Solving my 4H issue with your help

[subdued76]

I recently bought a 1996 4Runner Limited 4wd. It has 282,000 miles but is in pretty good shape overall. There have been a few little issues, but the biggest one I am trying to sort out is the 4H not engaging. The 4L works fine as far as I can tell. I can put it in neutral and shift to 4l and the green light comes up on the dash and it seems to be engaged and runs fine. The 4H is unresponsive to the button on the side of the shifter.

I have some mechanical skills, but only know so much. Where can I start testing? Where would y'all start?

 

[stunt2]

To start with, check if the wires are connected with that button

 

[jgue467]

So does 2H work? I usually go from 2H to 4H. That is what the little button on left of H/L shifter does.

Then later once in 4H while stopped I can move the H/L shifter (fast so it does not grind).

 

[subdued76]

I took apart the center console and the darn button was unplugged. I'm hoping it wasn't unplugged for a reason, but the 4H engages just fine.

 

[3bears]

I took apart the center console and the darn button was unplugged. I'm hoping it wasn't unplugged for a reason, but the 4H engages just fine.

I think maybe it was accidentally unplugged , The only reason I think to unplug it would be a bad shift switch that sometimes kicks on by itself

 

[subdued76]

I think maybe it was accidentally unplugged , The only reason I think to unplug it would be a bad shift switch that sometimes kicks on by itself

Yeah, that makes sense. I can't really think of a reason for the previous owner to use 4wd all that often so they probably didn't even notice. I will monitor and engage it every once and a while.