2003 4Lo and Locker issues

*Fixed* See post 12

I have a manual transmission 03 tacoma , 4wd with the button on the shifter, and electronic rear locker. I rarely use the locker or 4wd lo, but regularly use the 4hi in the winter. The truck goes into 4wd no problem, via the button on the shifter. Problem is, it won't shift into 4Lo at all. Like, I literally can't move the shift lever forward/down. It just freely moves around in a small circle like its in neutral.

When pressing the locker button, the light on the dash just flashes and the rear doesn't lock. I believe you must be in 4lo to lock the rear, but can't get that shifter to move.

I have tried putting it in 4hi and driving back and forth in reverse to try to line up and get the shifter to move, to no avail. I have the truck in neutral, clutch fully depressed and the shifter will not budge to 4lo.

I'm sure something is seized up and preventing it from moving. I just have no idea where to begin with it. Any problems I've had with this truck (minimal) has been due to rusting and corrosion of some part or peice.

Anyone had this issue? I tried searching all over, but just about any thread is related to 2nd gens with the dial, or problems just with the rear locker. The rear locker may be stuck too, but I can't even get to that until I can get into 4 lo.

 

Never heard of that issue, i would probably take the t case shifter out and take a look inside. Maybe the shifter broke? otherwise you have a far more irritating problem and may need to swap the case out.

 

my shifter is very tight, it wont move side to side more than a C hair. Defiantly no moving it it in circles.

 

Now that you mention it shouldn't move around....is that like at all? It should only go forward and back correct?

Mine literally moves in a 6" circle all around.

Got me thinking, doing more looking online. Found another person who had their clutch changed and the dealer didn't install the transfer shifter correctly. I had my clutch done a couple years ago, and I'm sure I haven't used 4lo since. Could it be possible the didn't install the shifter correctly, which is why it moves so much?

Here is the other thread I found

http://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/how-to-help-reinstall-transfer-case-shifter.248579/

 

I have the same truck but an 04. The 4wd lever only moves UP. It should always be in 2H when not in 4x4, then you 'shift' into 4hi by pressing the button (shift on fly).

When you try going into 4lo, you are at a complete stop and in neutral/clutch in, right? It won't go into 4Lo otherwise. The locker is designed to only engage in 4lo.

 

Yes, I am in neutral with clutch in, not moving. However, I think something is up with the lever itself. It just freely moves around in a circle. Like when the stick shifter is in neutral and you can play it left and right. The transfer shifter does the same thing, but moves up and back as well. I can take a video if need be.

 

I believe you, just wanted to make sure because that's sometimes a common misunderstanding. Somethings def not working right then, I'm not too savvy yet on how our t-case works but it sounds like a linkage problem maybe? If you're like me and not too handy with a wrench, I'd take it into a trusted mechanic. Might just be something simple that needs adjustment.

 

the shifter being installed improperly is very plausible iirc in the stock location its not easy to see the alignment hole without having the case in low range before the handle is removed. Most places would likely remove the snap ring that holds the shifter in the bracket. Without placing the case in low its next to impossible to get that darn thing in correctly. If you remove the whole shifter base with the 4 bolts its really easy you may need to get a new gasket or some RTV. I remember some sort of an issue from the first time i did it.

To inspect it i suggest removing the shift and whole base that way you can actually see the allignment hole. I have an extra case and shifter somewhere around here if you need pictures.

 

Those pictures would be great. I am comfortable digging into it, as long as I have a direction. I have the FSM, and am about to go take apart the console and shifter now. Hopefully I can get the snap ring off without snap ring pliers.

Thanks for your help, btw!

 

Now that i think about it im not sure if it was low ranger or neutral it should have been in. I just remember having an irritating experience trying to get it back in the first time i did it.

 

Thanks. I just got done. That's exactly what it was. The little ball end with the bushing on it was not in that hole. It was just free wheeling around in there. The truck was in hi, that's how I was able to drive it all this time, using the button for 4wheel drive.

Went through all my positions, 4wd, hi, 4lo and turned the locker on. Everything works great, and everything unlocked and back into 2hi as it should.

I will for sure be engaging them all regularly from now on. I don't want my locker seizing up like I see in a lot of threads.

Capetaco-Thanks for the quick help. Funny how just that little comment about it not having any play in the lever helped tremendously to narrow it right down.

 

Nice! Congrats on the fix...Tacomaworld saves the day

 

nice that its a simple easy fix.

 

No shit! Of course, my mind went straight to the worst thoughts possible and I wasn't too happy for a little bit lol.

Hopefully now, if anyone else has the problem, this page will come up in google.

 

Believe me I know how it is. I did a really difficult trail last weekend in my stock 2004 Tacoma, got through it fine but I nailed my transfer case skid plate (aftermarket) on a rock. Once I got on the freeway home, every time I'd shift under high RPM I'd hear this god awful, metal on metal grinding sound from under the truck. I immediately thought I had roasted my transmission or did something that would require a rebuild. I spent all week talking myself out of the anxiety of having to drop a few grand on a new transmission or t-case.

Finally took it to the shop...the skid plate had been pushed up against the t-case and was rubbing. Just needed to be bent back into place. Easy fix lol.