Possible defective differential AND transfer case?

[Roxor08]

Okay, I appologize if people are getting sick of trying to answer this question, as of yet previous threads have not helped me solve my problem: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading-home-monst4rs/36707-4-lo-beeping.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/2270-whats-up-03-4runner-4-low-beeping.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/probl...-4hi-engages-fine-dealership-couldnt-fix.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading-home-monst4rs/52475-4lo-question.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/27384-problem-going-4lo.html
So on and so forth....

Preface: I own a 2003 v8 4runner limited and I live in MN. I recently bought it used with roughly 80k on it. I also purchased an extended warranty that covers things such as water pump, engine, transfer case, and tranny.

Problem: I cannot seem to get the 4lo to engage OR the center diff to lock. A beeping sound occurs when I can't get the 4lo to engage, and the center diff light on the dash blinks continuously whenever I try to engage it. As I've mentioned previously, I have followed suggestions from threads similar to/and of those above and nothing has helped me.

What I seem to be thinking is both actuators responsible for engaging these features are malfunctioning. Are there any ways to test this without having an extremely high diagnostic fee from either the dealer or mechanic?

Please feel free to flame me since this topic has been discussed several times, I will accept the bump for someone who is willing to help me so that they will see this thread

Thanks ahead of time.

 

[1st Timer]

OK, not sure if this will help but I have a 2004 sport v8 that is doing the same thing. Luckily my wife talked me into the warranty. Its at the Lexus dealer where I bought it. 2 days of trying to find the problem and they think its the 4wd ecu. The part is on order and supposed to be in tomorrow. At first they thought it was the actuator BUT think its the computer. I'll let you know tomorrow what happens if you'd like?

 

[BlairB]

Problem: I cannot seem to get the 4lo to engage OR the center diff to lock. A beeping sound occurs when I can't get the 4lo to engage, and the center diff light on the dash blinks continuously whenever I try to engage it. As I've mentioned previously, I have followed suggestions from threads similar to/and of those above and nothing has helped me.

If you are getting a beeping sound it typically signifies that you are engaging the 4wd improperly.

When you engage your 4lo you will need to stop the vehicle completely, put it in neutral and only then switch it from 4hi to 4lo. I also find that letting off the brakes slightly and coasting slightly if you are on any sort of incline helps it engage.

As for the center diff lock, I would try locking it in 4hi and try switching the gear selector from drive to neutral while you are rolling.

 

[CrimsonCountry]

If you are getting a beeping sound it typically signifies that you are engaging the 4wd improperly.

When you engage your 4lo you will need to stop the vehicle completely, put it in neutral and only then switch it from 4hi to 4lo. I also find that letting off the brakes slightly and coasting slightly if you are on any sort of incline helps it engage.

As for the center diff lock, I would try locking it in 4hi and try switching the gear selector from drive to neutral while you are rolling.

BlairB

I was under the impression that the beeping sounds were only to let you know that the 4Lo wasn't fully engaged and not that it was being improperly engaged. If the latter is true, maybe that would indicate that I am doing something wrong when trying to engage 4Lo and not that it's malfunctioning.....although im not sure i know of any other way to try????

I have read most of the threads concerning this problem of 4lo not engaging and possibly being stuck from non use and none of the recommended solutions have worked for me either. I have tried from N, P, R, stopped, rolling, slight incline, rubber hammer around case, etc.

Since it was a private party purchase and the previous owner had no warranty, Im not about to spend $$$$ to get it fixed. I'm ok with it not working as 4Hi works fine. Although, i'm super anal and will probably continue to tinker with it until it works lol:redbrick::moping:

FYI-You have an amazing build BlairB. :trophy: Ive been reading this site for a LONG time before purchasing the 4runner and have looked at your build thread many times for ideas.

 

[BlairB]

BlairB

I was under the impression that the beeping sounds were only to let you know that the 4Lo wasn't fully engaged and not that it was being improperly engaged. If the latter is true, maybe that would indicate that I am doing something wrong when trying to engage 4Lo and not that it's malfunctioning.....although im not sure i know of any other way to try????

