Please Help with 4WD problem

[JT3HN86R]

I just test drove a 1998 4Runner Limited today. It was in great shape with 140K miles. I put it in 4 wheel high with the on demand button on the shifter. The dash light came on after about two seconds and I could tell I was in 4 Wheel high. I pushed the button again and it immediately dis engaged and the dash light went out. I then purchased the vehicle. I drove it home about 160 miles. I took it out for a ride tonight and the 4WD does not engage now !!! NO dash light ! No 4WD ! WHen I put it in 4Wheel LOW it feels like its engaged but the dash light does NOT come on. The REAR locker light also flashes but the ABS light does come on like it should. What could have happened on the way home? Thoroughly confused.

HELP

THANKS !!

 

[t4r4life]

sometimes it take a while for the 4wd to kick on, also the rear locker take a long time to engage too. it comes and goes but it happens,one thing you can do is put it in 4wd them go forward and reverse a couple of times, i remember when i was wheeling one time my locker wouldn't come on, i just let the light flash after 20mins of hard wheeling during a middle of a climb it came on and got the solid light

 

[JT3HN86R]

I drove it for twenty minutes and it never engaged. I tried all of the back and forth, neutral, reverse, etc. It is just so odd that it worked earlier today and now nothing.

 

[SMEE]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/92-difficulty-engaging-4wd.html

Lots of folks have the same problem.

 

[t4r4life]

check your connections on your 4wd module its at the left front footwell behind the cover, also shift your transfer case a bunch of time just in case because most people with 4runner dont even use their 4wd

 

[MrBobDobalina]

Yea I had the same problem. I searched on here as well and upon inspection I found some bad vacuum lines that were causing my issue.

 

[JT3HN86R]

OK. I got in the truck this morning, put it in 4wd and it worked flawlessly. I drove it a while to make sure everything is lubricated. Can anyone explain why it worked when the truck was cold and not after a long drive?

Thanks for your help.

JR

 

[SRSRunner]

sounds like maybe its the electronics.. I had the same issue, ended up putting mine up on stands and tapping on the module until it clicked in. just engage it on a regular basis and you shouldnt have more problems.