Stuck in 4WD HELP!!!

[4thTRDRunner]

Hey all!

My cousin has a new-to-him 4th gen. 2007, 4.0, 4wd, 265k miles.

He switched it into 4WH and can't seem to get it back out. The rear differential is activated also. He has tried everything we can think of, driving on rocky surface, curvy roads, putting it in reverse, neutral, all of it. Tapping the t-case with a mallet is not working either.

Has anyone experienced this issue? Videos or detailed descriptions on what he can do are appreciated! TIA

 

[depjr]

Yes I need this same question answered so I can successfully unlock this manually through the actuator.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Not sure if it’s the same issue with 4WD that I had but this is how I fixed mine.
No 4WD 4hi and center lock flashing

 

[bob3dsf]

What do you mean the rear differential is activated?? It doesn't activate. If he is in 4wd he is ok to drive IF the CENTER differential is not locked. If just in 4 Hi, you can drive as normal. The center diff allows this. Try to keep switching it back to 2wd. The actuator gets stuck if its not used. Hopefully is works itself free. If not, then it might be a more involved repair like Hi-desert mentioned.

 

[noslofivoh]

I agree with its probably the actuator. I make sure to place my 4runner into 4wd high and low at least once a month to ensure this doesn't happen to his.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

 

[depjr]

Dear sir,
If its stuck in 4Hi and the diff lock is locked in then would this be related to the rear actuator or front actuator?

 

[depjr]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this in great detail; I really appreciate it.
My issue is I'm stuck in 4Hi with the rear diff locked in and it won't unlock. Would this issue be related to the rear actuator or just the front.

 

[bob3dsf]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this in great detail; I really appreciate it.
My issue is I'm stuck in 4Hi with the rear diff locked in and it won't unlock. Would this issue be related to the rear actuator or just the front.

The rear diff doesn't lock if you have a stock setup. The only diff that locks is the center. The 4th gen 4runner has 3 differentials. Front, center, and rear. Front and rear are open diffs.

EDIT: I think there was something different about the 2009 trail edition, but I forget what that was.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

The rear diff doesn't lock if you have a stock setup. The only diff that locks is the center. The 4th gen 4runner has 3 differentials. Front, center, and rear. Front and rear are open diffs.

EDIT: I think there was something different about the 2009 trail edition, but I forget what that was.

Yes, the 09 Trail had an e-locker rear diff.

 

[depjr]

If the rear diff is locked is it within the center actuator or is there another actuator that locks the rear diff. How do I go about unlocking the rear diff manually.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

If the rear diff is locked is it within the center actuator or is there another actuator that locks the rear diff. How do I go about unlocking the rear diff manually.

Unless you have an 09 Trail Edition you more than likely don’t have a rear locking differential. Our trucks have a Center Diff Lock which essentially splits power to the front and rear drive shafts 50/50.

Maybe this thread will help you.
DIY: Transfer Case Actuator Repair