4 wheel drive not working

Thanks Maine, I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues again. And yes, I too would prefer the old locking hubs and floor shifter!

 

Thanks Tn! I'll definitely keep this in mind if I run into it again. Fortunately, when testing it out today, it did just fine and my 4 wheel drive engaged right away. Hopefully it stays that way.

 

I am having a similar issue - my truck goes into 4H without issue but it won't go into 4L.

I came to a full stop, put the truck in neutral [it is a MT] and shifted into 4L from 4H -
I tried going back/forth in a straight line a few times but the 4Lo just keeps blinking.
I gotta go try again but was hoping someone here had some tips/tricks that may help me get this sorted out.
e.g. does the clutch need to be fully depressed when I flip into 4L? [or does it matter as long as I'm in neutral] - edit: I see on the 4WD system operation help thread [thx @TnShooter] that the clutch must be depressed so I am gonna try this tomorrow and see if it cooperates.

Otherwise it is on to further testing - while I may not /need/ 4Lo often/whatever, I would like to know why it isn't working at a minimum - I 100% second @JAGCanada sentiment on this.

I too would love to have a manual transfer case and old school manual locking hubs.

 

On a manual to get in and out of 4lo clutch must be fully depressed and vehicle speed under 3mph, doesn't matter what gear the transmission is in.
The system will beep when a shift is attempted and conditions are not correct to complete the shift.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4wd-system-operation-help-thread.742420/

 

Thx - I took a look at that and saw that system note.
I was stopped/in neutral when I went to move from 4H to 4L but I doubt I had the clutch depressed [since i was in neutral]
It did beep and kept beeping so that is helpful to know too.

I did look in the owner's manual and it said nothing about keeping the clutch depressed -

 

Throwing the switch with the clutch depressed did the trick
It went right into 4L with no issue [light on, no beeping]
The Trac OFF and traction/control light came on right away too; unlike when I didn't have the clutch depressed and only the 4Lo light came on with the beep/beeps

Glad I got that sorted out and I appreciate the advice.

I got one more question -
While looking in the owner/s manual, it says to drive in 4WD for 10 miles each month to make sure everything is in working order etc.
I don't do this but I do have the habit of driving a few miles every other month in 4WD just to make sure it all works, if I haven't used it in a bit for real - is there any best recommendation or is that 10miles/month a good baseline?

 

I don't think you need to drive it that far, the main thing is that you engage it regularly to keep things from getting stuck.
Also keep an eye on those vent hoses that go to the actuators, if they fail water and dirt will get in and quicky wreck them.

 

I just drive mine maybe 50 yards in 4WD.
Just engaging to get the ring gear and pinion good and covered.

So far, that seems to work.
16 years and no problems……….yet

 

Thanks @TnShooter + @Dm93
I'll make sure I locate the vent hoses and keep an eye on them - every 5K I change the oil and lube the driveshaft so I'll just add that to my maintenance to/do list while I'm under there