I've been searching: 4wd / dash lights - please help

[Bijan]

Hello all,


2002 sr5 - 210k miles

Recently I was stuck in a rut of snow/ice/mud. I had to get towed out via a winch. About a week later, I'm driving on the highway - and notice my ABS, VSC OFF, BRAKE, and TRAC lights came on.

I tried to use 4wd to see if it was messed up - and guess what...it's stuck in 4wd now.

Everything seems to be driving / acting okay. I do NOT hear any electronic clicking or clunking when pressing the 4wd button.

4wd lights are steady FLASHING at me.

Should I recalibrate the VSC?
Should I get a new 4wd indicator sensor?
Both?

How much damage am I doing driving it on pavement in 4wd?

 

[jgue467]

Flashing 4wd lites indicate its Not in 4wd yet, prepping. What makes you think its stuck in 4wd? You will hear a mild click/clunk when engaging and disengaging 4wd (when the system gets good and ready).

As long as you do not hit the center diff lock button (to left of steering wheel on dash), shouldn't hurt anything but fuel mileage.

When those items lite up on dash (vsc, ect), it usually means a code has been stored. No check engine lite on? Even if not, you should read the codes (free at auto zone or get a cheap reader).

With the 4wd lites flashing, drive forwards slowly and make a right turn. Any better?

 

[Bijan]

Flashing 4wd lites indicate its Not in 4wd yet, prepping. What makes you think its stuck in 4wd? You will hear a mild click/clunk when engaging and disengaging 4wd (when the system gets good and ready).

As long as you do not hit the center diff lock button (to left of steering wheel on dash), shouldn't hurt anything but fuel mileage.

When those items lite up on dash (vsc, ect), it usually means a code has been stored. No check engine lite on? Even if not, you should read the codes (free at auto zone or get a cheap reader).

With the 4wd lites flashing, drive forwards slowly and make a right turn. Any better?

When I make turns, the vehicle pretty much stops. Tires bounce a little.

There is no click (under the dash) or clunk (under the transfer case) like I used to hear.

No check engine light.

 

[jgue467]

A bit confused now. Thought i read in first post "Everything seems to be driving / acting okay" but if the vehicle stops when you turn that isn't right.

So it get 'stiff' and doesn't want to roll while turning? If so, then driveline parts are binding, usually because the center diff is locked, so now the turning radius of front and rear axles/tires is not the same and they can't move in unison. BTW, in normal operation if the center diff button is depressed, the ABS, VSC off and trac lights come on (no brake). Are you sure this isn't what's going on?

Another confusing thing is the set of lights you say turned on, ABS, VSC OFF, BRAKE, and TRAC lights. I've had all those go off Except the brake when various engine codes are triggered. But not the brake light. Doesn't make sense.

 

[absalom]

Don't suppose a plug by the transfer case was dislodged or damaged while winching? I'd slide under the truck with a flashlight and poke around.

Maybe pull codes too to see what ECU is saying? My TRAC/VSC light came on for 02 sensor ... makes sense ... lol

 

[Paperjam]

You need to check for codes honestly.

If you have any ABS codes, the traction control is disabled (VSC), and likely the electronic 4wd control as well.

If you were stuck in a ditch i would start checking abs wires and sensors for damage, i would also check the wiring to the shift motor on the transfer case, as you could have pulled on one of these harnesses. I see this all the time in my shop

Does your speedo work?

most $80 code readers DO NOT pull ABS codes, you will likely need to spend a pile of money, or go to a shop with a proper scan tool to pull codes. ABS is not part of obd2 and you need a licenced scan tool to be able to read that information.

if you dont see any damage, you will need to have that code before determining your next step.

 

[Bijan]

I got under it today and looked around. Didn't see anything unplugged or missing.
I should have clarified - ONLY AT super low speeds (like parking in a lot) it starts to bind.

Everything (speedo) works - except 2wd mode it seems.

All the dash lights came on 1st.
A day later I tried putting it in 4HI and now it seems stuck.

 

[yukonrider]

Occasionally mine does this, I unplug the ADD disconnect sensor plug (its on the front diff, kind of above teh steering rack) turn the car on then plug it back in. This fixes it for me. That sensor is known to go bad, and the one I have is new, I don't care enough to track down the issue. Worth a shot for trouble shooting.

 

[yukonrider]

Also I'd try shifting into low and driving around a bit, lock and un-lock the center diff, basically try and get the 4x4 system exercised a bit. Sometimes this can make it work itself out.

 

[Bijan]

Tried shifting to 4L, tried pressing the center diff lock - nothing changes.

 

[jgue467]

Have you checked out the FSM? On page 1104 there is a transfer case trouble shooting section. In particular: Shift from 4WD (H) to 2WD (H) impossible. Possible causes:

1. 4WD fuse
2. Wire harness
3. 4WD indicator light
4. Actuator assembly
5. A.D.D. control system
6. 4WD control ECU
7. Transfer assembly

FSM is located here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69744-3rd-gen-faq-tutorials-documentation-reference.html (3rd link down). Luck.