4wd actuator

My truck will no longer engage into 4wd. While on a trail I put it in 4x4 and it shifted hard with a knock and got locked into gear. I was able to jar it loose so it can drive and turn a corner but the computer knows it has a problem. How do you repair or replace the actuator?

 

Find the FSM on here, the troubleshooting and procedure is in there.

 

Well you didnt provide us much info, so its kind of hard to answer any questions...
There are 2 actuators, one in front diff, one in transfer case.

Techstream is the best solution, as it will provide us MOST of the data we need to troubleshoot.
But can troubleshoot with ohmmeter also.
The parts removal and replacement route would NOT be recommended without alot more data.

 

Forgot link

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4wd-actuator-troubleshooting-transfer-case-and-add.578262/

 

Sorry, I'm new here and technology and I don't get along.
What information would you need?
What is Techstream?

 

Techstream is a computer program (with an associated dongle that attaches computer USB to truck OBD port). Techstream is what the dealers use to service the truck, pull codes, install new ECU firmware updates for transmission etc. The real-deal costs thousands of dollars, but functional dongles are available online ~$50 and copies of the program are floating around on the site.... Its not required, but its gives ALOT of data that we can use, such as the sensor readings from each of the (2) actuators.

Need some kind of data to narrow it down to which actuator is giving problems. (for example)
Do you have check engine light on. If so has anybody read the code? If so, does it go away when restarting?
Does truck think you are in 2hi or 4hi or 4lo? Can you change it from one to the other but not back again? Have you verified what mode it is in by jacking up some tires? Do you have blinking lights? or warning messages?

Just some examples

 

If you want to work on today's tech you need some program that can interface with your truck and you. Even if you go to NAPA they will plug into the truck OBD port and tell you your codes. Your codes will tell you your problem. There is no more guessing much.

 

Just a glimpse of what you're dealing with...
If you can pull codes, it can narrow it down a little.

 

I have plugged into the OBD. There are no codes. Just the message on the dash that says 2wd 4wd change fail

 

Ok
To start with, you have an OR or sport?
truck in 2wd or 4wd (in reality if you jack up some wheels or turn sharp, etc)?
truck selector in 2hi, 4hi, 4lo?
can you do anything to stop the message, put it in 4hi, restart, etc?
any blinking lights, any 4hi indicators, 4lo indicators, etc?

 

2016 TRD 4x4. it is not locked in gear. There are no codes, just the message on the dash " 2wd 4wd change failure and flashing yellow triangle. It won't let me try to go into 4wd

 

If you're not storing a code, you're safely in 2Hi, and the message won't go away, maybe pull both battery terminals (negative off first and on last) and touch them together to drain down the whole deal.

 

No change in status

 

Which OBD scanner?
Is it capable of accessing the 4wd ecu?

 

That sucks.

It seems that @BigWhiteTRD has all the good ideas.

 

No ideas yet
Just trying to get some data

(Although mode change warning without flashing and no mil probably reduces the options)

 

That's an odd set of symptoms.
When I have had similar it has been caused by failure of one of my spoofers... (feedback constant even though ecu commanding change)... but that only occurred when commanding a change from 2wheel to 4hi, etc...

As Tony said... first step I would do in your position is pull battery (short terminals) and power back up and see if it immediately returns

 

I have taken it to a shop that has a better OBD scanner. I will have the results this morning.

 

Apparently the front differential actuator failed and had to be replaced.
Thank you for your help and Input.

 

Can you say what the nature of the failure was? Water intrusion?