1997 Tacoma 4x4 Problems

My 1997 Toyota Tacoma will not engage in 4x4. when i press the button the 4x4 light does not go on but it does make the clicking sound. I can here the actuator make a noise too. i took one of the vacuum hoses off of the actuator and there is no suction coming to or from the actuator. Do I need a new actuator? Please help

 

Can you hear the transfer case sound like it shifted? I don't think it's an actuator problem...

 

No I cant hear the transfer case make any noise. Only actuator when the button is pushed.

 

im going to say that it is going to be pretty hard to diagnose your problem on a complicated system like the 4wd train over the internet unless you provide a whole lot of specific details and trouble shoot scenarios

 

well how much more detail? the 4x4 does not work what so ever. No 4 lo or hi. the actuator seems to work becuase it makes a noise. I never opened up the differential.

 

There is a actuator on your front diff to the passenger side of the diff's nose. You have to be looking from the back of the truck to the front. Make sure everything is connected. When my 4x4 did not work there was a vacuum hose was disconnected.

 

I just checked and all hoses are connected.

 

I have the sr5 which has the push button 4x4 knob with auto locking hubs

 

I have nothing to add to this conversation, but I just wanted to say hi from Anchorage. Always nice to see a fellow Alaskan on the forum

Good luck with your issue.

 

Yes

 

I also removed the vacuum hose to the actuator and engaged the 4x4 and it makes the same exact sound when i engage the 4x4 with the hose on the actuator. I dont know if this helps or not.

 

Well I wish I could help you with this, but I even double checked my VIN, (I had a stroke and have memory problems) but my 96 is sr5 and it had electronic 4wd, but it is manual, from what i had read, i did not think they added the push button several years later. 4wd systems are nothing to mess around with unless you really know what you are doing. Toyota's are very reliable, even with half/ass care, I would check with a shop.

 

Yeah I think its only on the sr5. All of my friends who dont have the sr5 dont have the push button autolocking hubs and sun roof. i have power mirrors, locks, and windows as well.

 

I have a 96 mt with a push button nob. Hey your 4x4 light can burn out. Have you tested ur 4x4 in any other way?

 

Yeah on ice in a parking lot. only the rear tires spin. i need to get a running start if i go up a hill with snow/ice. I have been driving all winter in 2wd since it hasn't worked for me. I just put sand bags in the back but i would really like to do some off roading during the summer and i need 4x4 for that

 

Ya i hear ya. If I am guessing that you have gone in reverse trying toengage it. Have you checked the fuses? The 4x4 system is both electric and vacuum activated.

 

Yeah I both checked the fuses and tried putting 4x4 while in reverse and no luck still

 

ok I am looking in my haynes manual trying to find something.

 

Okay thanks. keep me updated

 

First it has u making sure all vacuum lines are connected, then It has you checking the resistance of the front actuator and the ADD solenoids(37-44ohms).
Replace if needed. Sorry not much help, but i can take pictures of take video of the section if needed.