I just picked up my 01 Runner and I have problems..!! :(

[SKJRunner01]

Please Help me.. I have a 01 T4R and The 4x4 light is flashing... It was in 4x4 but im trying to get out. I have done all the tricks... The thing is, is that it is still flashing.. the button is out for 4x2 but when i turn tight it does not jump as if it was in 4x4... please help... its in warranty but i want some people who knows what it could be first before I bring it to someone that doesn't...!

 

[jay1981]

I have a '00, and from what i've seen on here and the toyota mechanic i've talked to, basically the shift fork inside the shift module sticks. It doesn't feel like its engaged when you're turning because its not, rather its stuck in between 2wd and 4wd. Make sure you don't drive over 60mph while its flashing. mine sometimes stops flashing almost right away and sometimes it takes longer, sometimes at lower speeds and sometimes i have to hit 50-60 mph to get it to stop. Even if it stops flashing while im driving it sometimes starts flashing again next time i drive it. You can try tapping on the module (black box on the t-case) I've heard that sometimes works. the toyota mechanic told me it costs like 3 grand to fix at the dealer. I believe they replace the whole module. Since mine will still disengage I was told its best to keep using it regularly to "exercise" it or it will stop working all together. Bottom line though is since you have the warranty, if I were you I'd get it fixed. If you get it fixed you should use it at least 10 miles per month according to the owners manual to keep it working properly.

 

[SKJRunner01]

Thank you very much! That was a big help. I have an appointment this thursday.. what is the box called? I will tell them that is what it is..

 

[LINY4Runner]

It sounds like a sticky 4WD actuator...but you won't need to tell them, I'm sure they'll know, as it's pretty common among trucks that don't regularly use 4WD

 

[SKJRunner01]

update

So I went under the truck and tapped it with a hammer and it moved.. now it stops flashing in 4x4 says solid green.. but when i go into 2x4 it flashes i taped the actuator and it made a sound of switching but this time it did it for at least a full 1.5 2 seconds.. sounded like it spon around one whole time.. the first time it just did it like half spin... but either way it flashes when going into 2x4

 

[jay1981]

after doing a little more reading, i think i am going to try replacing the front diff sensor (part # 84222-35070) although with yours being an 01 i believe i read it should have 2 sensors with different part #'s. Check this out:
4WD won't disengage on 99 4Runner LTD - YotaTech Forums

also try this thread, the part #'s for the 2 sensors are in here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/80433-flashing-4wd-indicator-light.htm

Don't know if it will fix the problem or not, but the sensor for mine is about $50 at the dealer, yours will likely be more if it has 2 like i think it does, but its a cheap fix if it does work.

 

[LINY4Runner]

So I went under the truck and tapped it with a hammer and it moved.. now it stops flashing in 4x4 says solid green.. but when i go into 2x4 it flashes i taped the actuator and it made a sound of switching but this time it did it for at least a full 1.5 2 seconds.. sounded like it spon around one whole time.. the first time it just did it like half spin... but either way it flashes when going into 2x4

yeah that's a sticky acutator alright...keep it excercized, do it a bunch more times and make sure you do it at least once a month

 

[SKJRunner01]

I finally got it out of 4x4... no lights flashing !! yay but guess what... My Check engine light is on with the TRAC OFF light and the VSC light is on...

 

[A.Wilson013]

I finally got it out of 4x4... no lights flashing !! yay but guess what... My Check engine light is on with the TRAC OFF light and the VSC light is on...

Do you have an OBDII scanner? If not, take a trip to your local auto parts store and have them pull the code for you, and post back to us.

Sorry you're having problems man, I hate that. Fixing takes money from modifying =(

 

[SKJRunner01]

I do, I am going to check this afternoon.. The lights went off and last night to try and see if the 4x4 is working I pushed the 4x4 in and now it is flashing again.. The good thing about all this, is that the truck is under a 30 day warranty and I already talked to the dealer and I have an appointment this thursday to have it all fixed.. But I will get the old codes and post them. Thank You

 

[scuheckler88]

I have a similar issue on my 99 limited. The 4wd button works properly. However if i put the control lever in H4L the center diff doesn't engage and the orange light doesn't come on. While still in H4L, If I press the button again, the green lights turn off and I'm pretty sure its back in 2wd. I can put it in L4L and the same thing happens with the lights but I can definitely tell it engages unlike in H4L.