V8 4Runner 4LO issues

[TravThePro]

I just helped a family member purchase an '04 V8 4Runner with 220k. The transfer case will not shift into 4LO, so I was hoping to pick some more experienced minds on this.

What I know:
-Center diff lock works fast and smooth while driving or stopped
-Center diff lock turns the correct dash lights on (all other buttons also work and turn their corresponding dash lights on)
-P/O claims to have used low range ~6 months ago
-T-case was pulled and had new seals installed at a local 4WD shop around a year ago
-Has an extensive service record behind it

V6 and other V8 4Runners I have worked on with bad T-case actuators have always had a flashing 4LO light that accompanies them never shifting into low range. This vehicle does not have any lights or sounds when you switch the knob either way.

What I assume:
Because the 4WD computer is working (confirmed with the center diff lock working and its communication with the dash of the vehicle) and the regular communication isn't happening with the 4LO or 4HI, I am led to believe that the vehicle most likely has a bad 4WD switch or faulty wiring.

Has anyone here had their 4WD selector go bad?

 

[MrSeth]

I just helped a family member purchase an '04 V8 4Runner with 220k. The transfer case will not shift into 4LO, so I was hoping to pick some more experienced minds on this.

What I know:
-Center diff lock works fast and smooth while driving or stopped
-Center diff lock turns the correct dash lights on (all other buttons also work and turn their corresponding dash lights on)
-P/O claims to have used low range ~6 months ago
-T-case was pulled and had new seals installed at a local 4WD shop around a year ago
-Has an extensive service record behind it

V6 and other V8 4Runners I have worked on with bad T-case actuators have always had a flashing 4LO light that accompanies them never shifting into low range. This vehicle does not have any lights or sounds when you switch the knob either way.

What I assume:
Because the 4WD computer is working (confirmed with the center diff lock working and its communication with the dash of the vehicle) and the regular communication isn't happening with the 4LO or 4HI, I am led to believe that the vehicle most likely has a bad 4WD switch or faulty wiring.

Has anyone here had their 4WD selector go bad?

I had a similar issue, turned out it was the 20A fuse for the 4wd system- mine blew when my motor was seized and it wouldn't engage. It's also possible that the plug is disconnected from the back of the switch itself- that was an issue on an '06 I worked on. I hope its something simple like that!

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

This is rare, but make sure the plastic selector knob on the dash is not stripped. It might feel like its turning to full engage, but not making the turn all the way.

 

[TravThePro]

I had a similar issue, turned out it was the 20A fuse for the 4wd system- mine blew when my motor was seized and it wouldn't engage. It's also possible that the plug is disconnected from the back of the switch itself- that was an issue on an '06 I worked on. I hope its something simple like that!

Thanks for the input. They are picking the vehicle up today, so I will give the 4WD fuse a good look and pull/inspect the rest of the fuses in both main boxes. Is the switch just clipped in to the dash, or do I need to pull the dash apart to get it out?

 

[TravThePro]

This is rare, but make sure the plastic selector knob on the dash is not stripped. It might feel like its turning to full engage, but not making the turn all the way.

It had spring tension and felt about right, but I could see this being the case if the knob is held with smaller plastic splines. Would this be something that can be glued and not worried about, or would it be worth it to go ahead and just replace it if I take it apart and see the splines are stripped?

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

I've only read about it happening from a comment exchange with a Toyota expert from NZ on his You Tube channel. He found the problem for someone when he was visiting here in the U.S. last year. You may want to look into it a little further. Like I said it's rare, so it may have nothing to do with your situation. It could be glued, but where I live in the Florida heat I wouldn't trust it for long. A good epoxy would be my choice for something like that. You might find one in a junk yard. Not sure what Toyota would charge for it even if you could find a part number for it. I found this doing a quick search on ebay. 2003-2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER AWD TRANSFER CASE DRIVE SELECTOR CONTROL SWITCH OEM | eBay

Good Luck!

 

[xtremewlr]

I've only read about it happening from a comment exchange with a Toyota expert from NZ on his You Tube channel. He found the problem for someone when he was visiting here in the U.S. last year. You may want to look into it a little further. Like I said it's rare, so it may have nothing to do with your situation. It could be glued, but where I live in the Florida heat I wouldn't trust it for long. A good epoxy would be my choice for something like that. You might find one in a junk yard. Not sure what Toyota would charge for it even if you could find a part number for it. I found this doing a quick search on ebay. 2003-2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER AWD TRANSFER CASE DRIVE SELECTOR CONTROL SWITCH OEM | eBay

Good Luck!

Don't bother with that ebay one. I'm doing a FJ tcase swap on my 03 V8 4R and have the selector knob assembly from my truck. I know it works, it was the actuators on mine that went bad and I gave up trying to fix it.

Shoot me an address and I'll send it to you. I swapped in a 2wd dash bezel since I'll have a manual shifting tcase.

 

[jdawg72!]

did you figure out the problem. I am having the same problem with my 03 4runner. Replaced the actuator because the oring was leaking and one of the rods pulled out while removing it. After reinstalling the transfer case i get noting trying to go into 4 low. checked fuses and they look good. Any testing I can do or ideas would be awesome. Thank you

 

[rdruss]

did you figure out the problem. I am having the same problem with my 03 4runner. Replaced the actuator because the oring was leaking and one of the rods pulled out while removing it. After reinstalling the transfer case i get noting trying to go into 4 low. checked fuses and they look good. Any testing I can do or ideas would be awesome. Thank you

My '03 LTD does the same thing, CDL works fine, 4Lo the light for it just blinks. As I recall it used to chime and blink but no chime now.

 

[Eddie Haskell]

I am chasing a “4 wheel lights just blinking” issue and went down this rabbit hole.
I believe I have a front actuator issue but your results may vary.
Transfer case actuator help (urgent) | Tacoma World