multimode slow to engage

[NE_Lou]

i have an '02 4runner and it's taking several minutes for multimode to engage.

on the dash, all 4 wheels and the center diff light will immediately start blinking once i press the button. but it won't actually engage for a while.

most often, i'm just loping along at a pretty constant speed (around 40 mph or so) when i try to activate it. i've tried braking, accelerating, turning the wheel, etc. nothing seems to work.

it will get out of multimode almost immediately. there's no similar lag. but if i try to re-engage it immediately, there's the same delay.

i usually drive about 20-30 miles per month in multimode, even if i don't need it.

any thoughts on what the problem/fix could be?

thanks

 

[flatboy]

I always try to ingage it at slow speeds, and have noticed if its cold like when I first leave my driveway it'll take a couple blocks. Try doing it at slower speeds and let off the throttle a bit, seems to help me.


shayne

 

[jirehn]

How did you come up[ with this? Is this problem already solve?

 

[4-Ripcord]

Start by changing your diff fluids.

I often find that the driveline needs some sort of jerk to get it to finally engage. If you come to a stop sign or light, shift the truck into park and let off the brake, then apply the brake again and shift back into drive. If that does not work, find a parking lot or something and throw it into reverse for a few feet then shift back into drive.

Another method is to do figure 8's in a parking lot.

 

[tbst]

It won't engage with my foot on the gas. I just let off the gas real quick and it engages. Makes sense to avoid binding.

 

[IanB]

It won't engage with my foot on the gas. I just let off the gas real quick and it engages. Makes sense to avoid binding.

This seems to work really well for me as well, just let my foot off the gas and it slips in most time. If it's being stubborn I slip the tranny into neutral and that does the trick as well.

I also agree with changing your diffs and transfer case fluids, it's only going to be good for the truck.

 

[tbst]

Going back and reason your post and having IanB affirm, if you are going steadily 40 I don't think it'll ever engage. I could push the awd button and have my foot on the gas for 10 miles and it would engage until the second I let me foot off the gas and the rpms die down.

 

[Running4life]

I have noticed mine does that when I don't use it much. I was on the farm a while back and needed it several times. It seemed the more I used it the faster it engaged. I don't remember if I had my foot on the gas or not each time. I also agree with the fluid change which reminds me I need to do that.

 

[jrm]

I stop

shift to neutral w/ my foot on the brake. Then shift to drive it to engage 4H, 4L or/and RR. When i shift to AWD i dont have to do anything other then press the button and keep driving.

 

[comtnskier]

I had this problem on my '00 limited. Had a slow leaking tire and when it was even a little low on pressure,4wd was slow to engage. Put a new set of tires on and now it usually engages quickly.

 

[NE_Lou]

everyone - thanks for the replies.

took it into my local mechanic the other week to have it looked at. they said the signs indicate a bent fork in the t-case. to replace with used t-case would be $900, or install new one for $3,500 + labor.

i trust these guys, but am thinking about going for a second opinion.

 

[dhowell91]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I have been searching and cannot find an answer to my multi mode issue on my 99 Limited. I am able to shift it into 4h and 4l with the center diff locked without any issues, but when I am driving and try to use the button to engage multi mode, (center diff unlocked) nothing happens. No blinking lights or anything.

 

[Bad Luck]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I have been searching and cannot find an answer to my multi mode issue on my 99 Limited. I am able to shift it into 4h and 4l with the center diff locked without any issues, but when I am driving and try to use the button to engage multi mode, (center diff unlocked) nothing happens. No blinking lights or anything.

Sounds like the 4wd button on the shift knob isn't working. Try making sure that it's plugged in. There's a connector under the shifter boot if I remember correctly.