The Dreaded 4-Lo Issue

[mark76]

I’ve seen a couple threads about the problem of 4Runners not shifting into 4-Lo and had a question about that issue: once the problem is fixed once, is it likely to return?

I’m looking at a 2007 4Runner V6 with about 70,000 miles. During the test drive we discovered that it won’t shift into 4-Lo. 4-Hi works fine. The dealer is working on the 4-Lo issue now. If they fix it and it shifts into 4-Lo, does that mean that the problem has likely been resolved? Or is this something that’s likely to be a persistent problem?

The 4Runner is otherwise in great shape, so I’m still interested in it if the 4-Lo problem is fixed. But if it looks like it’s going to have a recurring issue of not shifting into 4-Lo, then I’m not buying it.

Thanks very much for the help!
-Mark

 

[superman3043]

As long as you remember to exercise the actuator by switching it into low every once in a while, it should be fine.

Most people recommend doing it once a month.

Hope that helps.

 

[mrpanic7]

I’ve seen a couple threads about the problem of 4Runners not shifting into 4-Lo and had a question about that issue: once the problem is fixed once, is it likely to return?

I’m looking at a 2007 4Runner V6 with about 70,000 miles. During the test drive we discovered that it won’t shift into 4-Lo. 4-Hi works fine. The dealer is working on the 4-Lo issue now. If they fix it and it shifts into 4-Lo, does that mean that the problem has likely been resolved? Or is this something that’s likely to be a persistent problem?

The 4Runner is otherwise in great shape, so I’m still interested in it if the 4-Lo problem is fixed. But if it looks like it’s going to have a recurring issue of not shifting into 4-Lo, then I’m not buying it.

Thanks very much for the help!
-Mark

I'd say depends on what they did to "fix" it. Don't sign anything of course until it is fixed, and I would ask to see what they did to fix it. If they but new actuators, or what.