VCS/TRAC I don't know, Need help

[Fortini01]

2003 4Runner
V6
84,400 Miles
100% Stock

I am having a problem and could use some help please. Please keep in mind I have read the manual and don't really understand it.

The button on the dash, left of the steering wheel will not work. If I push it nothing happens at all, even if I switch to 4H still nothing. When driving on the highway in 2H the truck seems to be louder than normal and my mpg is going down. The truck does not seem to handle very well when rounding a bend or taking a corner, twice it slid on me. As embarrassed as I am saying this I simply cannot afford to bring it to a dealer or shop right now. Thanks you for your help.

Steve

 

[MikesToy]

Accdg to your post above, that's the best way to ruin your 4R. Go on a dirt road and put it on 4L and push that button. It works best when you're stuck.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

2003 4Runner
V6
84,400 Miles
100% Stock

I am having a problem and could use some help please. Please keep in mind I have read the manual and don't really understand it.

The button on the dash, left of the steering wheel will not work. If I push it nothing happens at all, even if I switch to 4H still nothing. The button is the center differential lock. It should only be used on the dirt. The surface should be more slick than wet pavement and you must be in 4wd before it'll lock the center diff. When I say 'in 4wd' I mean no flashing lights; ie transition complete and the t-case is fully into it's 4wd mode (4hi or 4lo). When driving on the highway in 2H the truck seems to be louder than normal and my mpg is going down. The truck does not seem to handle very well when rounding a bend or taking a corner, twice it slid on me. Sounds very basic but fill up the tires. They're low on air is my guess. Don't forget to do the spare. As embarrassed as I am saying this I simply cannot afford to bring it to a dealer or shop right now. Thanks you for your help.

Steve

More on the t-case here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/42645-4wd-v6.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/12-01-up-4wd-system-trac-vsc-torsen-t-3-a.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/92-difficulty-engaging-4wd.html

 

[Fortini01]

Thank you very much for the help. I should have been a bit more clear when I stated trying the 4wd, I did try that on a old dirt road, going through alot right now and I guess I mis-spoke when I was typing.
I found part of my issue, the switch on the left was completely disconnected. I don't have any idea how that happened, I have bought it 02/09 and no one has worked on it since I bought it. The sliding should stop now I would think anyway.
I checked the tire pressure and filled as needed, the left rear was 7psi off and the other three were all within 4psi. I am pretty good at checking them weekly as with all the fluids.
Again, thank you very much

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Thank you very much for the help. I should have been a bit more clear when I stated trying the 4wd, I did try that on a old dirt road, going through alot right now and I guess I mis-spoke when I was typing.
I found part of my issue, the switch on the left was completely disconnected. I don't have any idea how that happened, I have bought it 02/09 and no one has worked on it since I bought it. The sliding should stop now I would think anyway.
I checked the tire pressure and filled as needed, the left rear was 7psi off and the other three were all within 4psi. I am pretty good at checking them weekly as with all the fluids.
Again, thank you very much

Glad it was a simple fix. Good find on the switch being unplugged, who would've thunk? I can only guess someone had it apart for something and forgot to plug it back in:bash:

 

[scottm]

Or perhaps someone pushed the center differential lock switch by accident or curiosity, and it was unplugged to prevent future buffoonery and damage. Or maybe the diff got stuck in the locked position, and after it was unstuck this was done until the owner got around to figuring out what to do about it.