Stuck in 4WD

[Bucket81]

OK so when I bought my 4runner(99 sr5 automatic) the transfer case shifter was improperly installed. It felt more like a 5speed then a transfer case. I had the dealer fix it(it was a Toyota Dealer and it was a fight). I've used the 4wd probly 3 or 4 times with in 6 months if that. So I was about to head out the store and thought, I should shift it in to 4x4 just to make sure every things working.

Had the Transmission in neutral shifted to 4H and then backed up, no 4x4 light shifted into drive drove to store (less then mile) still no light but its in 4WD I can feel the front end being heavy and doesn't like to turn. It shifts into 4L( I can feel the low rang gears) and the shifter feels likes its going into 2H but it still feels like its in 4WD.

I was going to get new tires this weekend its not fare its not fare..... :cry2:

 

[rm2fast]

Try backing up 10-20 feet after putting it back in 2wd the front hubs are still locked in

 

[Dark Lord]

I had my last 4runner stuck in 4hi once. I ended up driving an hour back home with it in 4hi on the highway going 50mph. I tried all kinds of things, but the one thing that worked was jacking up the front end with it in 2wd. I jacked it up real high and it eventually popped out of 4hi.

 

[TheDurk]

Why do you say it's the TC? It's more likely the the ADD actuator in the front diff. Here is something I wrote in another post on the ADD:

Don't guess at it, troubleshoot! Start at the twin VSV's (Vacuum Switching Valves) on the driver fender wall. There are two long vacuum hoses that come up from the diff, one goes to each VSV. Check to see that one of the two hose nipples on the VSV’s has vacuum (engine running, 4WD NOT engaged. If no vacuum either side, check the check valve going to the intake manifold and look for loose hoses or a hole in the reservoir. If there is vacuum going to one hose, then put it in 4WD. See if the vacuum switches to the other hose. If it does, and no 4WD, problem is the diff actuator or the line to the diff. If it does not, then just switch the hoses and you should go into 4WD. This confirms diff is okay.

OK, switch them back. Then use a test light to see if electrical signal from the TC also switches sides of the VSV. If it does not, problem is the switch on the TC. If it does, but the vacuum does not, the problem is the VSV itself.

I start troubleshooting at the VSV's because you can figure out where the trouble is without having to climb under the truck.

 

[Bucket81]

Why do you say it's the TC? It's more likely the the ADD actuator in the front diff. Here is something I wrote in another post on the ADD:

I have the J-shift TC not the one with the push button, do I still have all that jazz in the diff? I thought it was all mechanical.

 

[rebelbowtie]

I have the J-shift TC not the one with the push button, do I still have all that jazz in the diff? I thought it was all mechanical.

The only difference between your "mechanical" shift 4x4 and the push button is that the push button has an encoder switch on the side of the transfer case that tells it to shift. The front diff is the same and still has ADD, all IFS part time 4x4's have something similar to this. The only thing you gain is that manly feeling from yanking on the stick.

 

[TheDurk]

I have the J-shift TC not the one with the push button, do I still have all that jazz in the diff? I thought it was all mechanical.

^^^^What he said. All 3G 4Runners were born with ADD--the last two years (I think) had electric instead of vacuum actuators.

 

[Bucket81]

well that sucks, Is there a trouble shooting guide some place online? I drove it this morning and its not in 4WD, but I put it back in wouldn't shift out shut it off turned it back on not it 4WD. So problem a vacuum problem.

 

[mikebontoft]

well that sucks, Is there a trouble shooting guide some place online? I drove it this morning and its not in 4WD, but I put it back in wouldn't shift out shut it off turned it back on not it 4WD. So problem a vacuum problem.

so the vsv is probably your issue... check for any leaks (holes) in the vacuum lines too.

is the ADD different from the second gen then? I was moving probably 60mph or more in 4H on a snowy highway...

actually what's relevant is mine may not have disengaged... couldn't really tell this time but if I did I've been to 75mph today.

 

[Grenvilleter]

When I was introduced to T4R's this last summer with a '97, the 4wd didn't work.
Poking around, I found the vacuum lines and was able to confirm the front end was good so I pulled out unknown state VSV's from another wrecked t4r and upon installation I was able to engage 4wd but could not disengage.

So it worked 2x as good as before but still only working half way.

I noticed, whenever I turned the ign on to the run position for a few seconds before I engaged the starter, I would hear the front axle disengage as long as the 4wd button was in 2wd mode.
I have not troubleshoot any further but TheDurk's procedure to me now makes sense and I suspect 1 of the VSV's is bad that I replaced.

 

[Bucket81]

I have vacuum at the actuators and it switches back and forth, but still no light or switching. I still need to check at the diff. Does the diff have an electrical connection that tells the light its engaged in 4WD?

 

[TheDurk]

I have vacuum at the actuators and it switches back and forth, but still no light or switching. I still need to check at the diff. Does the diff have an electrical connection that tells the light its engaged in 4WD?

Yes, there is a contact switch. But the light also requires a switch in the TC to close for 4h or 4l. The actuator (singular) is in the diff and probably your problem. The things on the fender wall are VSV's (vacuum-switching valves).

 

[Clintskin]

2000 Surf 3.4L V6

Hi all
Thanks for this, my surf imported from Japan is engaging into 4x4 but then I cannot get it out. The light all flash no matter what mode I am in but even in 2H 4x4 stays engaged.
I have vacuum but maybe not enough? Need to check but limited tools currently. Will try get onto it tomorrow but advice appreciated.

Thanks

 

[SIN-Japan]

Hi all
Thanks for this, my surf imported from Japan is engaging into 4x4 but then I cannot get it out. The light all flash no matter what mode I am in but even in 2H 4x4 stays engaged.
I have vacuum but maybe not enough? Need to check but limited tools currently. Will try get onto it tomorrow but advice appreciated.

Thanks

Clintskin.
Did you every get this resolved? What was the end result?

 

[MudMud]

I'm glad this thread got bumped. I just learned some very cool info on how our TCs work.

 

[97t4r81]

Durk you da man.

 

[Joyce1bro]

Sorry to resurrect the thread but trying to trouble shoot.

Currently stuck in 4WD.

I have vacuum coming from the engine to the top of the vsv valve but when I click the button there is no vacuum coming out of the bottom of the vsv valve which is meant to happen?!?!

Is the valve meant to open allowing the vacuum to come through and disengaging the 4WD?

So with this thought I disconnected the top vacuum line and connected them directly to the lines that go to the diff or tc or wherever the lines go and still not dissengaging.

My thoughts are first - faulty VSV valves or at least there is no power getting to them.
Second - by bypassing the valve does that mean also my solenoid which activates the locking clip or whatever it’s called is also faulty?!

What’s your guys thoughts?

Oh and yes the 4WD lights in the dash as flashing. And I have a 99 surf/4Runner