Can't engage 4WD, 4WD light is blinking

Hello TW,

just recently bought a 2002 tacoma trd , and now my 4wd light is blinking and seem i cannot engage into 4wd. I been searching thru online to find out and no luck so i was wondering if anyone know any 02 taco vacuum routing or anything invole with 4x4.

TY

 

Do you have a manual lever T-case or an electric/manual lever T-case?

 

I assume you've tried moving forward a bit to see if it will engage? Doesn't always engage right away, its not uncommon to have to move forward a few feet

 

Likely the actuator, it's a common fail part on electronic shift transfer cases. One reason I wish all trucks still had true manual t-cases which were pretty much fool proof. I'm going to swap mine for a true manual case in the future no doubt.

 

The 2002 Tacoma 4X has an electronically controlled push button 4wd shift
and is not a mechanical "J" lever like the 2000's and prior.

The 02's 4X push button engages 4WD
While the 4X shift lever offers Low - neutral - Hi selections
But the linkage moves electronically (accuator)... when pushing the button.
not mechanical like the earlier "J" shifter.

Do you hear the accuator engage when pushing the 4WD button ?
if not... they have been known to fail.

Got any mud packed in and around the linkage - wiring ?
mud, debris or a water freeze can bind the linkage.

Possibly a faulty ADD solenoid or vacuum leak at the front axle ?
sometimes the vacuum hose falls off or the solenoid fails.

Will it shift into low range... driving just the rear axle ?

If the front axle is not engaging...
and the accuator makes sound when pushing the 4WD button...

^ I might suspect something is wrong with the ADD (automatic differential disconnect)


Both the 4WD accuator and the ADD should make noise
when they are engaging.
Not always can that be heard while sitting in the driver's seat.

Have an external helper get closer to the source and listen
while those engagements are being made.

Electronic faults are not easy to diagnose
unless you know how and have the right tools.

But you could at least make an visual inspection.