4WD won't engage, where do I start??

I have no front wheel engagement when I push my 4wd button. Truck is manual and have tried engaging while rolling and at a stop. Also tried in low range and nothing. Is this common? Is there a specific order I should start checking stuff? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Basic troubleshooting is where you need to start. Since you have "push button" 4x4, start by finding out if anything happens when you push the button. You should be able to hear the actuator and the light on the dash may flash or go solid. Then logically work from there until you find the problem. Good luck!

 

I can't really help you. But always go from easy to hardest. Check fuses, push button switch and move to more expensive. If it gets too complicated for you, take it to someone who know what they are doing.

 

Post #10 has some FSM info.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4wd-wont-engage-troubleshooting.126986/

 

03? do you have that second stick to change to 4w?

 

He has a manual, it has push button 4wd. Even if its auto and has manual shift 4wd it's still partially actuator operated.

 

OP, any updates? Were you able to check anything? If so what did you find?

 

So far nothing. No light comes on in the dash and I can't seem to hear any actuator when the button is pushed. Button seems dead, my next move is to try to jump the wires and see if its the switch.

 

If you havent already check fuses before digging too deap. If the fuse is good then check the switch. If you have a voltmeter you can also check for shorts/opens in the wiring.

 

Yep, it's a pretty stupid setup. They should have just kept the ol' J shifter full manual transfercase in these trucks up until the end. I want to say 02 was the last year before they went to the push button setup. You can still manually engage it into neutral or 4LO but that's it, 4HI is the button.

 

I second that!!

 

I know this sounds really lame, but check the battery and the battery terminal.
When I bought my truck, the battery terminal was super loose yet all the way tightened.
Cruise control didn't work and neither did 4wd. I just thought I'd have to put in some work.
However, when I changed the terminal, the battery got enough charge and cruise control and 4wd started to work again.

don't be a bone head like me.

 

All auto Trans to 04 have manual shift 4wd. Just the manual Trans that have push button.

 

My auto has a push button.

 

Mine is 03 and has shifter, maybe 03 was the last year then. Why they would change for one year is kinda wierd.

 

Seems as if nobody knows, it's a mystery as to why some have push button and some have shifter.https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ransfer-case-lever-and-some-dont.67792/page-3

 

My 04 with a Auto has a stick for 4X4.