2003 manual trans not engaging in 4WD

Found out my 4wd had stopped working when I could've really used it. I then took it to two separate mechanics and they both said it was the ADD actuator. The one mechanic just replaced the actuator with a brand new one and still no dice with the 4wd. They have no idea what it is and don't have time for about a month to even look at it and try again.

I don't use the 4wd often - and at the point I noticed it had stopped working it had been a solid 7 months since I had engaged it. I'm hearing now that I should use it more often otherwise it "gunks up." But I am at a loss for what that means and what next steps I should take to use my 4wd again. What can I check?

Thank you in advance!

 

I'm assuming it's a push button 4wd?

Check if the 4wd computer is burnt.
Verified there's power at the 4wd button ans make sure the 4wd button work.

The mechanic changed the ADD at the tube, did they test the actuator at the tcase?

 

Yep, it's a push button.

I doubt he checked the tcase actuator... he basically guessed the problem based on ruling out other issues.

How would I verify the computer/power? I can usually hear the noise of it attempting to switch into 4wd when I depress the button, so I am guessing there is power to it

 

I put my Tacoma in 4 High sometimes a few times a month.

I venture it is stuck from not being used.

Any members in your local area close ?? Have you posted there ??

Average shops that seldom see Toyota 4x4`s can be quite clueless with trouble shooting 4x4 problems.

Time to break out the multi meter or buy one and learn to trouble shoot electrical problems .

 

It's cheaper and easier to just swap to j pattern tcase and spindle with manual locking hub.

 

From the sounds of it, you're having a mechanic do this work, so right off the bat you're getting only the best they can do in the time they quoted you.

Often times with 4wd issues in these trucks, it's just that the connections need to be disconnected, cleaned, and reconnected. Dirt, debris, and water get in over the years and cause issues. Just flat out replacing one of the actuators without considering the larger picture isn't great. The actuators kinda know where they are in their travel, and can easily be thrown out if not carefully maintained.

If I were in your position, I would try calling a few different shops, and explain the issue. If someone mentions any of what I did, go to them. If they suggest more new parts keep moving.

 

I wish it was that simple and easy...

 

Sometimes it is that easy!!

But never on my own ADD systems just the people that show up and say I never engaged my 4wd in the 3 years I owned the vehicle

 

Disconnecting, cleaning, and reconnecting worked for me... but I also used to do a lot of water crossings and snow mobbing, so it's likely a result of that.

 

I really appreciate the feedback!

I'm looking up multimeters now (very cheap!)

Andy01DblCabTacoma : As a very new amateur/sad mechanic/tinkerer, do you recommend any resources or name of thing to disconnect, clean, and reconnect? Are you just meaning where the actuator meets the tcase?

 

02hilux I really hope that's not the case! The push button is a little silly, but I hope it's not as expensive as cutting the shifters and a conversion :/ Maybe if I was more mechanically inclined and had another vehicle to fall back on... and lived in a city and not the boonies

 

You could not pay me enough to live in a town let alone a city.

The woods work just fine!

If you were close I would be glad to help solve this problem.

Good luck!

 

Depending on what transfer case you have (J-shift or push button) you have one or two actuators. one on the t case, and another on the stub shaft.

Just crawl under there with a can of electric contact cleaner and a plastic brush. Disconnect those connectors, spray the cleaner in there and hit 'em with the brush. Wait for the cleaner to evap and then connect everything back up. Just try to do the ones you're after as not to introduce other issues. Whatever brand of electric contact cleaner is fine. CRC, etc...