4x4 does not activate when cold

2011 V6 O/R A/T
I know that there is a similar thread about this subject, but my issue appears different as I have done no work to driveline of truck beyond routine change of fluids at 60k last summer.

When cold (20F or below). The truck either does not go into 4x4 mode, or will take a long time to engage when I move the selector. The 4x4 light blinks when this happens. I also do not hear the noise of engagement (seems like a relay located on passenger side foot panel) when this happens.

I don't know if there is a relay, or if I have to change out something else. As it is cold where I live (NH) and cannot get under truck to fix, if necessary, I will have to take it somewhere. A tranny shop that I trust? I will NOT go to local dealer.

Thanks

 

Does it engage when the truck has warmed up or been running for a bit?

 

How often do you engage your 4x4?

 

It only happens in cold weather. I use 4x4 "on-occasion". Usually in summer when I am on dirt roads and winter with snow. Does not seem to be impacted by engine temp. I can run on hiway for a while and still no 4x4. Seems more external temp related.

 

You need to be turning on 4x4 every month. have you tried 4lo in neutral? have you tried to go in reverse to get it to engage? its possible its not temp related & that it just fails in the winter cause you use it more often?

 

If it’s the actuator contacts, it doesn’t matter how much you use it.
The contacts are a weak point. (IMOP the whole setup is)
If you take it to a shop, they will likely throw actuators at it.
They are fairly expensive, if your contacts are just loose. It’s cheaper to solder the contacts.

Of course there are other reasons this the 4WD system won’t engage.
This issue is pretty prevalent in the generation truck.

Have a look over here at many more like this.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-trouble-shoot-4x4-actuator.263525/page-4

 

I sure wish we could go back to the days of shifters instead of electrical actuators. I never saw a picture of a shifter that was near as bad as that picture. And the mfg. tells us it's an improvement.....BS. And yes shifting in & out of 4X4 and Hi to Lo & back, every month, will help keep it loosened up, but be sure not to do it on concrete or asphalt. The hard surfaces can put things in a terrible bind.

 

Thanks to all. Seems like I will have to take it to a shop as I can't work on truck in this weather

 

Good Luck - Let us know whats up!

 

Sucks, sounds like 4x4 actuator, 4x4 limit switch, or ADD limit switch. Let’s walk through it next time you engage.