Help - My 4Runner is stuck in 4Lo

[Caddydawg]

Hi Y'all, I have used the search function and see many threads about the use it or lose it where the truck won't shift from 4Hi into 4Lo, but I haven's seen any about my issue.

2007 V8 Fulltime 4WD

It had been a couple of months (I know know it should have been every month when I did this) so I thought you need to engage 4Lo. Put it in N, turn the dial, and get a clunk as it engages which was maybe a little bit louder than normal. 4Lo light is blinking but it is definitely in 4Lo. Drive it for a minute and put it back in N. When I turn the dial nothing happens.

It is like the Computer thinks it is 4Hi as now when I turn the dial back and forth 4Lo light just blinks at me and there is no sound or feel of anything going on underneath.

TIA!

 

[V8PoWer]

Try put it in hi and unplug the battery for a few min.

 

[MtnGd]

I've had this happen in my Tundra a couple of times. Turning off the ignition with the dial back on 4 high worked. I would agree with disconnecting the battery would also work as a last-ditch effort.

 

[SolRayz]

Just had this issue and had to shell out three grand to have the 4wd actuator replaced.

 

[Caddydawg]

Well the battery disconnect hasn't worked unfortunately. Have starter and restarted multiple times including starting from N with the dial on 4Lo, but it just continues to blink like it thinks it is in 4Hi. UGH.

 

[Jakeepoo3]

Well the battery disconnect hasn't worked unfortunately. Have starter and restarted multiple times including starting from N with the dial on 4Lo, but it just continues to blink like it thinks it is in 4Hi. UGH.

Wow, why don't they just stick with the manual shifter. I always stop shift into neutral on a slight slope. Let the truck start to roll slightly then make the shift from or to 4lo. It shifts so much smoother with a little roll, no slamjamming it. I'm not a big fan of clunking and grinding noises when it comes to that area.

 

[spacepir8]

Any updates?

Marc, did replacing the actuator work?

 

[AuSeeker]

Any updates?

Marc, did replacing the actuator work?

Unfortunately Marc A.K.A. [MENTION=54290]SolRayz[/MENTION] hasn't been back on the forum since he posted his above reply back on 03/10/2022, so I doubt you'll get a reply, but my best guess is yes it fixed his issue or he wouldn't have posted that it cost him $3000 to replace the actuator, the actuator is the most known cause of issues shifting from hi to lo or vise versa, the lube in the actuator tends to harden up from lack of use and seizes the actuator, if everyone would do what it say in the owner's manual and exercise the actuator once a month we wouldn't be hearing of this issue that often if at all.

That's why the following linked topic was started to remind everyone to exercise the actuator.

4x4 PSA: Use it or lose it monthly reminder