Have to unplug switches to activate 4wd

[jman11788]

So I've read just about every posts reguarding activating 4wd issue on here but none seem to have my issue. So basically what I have to do is unplug the indicator switches on the diff and transfer case actuators. Then I start the truck put it in 4hi then go back and plug the switches up. 4 wheel drive acts perfect at this point 4hi/lo work as should. Putting it back into 2 wheel the indicator lights flash and will never stop no matter how long I drive. Again I have to unlug the switches to reset it then it goes away. If I try to put it in 4 wheel drive without the switches being plugged in 4 wheel drive will not activate and the indicator lights will flash forever. I've already replaced the diff actuator and indicator switch. Any ideas?

 

[dhphamqc]

So I've read just about every posts reguarding activating 4wd issue on here but none seem to have my issue. So basically what I have to do is unplug the indicator switches on the diff and transfer case actuators. Then I start the truck put it in 4hi then go back and plug the switches up. 4 wheel drive acts perfect at this point 4hi/lo work as should. Putting it back into 2 wheel the indicator lights flash and will never stop no matter how long I drive. Again I have to unlug the switches to reset it then it goes away. If I try to put it in 4 wheel drive without the switches being plugged in 4 wheel drive will not activate and the indicator lights will flash forever. I've already replaced the diff actuator and indicator switch. Any ideas?

Have you tried checking your 4wd fuse?

 

[TheDurk]

Year? Pushbutton or J-shift? Auto or Manual?

 

[jman11788]

I haven't pulled fuse yet. It's a 2000 Limited with the push button

 

[Kotrin]

So to get more understanding. If your sitting on a flat surface and you shift to neutral with the foot on the brake, shift into 4Hi or 4Lo, shift into reverse and back up about 5-10 feet. Does this engage it? This is my method to sometimes get my 4Runner out of 4Hi and into if i'm not on a level surface due to binding. I know I can shift and go forward and it will eventually engage but I try to treat my equipment with respect

I'm reading my FSM and I see that by your description the switch is malfunctioning. By no means am I saying i'm correct but your description (and if you try what suggested above) than its most likely this switch. Now when you shift between everything does it act like its in 4wd with out disconnecting the switches? I have a feeling that the switch is bad.

Let us know

 

[jman11788]

So to get more understanding. If your sitting on a flat surface and you shift to neutral with the foot on the brake, shift into 4Hi or 4Lo, shift into reverse and back up about 5-10 feet. Does this engage it? This is my method to sometimes get my 4Runner out of 4Hi and into if i'm not on a level surface due to binding. I know I can shift and go forward and it will eventually engage but I try to treat my equipment with respect

I'm reading my FSM and I see that by your description the switch is malfunctioning. By no means am I saying i'm correct but your description (and if you try what suggested above) than its most likely this switch. Now when you shift between everything does it act like its in 4wd with out disconnecting the switches? I have a feeling that the switch is bad.

Let us know

I've tried just about every method and nothing seems to work. I use 4wd a lot and have never really had to put much effort in to engage it.

As soon is it enrages it acts normal and never disengages on its own. It just won't activate with the indicator switches plugged in before I activate

 

[jman11788]

Update: Got under it a little bit this morning and realized as long as the front diff switch is un plugged before I shift it to 4 wheel and plug it back in after I do it engages perfectly. I can hear the transfer case lock up and actuator do it's job as soon as I plug the switch back in. It will disengage with it being plugged in but the lights on the cluster won't stop blinking until I unplug it agian.

 

[Kotrin]

Okay, I'm cruising through my information and I see something you could check if you have a OHM Meter and wanted to get into more troubleshooting to determine EXACTLY what's wrong. I understand you're vehicle is not like my 2000 Limited Auto MANUAL 4wd. Correct?

I'm seeing a lot of different switches that all tie into the 4wd switching to your vehicle, I think. Here is the pictures i'm talking about, could be different than your's though.

 

[jman11788]

Does anyone know a good shop in Birmingham to diagnose a 4wd issue? I've tried looking at evrythjng under there and all seems fine.

 

[3bears]

Does anyone know a good shop in Birmingham to diagnose a 4wd issue? I've tried looking at evrythjng under there and all seems fine.

you might get an answer by doing this. 1) start a new thread asking that question in this forum....looking for help in.....

now another forum

2) many people don't know this but........
go to the opening page of this forum, not the 3rd gen one but the main forum
scroll past all the generations and stuff for sale
then scroll past all the paid advertisers
there you will find a section of "clubs"
go to American clubs
go to your state
start a thread....looking for a good shop or help in " your city"
explain your issue
you might find some local who can help or direct you to a good shop.

I had to get some work done and no time to do it. did steps one and two above and got answers within the day, found a hightly recommended shop near me ( well kind of, the nearest gas statin and beer is 25 miles form me, the nearest big town from me is 30 miles ( 2000 people), the nearest big city over 25k people over an hour and a half, these guys were two hours) all they do is 4 runners, Tacoma and tundras, nothing else. They were booked out for 10 weeks, but snuck me in for my one day repair when I explained the situation and my time line