I have read most of the threads concerning this problem of 4lo not engaging and possibly being stuck from non use and none of the recommended solutions have worked for me either. I have tried from N, P, R, stopped, rolling, slight incline, rubber hammer around case, etc.

Since it was a private party purchase and the previous owner had no warranty, Im not about to spend $$$$ to get it fixed. I'm ok with it not working as 4Hi works fine. Although, i'm super anal and will probably continue to tinker with it until it works lol:redbrick::moping:

FYI-You have an amazing build BlairB. :trophy: Ive been reading this site for a LONG time before purchasing the 4runner and have looked at your build thread many times for ideas.

The beeping when you try to put it into 4lo is a sign that while engaging it the user made a mistake. This could be it was not in neutral when they started to engage it or they took it out of neutral before it was engaged. If you follow all the steps it should never beep, even if it has problems engaging. I have been in an FJ wheeling in Mojave when we destroyed the 4wd solenoid (rock impacted the solenoid) and the entire system failed. We never got beeping, just constant flashing lights and an interesting experience getting out in 2wd.

It is very true that things can get stuck when they are not used much, but I would be surprised if you can get it from 2hi to 4hi but then not to 4lo.

I would try putting it in 4hi, coming to a full stop, putting the truck in neutral, then pushing the switch in to engage 4lo and letting off the brakes. If that does not work after a minute, leave it in neutral and then switch back to 4hi and then try 4lo a few more times. Hopefully cycling it may help some.

The P, D, N, R etc... helps most when you are having issues getting from 2hi to 4hi or locking the center diff.

Let me know if that works for you.

And thank you for the compliments! It has been a fun project and I still have a long ways to go, but I am happy with the progress. Let me know if you ever have any questions.

 

[Roxor08]

Thanks for the input guys. I'll try these ideas again when I get home this evening. I'll keep you posted.

 

[CrimsonCountry]

Thanks for the imput guys. I'll try these ideas again when I get home this evening. I'll keep you posted.

Since you mentioned the warranty I'm assuming you have no idea how long its been sinces being in 4WD? Hopefully its just stuck from non use and not actually broken. I suspect the same problem with mine; however, i dont have the benefit of the warranty. If my 4hi doesnt ever engage, then its gonna stay that way ha. Good luck.

The beeping when you try to put it into 4lo is a sign that while engaging it the user made a mistake. This could be it was not in neutral when they started to engage it or they took it out of neutral before it was engaged. If you follow all the steps it should never beep, even if it has problems engaging. I have been in an FJ wheeling in Mojave when we destroyed the 4wd solenoid (rock impacted the solenoid) and the entire system failed. We never got beeping, just constant flashing lights and an interesting experience getting out in 2wd.

This may be case with mine as I probably didn't give it enough time to fully engage. Wow, i'm sure that was quite an experience. Im always suprised by what 2wd can do given the right driver.

It is very true that things can get stuck when they are not used much, but I would be surprised if you can get it from 2hi to 4hi but then not to 4lo.

That is the same thing that went through my mind too when trying to switch between 4Hi and 4Lo. However, I remember reading somewhere that they each have different actuators (4lo external and 4hi internal) and each one's engagement isn't directly dependant on the other. I can't remember the source or their credibility so im not 100% sure this is correct. I'm not extremely familiar with the system yet as this is my first 4WD...coming from a '95 Camaro ha.

I would try putting it in 4hi, coming to a full stop, putting the truck in neutral, then pushing the switch in to engage 4lo and letting off the brakes. If that does not work after a minute, leave it in neutral and then switch back to 4hi and then try 4lo a few more times. Hopefully cycling it may help some.

The P, D, N, R etc... helps most when you are having issues getting from 2hi to 4hi or locking the center diff.

Let me know if that works for you.

I will try giving it more time to engage while in N. I also need to try letting off the breaks as you said while on the incline. Maybe this will help everything align more smoothly.

The D, N, R process is what I usually do to get into 4hi. It would probably be fine just rolling forward now since ive used it more but this is what worked the first time so I havent changed it. The previous owner hadn't had it in 4lo or 4hi since January:wow2: . I'm pretty sure that its just stuck. It took me a while to even get the 4hi to work smoothly but its working better and better with each use.

