Fun Service Visit. Should I be concerned?

You'd think it would be this easy and I hope you're right. These things do take time to diagnose

 

Shouldnt all that info be figured out via vin#? Im pretty sure they would know once typed in if its trd/sr5/limited etc.

Sounds like id be taking my truck to the next stealership.

 

The actuators on these trucks are pure junk,Toyota needs too go back too locking hubs and a 4x4 shift.

 

I said the same thing haha

 

Toyota recommends you run the truck in 4wd once a month (for 10 miles if memory serves me correct). This is to move the oil around in the transfer case.

 

I hadn't heard that. Not your actual response but that seems dumb to me by Toyota. Just an odd expectation by them

 

They also recommend it because it keeps the actuators used to being used. The more often it gets exercised, the quicker and easier it locks into place.

 

It's in the owners manual.

 

It's been recommended on the trucks for as long as I can remember, same recommendation was listed for my 91 in the owners manual, had to lock the hubs for 10 miles one a month. When they switched to autolocking hubs like I have on my 04, it was engage 4wd for those 10 miles a month.

 

You're ok if you drive in a mostly straight line. When I can't get offroad I usually throw it into 4wd during one of my daily commutes and just keep the speeds below 65mph, 55 if it happens to be a rainy day.

Or just make yourself go offroading more.

 

This right here. I tried to put mine in 4-lo earlier this year and it would not go the first couple times. I had it in 4-hi many times, but just never tried 4-lo. Eventually it went, and has worked fine ever since.

And BTW, all manufacturers recommend using the 4wd system on a regular basis to keep parts moving freely and lubricated.

 

I really need to get out and use mine at least a month. I was pretty lazy with engaging it over last summer

 

I didn't know about that, good to know. Also I apologize I didn't meant to sound dismissive. I'll be in town tomorrow, may drop by the dealer tomorrow for an update

 

UPDATE: Toyota corp will now be involved in solving the issue. Hopefully I'll get the truck back this week

 

Any update OP?
Know it's been awhile, but hope it has gone better.

 

Thank you! Sorry I haven't updated, got the truck back a little over a week ago. Finally they traced the issue back to a module that communicates from the ECU to the 4WD actuator that was also replaced. Overall the explanation was way over my head and I'm sure some of you guy would've understood it better haha. I asked what caused this and they couldn't give me a reason, just that it was rare and random issue they hadn't seen before. I asked the service advisor who was great during this process what his outlook would be if he were in my shoes. He told me if it were closer to a stock truck he would trade it. Because of my upgrades he said it would be a tough call regardless. Although, Toyota would stand behind anything that would happen and to closely monitor it. I'll occasionally check on the 4wd and see how it goes. After the dealership was begging me to trade it in I've ultimately decided to keep it, at least while it's still under warranty then she'll more than likely be gone. Other than the extended time I was out of my truck I can't complain. They gave me something to drive and offered to come get my truck wherever if it happens again. Thanks to all for the input and help.

 

Glad they got it fixed for you.

 

These GOD DAMN dealers don't know how to fix this issue!! My hell, how hard can it be!!??

 

There is not substitute for a full time 4wd, but I will admit I rarely get a benefit from it in my FJ. I live in Austin TX where it rarely snows or ices over.

Im not trying to be snobby, but the more I think about the Tacoma 4wd I cant help but think the decal should be 4x4*.

 

Stupid thing isTechstream will essentially diagnose the problem for you if you just spend a minute on it...