Won't come out of 4 wheel drive? Help!

We had our first measurable snow in western NY state this weekend. While going up a hill, I switched into 4 wheel drive, later when back on dry pavement I went to switch it off and nothing happened. It stayed in 4 wheel drive. The indicator light is flashing along with the 4-lo indicator. I tried all of the suggestions in the manual to get it out of 4 wheel drive with no success. I have an appointment at the local Toyota dealer this afternoon. Any suggestions on what is going on?

Thanks

 

Ahhh. They joys of electronic actuated 4x4.

That happened in my old tacoma. I just put it in 4x2, jammed it into reverse and floored it.

Its not in 4 low or anything? Any of the other electronic goodies activated that would need to be shut off before disengaging 4x4? I am not sure if that could even be the case, but may be worth playing with.

 

A lot of times the driveline has too much 'torque' built up and it can't release until the torque load is released.

Try disengagint it while sitting still.
Try going in reverse a few feet then in forward a few feet, repeat.
Move the steering wheel back & forth 1/4 turns

 

I have totally disappointed with mine since day one.
First thing is remember you need to stand on the clutch, it has to be completely to the floor.
When mine won't engage or disengage I turn the piece of shit knob into the position I am trying to get it too and shut off the truck, wait a few minutes and then start the truck, many times this will work after all other attempts don't.

 

I tried the reverse stuff and then come to a complete stop with the clutch in and nothing. I will try the downhill grade trick and the shut off while in neutral method as well at lunch.

Thanks for the help and if anyone has any others please chime in. I will report back on what happens. I hope to avoid the trip to Toyota service$$$$$$$ especially with Christmas buying looming.

 

I was having these same problems. It started off by taking time to disengage, then eventually, it wouldn't even engage anymore.

Originally dealer found it to be a faulty sensor/switch on the front diff., then after replacing it, realized that is was just a loose connection in the switch connector on the front diff.

They fixed the connection and it goes in and out with ease now.

If you are handy with a multi-meter, you can download the service manual for our trucks and it tells you how to check the wiring and switches.

 

yes mine was replaced under warranty at 16k. The service bill was $500 not to scare the op. What year is your truck, is it under waranty?

 

It is a 2005. I had no luck with the earlier suggestion and now sit in the waiting room at Toyota. I spoke with the mechanic and he said he was able to manually trigger the acuator between 4 and 2 wheel drive. He is now looking up stream at the switch. I will talk to him about switch connector. Thanks. I'll update when done.

 

The mechanic opened a technical case with Toyota. He was able to mechanically switch the drive back to 2 wheel drive, but the 4 wheel lights still flashes on the instrument panel. I talked about going into a switch box behind the glove compartment today to check the pins? Not sure what this means.

The vehicle is back at the Toyota shop today for a full day! I will update as I learn more. We are expecting 4-6 inches of snow here overnight, I hope they fix this!!!!

 

Final verdict.....the actuator is shot and needs replacement. $480 in diagnostics and $320 for the part. I feel abused

 

Bummer dude. Sorry to hear that. Some Christmas present from Toyota eh?

 

The actuator on the transfer case? That sucks.

For them to fix my corroded ground wire on the front axle, $470 in labor for diagnosing and repairing it. Awesome. I feel your pain.

The thing on your talking about behind the glovebox is the 4-wheel-drive ECU.

 

Where does one download the service manual please? Sorry for my ignorance.

 

It's got it all. You open the index file, and just click on what section you are looking for.

It is quite useful.

 

This is for the electrical diagrams: There's other Toyotas here if you need:

 

sorry to hear that news.

 

I've said it before and I'm going to say it again. I sure wish they still made a manual locking hub with manual stick to engage 4WD. It worked everytime on my 1985 Bornco II and my 1988 Isuzu Trooper.

 

I agree. I loved the gen 1 tacoma's stick shift to 2H - 4H - 4L. Never had a problem with it.

Thanks for all of your help my Tacoma forum brothers and sisters!

 

Awesome website for the repair manual.Now I get to dig into this engagement issue as well.