And thank you for the compliments! It has been a fun project and I still have a long ways to go, but I am happy with the progress. Let me know if you ever have any questions.

Yours was actually the first shadow mica I looked at on here. I REALLY wanted that color but it was so rare and hard to find on an '06 sport that I ended up getting the black. And i'll doubt ill get the chance to do anything like yours but I have more plans for mine as well. Thanks for the help

 

[Roxor08]

Well, actually I don't have a problem with 4Hi because the model I own is all time 4wd. Only options are 4Hi and 4Lo. Even though I know 4Lo isn't used very often, I would like my baby to be able to function better than 50% of possible driving modes :-X and the way it's functioning now with 4Lo not engaging OR the center diff not engaging I only get to experience 25% of the possible driving modes.

 

[Roxor08]

Since you mentioned the warranty I'm assuming you have no idea how long its been sinces being in 4WD? Hopefully its just stuck from non use and not actually broken. I suspect the same problem with mine; however, i dont have the benefit of the warranty. If my 4hi doesnt ever engage, then its gonna stay that way ha. Good luck.

Speaking of which, you got no warranty on yours? How many miles and what year? I would imagine if it isn't a prehistoric T4R you should at least have access to the manufacturerer warranty....maybe not though, I'm pretty niave when it comes to those things.

 

[CrimsonCountry]

Well, actually I don't have a problem with 4Hi because the model I own is all time 4wd. Only options are 4Hi and 4Lo. Even though I know 4Lo isn't used very often, I would like my baby to be able to function better than 50% of possible driving modes :-X and the way it's functioning now with 4Lo not engaging OR the center diff not engaging I only get to experience 25% of the possible driving modes.

My bad...i must've skipped over the V8 part. I agree, you paid for the vehicle and all its functions so it SHOULD work correctly. I normally test every single thing when looking at vehicles but somehow forgot to make sure 4lo properly engaged.

In regards to the warranty, I haven't really researched the issue either. I picked mine up from a friend and did't feel the need to look into as its already at 88k. Its a 2006 Sport V6. Im hoping i dont regret it later on and the toyota lives up to its name:driving:

 

[BlairB]

That is the same thing that went through my mind too when trying to switch between 4Hi and 4Lo. However, I remember reading somewhere that they each have different actuators (4lo external and 4hi internal) and each one's engagement isn't directly dependant on the other. I can't remember the source or their credibility so im not 100% sure this is correct. I'm not extremely familiar with the system yet as this is my first 4WD...coming from a '95 Camaro ha.

There is just one actuator assembly, but I am not positive what the inner workings are like though.

 

[CrimsonCountry]

There is just one actuator assembly, but I am not positive what the inner workings are like though.

My mistake...thanks for clearing that up. I was referring to the interior components but I have no idea as to its exact layout either.

 

[1st Timer]

Just to update, The dealer said the 4wd computer wasn't putting out voltage to the actuator. They put a new ecm in and now there is voltage to the actuator but still no 4lo. They said the actuator is bad or something in the transfer case is jammed or broke. Good thing for a warranty!

 

[CrimsonCountry]

Just to update, The dealer said the 4wd computer wasn't putting out voltage to the actuator. They put a new ecm in and now there is voltage to the actuator but still no 4lo. They said the actuator is bad or something in the transfer case is jammed or broke. Good thing for a warranty!

Why is it never the cheaper part??? lol. As you said, good thing your wife suggested the warranty as its already paying for itself. From what i've read on here, the actuator replacement is an expensive job (...what isn't though).

 

[Roxor08]

Well good to know 1st timer. I'll bring mine in and see what they say too. Although, I may make a trip home and see if see if we can do the voltage read ourselves...

Let me know if replacement of the actuator fixes the issue!

 

[ronsta]

is this problem resolved? what was the final verdict?

 

[ronsta]

Bump for updates!

 

[ronsta]

weather warmed up and the 4lo actuator unfroze... wtf toyota?