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2003 Tacoma 4wd not working

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by hokiee, Apr 6, 2017.

  1. Apr 6, 2017 at 5:47 PM
    #1
    hokiee

    hokiee [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
    #185954
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    First Name:
    John
    Gloucester VA
    Vehicle:
    2003 Red Tacoma TRD
    So I just picked up a 2003 Tacoma (I knew the 4x4 was not engaging prior to purchase).

    I do not hear the actuator engaging as I have other 03-04 tacomas when 4x4 is engaged, I have no light, and I definitely have no power to the front wheels.

    Regardless if the 4wd button is engaged I cannot turn the drive shaft when the truck is on the ground leading me to believe one of the actuators is stuck engaged. I can turn the wheel (and the shaft turns) when the truck is jacked up but the other wheel remains stationary so the front diff most certainty isn't locking but I am concerned the transfer case is not locking either since I can spin the drive shaft by hand (when jacked up)....I am in the process of looking for loose vacuum lines or electrical....I'd like to try to narrow down which actuator (or if it's both) causing me trouble before I go through the trouble of pulling either one out.....

    Any advice or common wiring issues? I have seen where the front actuator often has the leads/wires break off and can be fixed fairly simple if that is the case....just seems like I have more than one problem going here with the system.
     
    Last edited: Apr 6, 2017
  2. Apr 6, 2017 at 5:49 PM
    #2
    DustStorm4x4

    DustStorm4x4 BBC 2020

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    You're sure it's not just a broken front axle?
     
  3. Apr 6, 2017 at 5:54 PM
    #3
    hokiee

    hokiee [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2016
    Member:
    #185954
    Messages:
    320
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Gloucester VA
    Vehicle:
    2003 Red Tacoma TRD
    If it was a broken front diff I would be able to hear the actuator engage and I think I would have some noise etc, axles are good and also i would get the 4wd light if the actuator was knowingly engaging....I am pretty confident this is specific to one or possibly both of the actuators.
     

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