

I have a 2000 Limited with the J shifter and I have the dreaded 4x4 flashing on the dash and its stuck in 4 high.

I went for the easiest most common fix and replaced the sensor/switch on the front transfer case and nothing.

Tested vacuum on the actuator and its good.

Pulled out all 5 switches/sensors on the rear transfer case, cleaned them and tested continuity.

When shifting from 4low around to H2.H4 I don't get continuity on the switch thats on the right side even after swapping it with the same switch from the other side that tested good.

Right now I got the 4Runner on jack stands in the garage, transmission shifter off to access the top switches so I am ready for any ideas from other members.

A couple things to mention:
The 4Runner goes into 4low just fine and elocker clicks on.
The only way I can get the Tcase to move is by putting 12 volts to the plug.
The front wheels spin at a different speed then the rear and it tripped my ABS light.
I pulled the front actuator and watched the vacuum move it.
When I manually get it into 2 wheel drive with the bypass and can spin the front drive line freely, when I turn the key the 4WD computer clicks, Tcase actuator moves it back and locks the driveline back into 4hi.


I am all out of ideas here...
If anybody would like to come over and help me out I would be forever grateful.

I can supply all the beer, pizza, buffalo wings or what ever you might want.
I also have LED's if you want to do your gauges or do a tune up, I have all the tools and chemicals for just about everything. We could even do your Tbelt and waterpump.

I am right off the Freeway in North Hollywood, Laurel Canyon and 101.
I have a nice big level driveway with room to work I just need some help!!!!

Thanks guys
You can PM me or shoot me a message to my cell at 916-524-9900
Jeremiah
 
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Is it stuck in 4H open or 4H locked? Were all 4 wheels off the ground when the F/R driveline was spinning at different rates?

I *might* be able to come by Saturday afternoon to check it out. I have hard copy diagrams to bring to help if I can make it.

-Charlie
 
phattyduck said:
Is it stuck in 4H open or 4H locked? Were all 4 wheels off the ground when the F/R driveline was spinning at different rates?

I *might* be able to come by Saturday afternoon to check it out. I have hard copy diagrams to bring to help if I can make it.

-Charlie
Click to expand...

That would be great if you could come by, a fresh pair of eyes might help

Yes, all 4 wheels are off the ground and spin at different rates.
I can manually get it into 2wd by throwing 12volts on the actuator motor but when i turn the key on, it goes right back into 4wd

Thanks for the reply and hopefully you could swing by
 
Center diff lock light works as expected?

Is the 2-4 select switch on the side of the shifter a momentary switch or a locking switch?

I wonder if one of the position switches on the actuator itself is not working as expected (not one of the 3 other switches external to the actuator).

-Charlie
 
phattyduck said:
Center diff lock light works as expected?

Is the 2-4 select switch on the side of the shifter a momentary switch or a locking switch?

I wonder if one of the position switches on the actuator itself is not working as expected (not one of the 3 other switches external to the actuator).

-Charlie
Click to expand...

I believe its working because after I manually move the actuator into 2wd for a split second only the 4 green wheels are lit up when I turn the key on. Then the actuator moves back and starts flashing.

If an internal switch is bad, it would be the single one on the right side.
I get no continuity in any position of the 4wd lever
 
So the 4 green wheels are always lit no matter what and the center diff lock light flashes? In 2WD, all the lights should be off.

I'm flying a bit blind, as I have a j-shift truck... That system is much easier to understand.

-Charlie
 
phattyduck said:
So the 4 green wheels are always lit no matter what and the center diff lock light flashes? In 2WD, all the lights should be off.

I'm flying a bit blind, as I have a j-shift truck... That system is much easier to understand.

-Charlie
Click to expand...

Man, thank you so much for the interest and help.

So the rig will flash the green wheels AND the center diff light, the only time it does something different is when I manually move the transfer case with 12 volts for a split second it will only have the green wheel lights on.

Also, last night I checked the drivelines and I can get the front driveline to spin freely by hand but when I shift into drive it will spin???
I'm kinda leaning towards my TC not fully going out of 4wd.

Can I pull out the actuator on the TC with out opening the case?
Will it slide right out?

Thanks again.
If you are ever in the area and want to pop by, I have a pretty open schedule
 
Hello out there...

Does anyone happen to know if I can side my actuator on my transfer case without having to remove and disassemble the cases?
I have access to a working actuator and if it slides right out I would be able to test a known working one.

Also, the free beer offer still stands, hopefully Charlie can come by Saturday.
Anybody else want to swing by, I have a cold one with your name on it
 
Oh man, this is relevant but I'm not close enough (damn near Alaska) nor as far down the troubleshooting tree as you.

SWMBO had the 3rd gen this morning and it was icy. She threw it in to 4HI.. unfortunately it's stuck there.

Following, and I'll give you a bump, JJ. Best I can do from here!
 
Have you tried swapping the little transmission computer thingy on the side of the trans?

Ill PM you my mailing address to ship the beer
 
Roamed YT said:
Oh man, this is relevant but I'm not close enough (damn near Alaska) nor as far down the troubleshooting tree as you.

SWMBO had the 3rd gen this morning and it was icy. She threw it in to 4HI.. unfortunately it's stuck there.

Following, and I'll give you a bump, JJ. Best I can do from here!
Click to expand...

With the hours of research I did, I suggest getting some contact cleaner, a 27mm socket, pull the switch on the front transfer case and clean the contact area.

That seems like the most common fix. Oh, but not for me
 
schmauster said:
Have you tried swapping the little transmission computer thingy on the side of the trans?

Ill PM you my mailing address to ship the beer
Click to expand...

Hmmmm, computer thingy.?.
Before I throw this UPS label on these cases, could you possibly be a little more uhhh clear?
There really is not a computer for the trans that I can see plus, it drives and shifts absolutely perfect.
Now if you mean the 4WD computer in the kick panel? Yes
 
On the lower part of the trans to the passenger side of the bellhousing there is a little thing with 6 or 7 wires going into it. It doesnt connect to anything inside the trans, just mounts outside of it. Ill get a pic.

I have an extra one here if you want to try swapping it.
 
schmauster said:
On the lower part of the trans to the passenger side of the bellhousing there is a little thing with 6 or 7 wires going into it. It doesnt connect to anything inside the trans, just mounts outside of it. Ill get a pic.

I have an extra one here if you want to try swapping it.
Click to expand...

I believe what you are referring to would be the electric actuator for the front driveline on the years 2001 and 2002 models
I don't have anything in that area

I think we got it figured out
Charlie stopped by and we both think my TCase actuator motor is either weak or something is causing it to bind up
Its stuck in the all wheel drive mode

Now i'm on the hut for a multi mode J shift transfer case.
Anybody friends with any wrecking yards?
 
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