Long time Lurker - Question on 2WD/4WD Switch Moving on Own

[BravoSix]

Hey guys, I bought my 2005 4Runner with 140k and its been rock solid. Now at 170k. The only issue I've ever run into is a few days in a row after I was in 2WD I got in my truck the next day and the switch had moved itself inbetween 2WD and 4WD. So I just stuck with 4WD for the last few weeks because I got scared off on the flashing lights until I picked 2 or 4WD.

Anyone ever experienced this? I've searched the boards and talked to 5 Stealerships and they have never heard of it.

Secondarily, can I just run in 4WD for good or am I risking something?

 

[Martinjmpr]

Hey guys, I bought my 2005 4Runner with 140k and its been rock solid. Now at 170k. The only issue I've ever run into is a few days in a row after I was in 2WD I got in my truck the next day and the switch had moved itself inbetween 2WD and 4WD. So I just stuck with 4WD for the last few weeks because I got scared off on the flashing lights until I picked 2 or 4WD.

Anyone ever experienced this? I've searched the boards and talked to 5 Stealerships and they have never heard of it.

Secondarily, can I just run in 4WD for good or am I risking something?

As long as the center diff is unlocked you can run it in 4wd all the time if you want to. If the green 4wd indicator on the dash is lit up that means unlocked center diff. If it is the yellow indicator with the "x" in the middle that means center diff locked and should only be used on a low traction surface like an icy road or off-road.

I would be concerned about the switch moving on its own. On mine you have to push it in and turn it. It may be something as simple as the detent in the switch being worn or broken (it's just plastic), so it could be as easy as just getting a new switch and swapping it in. That whole panel comes off easily with just one screw. Unplug, pop out the old switch, pop in a new one, plug it back in and reinstall. Should take 15 minutes max.

 

[foragg]

Same Issue

I have the same problem but I thought I was accidentally moving it when starting the truck.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I have the same problem but I thought I was accidentally moving it when starting the truck.

I've never taken one apart so this is a WAG but I'm thinking there is probably a circular cutout with a notch in it, and the dial has a corresponding tab so that you can't turn the knob unless it's pushed in past the notch (I don't know if I'm making sense or not here but I understand what I'm saying )

If either the tab on the dial, or the circular piece that has the notch in it breaks, it can allow the dial to turn without being pushed in. That's why I'm thinking that there was probably a plastic piece that got brittle and broke. I would think the switch would be relatively cheap to replace but again I've never checked.

 

[BravoSix]

Thanks Martinjmpr -

I'll see what I can do on the switch, I'm praying its something simple.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Spring?

Something else just occurred to me: I'm assuming there is a spring that pushes the dial forward into the "locked" position, it may be that the spring broke or wore out thus allowing the dial to move in and out with no resistance.