H2 to H4 blinking lights

[mdavidkelly]

Hey guys! This is my first post. I love this site...I've been getting all the answers I need for my T4R needs. Quick question: I recently purchased my second 4runner, 2006 Limited V6 4WD. I was testing out my 4WD tonight and when I turned the multi-mode dial from H2 to H4, the green 4WD light and yellow center differential lights started blinking on the dash. I drove straight for about a quarter mile and they kept blinking. When I pressed the center differential button, both lights went solid and I could feel the 4WD engage, but the 4WD never engages with the center differential unlocked. Am I doing something wrong? I have tried it twice now and both times the lights keep blinking. When I am shifting, I have tried in both N and D. My previous 3rd gen T4R had the old style shifter so I'm not used to these new buttons. I want to learn how to properly use the 4WD system before the snow arrives. Thanks in advance!

 

[d2huffman]

The lights will not stop blinking until engaged. I would try the H2 - H4 move several times leaving it for awhile under varing speeds etc until the lights quit blinking. Assuming that you are finally able to get it engaged, do this many times until it engages quicker. Then start working with center diff and L4 per manual. If you can't get the lights to stop blinking you have a problem. There are some links on here with photos of the actuator box - you can "tap" on it with truck parked and the switch turned to H4 and see if it will engage.

 

[TRDCal]

Not sure myself cuz my V8 is always in H4 but if I were you I would start by reading the manual, it will tell you the sequence of buttons required to make it work. Then if it doesnt work after that, you could have an issue.

 

[mdavidkelly]

I'll try switching it at varying speeds and see if that helps. I have read the manual and have followed the sequence required time and time again. I just tried it a few minutes ago and as soon as I put it in H4 and locked the center differential, both lights went solid and the VSC OFF light came on, but when I try H4 unlocked, the lights still blink. I think I might call my dealer tomorrow and see what's up. Thanks for the help!

 

[mdavidkelly]

Update

So I called my dealer last Thursday and told the guy what was happening and he told me to bring the truck out that day. I got a call the next morning and he said they replaced the actuator but the 4WD still isn't working. Now he said they are going to replace the transfer case.

 

[Jrebimbas]

4WD (H4) on 2005 4Runner doesn't engage

I'm having exactly the same problem with my 2005 4Runner. I'll give a try to follow all the steps described. Last resort I'll bring it to the dealer. Was it expensive to replace the Transfer Case? Did the dealer charge you for the Actuator that did not fix the problem?

 

[jonesmw10]

I've always had best luck engaging 4hi by staying under 30 mph, coasting, not braking or accelerating, driving in a straight line. You can also try coasting slowly in reverse to see if it will engage.

 

[Jrebimbas]

Thanks. I'll try that and see what happens.