2016 TRD Off Road stuck in 4 hi thinkin' mode

The dealership said actuator shorted out due to water...?!?!?

 

I don’t think your the first or last. I really think there is a flaw in the “not so” weather tight connector at the actuator. Sadly this is just further evidence that Toyota’s have become less offroad oriented than ever. This part should have a 12 month warranty so I would suggest trying the duplicate what you did previously to see if it fails again. Better that it happens while under warranty and then maybe Toyota can address the real cause of the issue- inferior parts or design flaw. Did the dealer work with you at all or did you have to pay for both parts and labor at full rate? If you don’t mind what did you have to pay them?
Glad you got it resolved and can move on.

 

After talking to a knowledgeable service writer we found out it's happened to several people. Very frustrating that it took on water and shorted out! He said it could've had a blown seal causing it to take on water but as you said, it's a 4wd...
We had purchased an extended warranty when we bought it and come to find out it covers everything just like the factory warranty so it was $100 out of pocket. It would've been $1000.
Thanks for your suggestions! Glad it's fixed! Onto the next adventure!

 

I exercise mine on wet roads about once a month and I have to drive through water all the time here. Is this something that happens around 40k? That really sucks! I guess Toyota is forcing owners to buy that extended warranty now. I have never used an extended warranty since I started driving toy trucks in 1984. I guess I need to consider getting one for this truck.

 

Not sure, happened to us at about 39k...extended warranty saved us $900.