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4wd Not Engaging

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by jpmizelle, Sep 29, 2015.

  1. Sep 29, 2015 at 11:53 AM
    #1
    jpmizelle

    jpmizelle [OP] Member

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Paul
    Huntsville, AL
    Vehicle:
    01 Tacoma
    Been a lurking member for a while, lots of great stuff on here. I have a problem with my 4wd not engaging. Its a 2001 auto tranny with the j shifter. Last year I had to have the flywheel replaced and after that the 4wd light did not come on again, although I took it back and they rechecked all of the connections and it was good, but 4wd DID work. I have used 4wd an uncountable amount of times since then. However, yesterday I got into a tight spot and put it in and nothing. I did have to replace the battery last week and already checked the 20 amp fuse under the dash and all is good. Just don't know where to look next. Thanks!
     
  2. Sep 30, 2015 at 7:08 AM
    #2
    jpmizelle

    jpmizelle [OP] Member

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    Paul
    Huntsville, AL
    Vehicle:
    01 Tacoma
    Anybody? I pulled off the skid plates to get to the axle and 4wd actuator yesterday and am going to start checking wires and all today. Just don't know where to start throwing parts at it. thanks
     
  3. Sep 30, 2015 at 7:59 AM
    #3
    Clay_916

    Clay_916 Well-Known Member

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    Fort Collins, CO
    Vehicle:
    2000 x-cab 4x4
    5100's, All Pro 3" Standard leafs, 32" KM 2's
    I'd jack up the front end, turn the wheels or axles and look/listen for anything unusual. There isn't a clean cut way to diagnose this issue, you just need to get under there and get after it.
     
  4. Oct 1, 2015 at 9:21 AM
    #4
    jpmizelle

    jpmizelle [OP] Member

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    Paul
    Huntsville, AL
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    01 Tacoma
    I traced and tracked wires yesterday and could not see anyting broken or out of sort. I'll put her on stands in a bit. I figure the 4wd actuator may be a good place to start replacing given the age of the truck.
     
  5. Oct 1, 2015 at 9:33 AM
    #5
    Clay_916

    Clay_916 Well-Known Member

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    Fort Collins, CO
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    2000 x-cab 4x4
    5100's, All Pro 3" Standard leafs, 32" KM 2's
    Did you try turning the axles manually with your hands? I'd just follow the torque and see where it's not carrying through and start diagnosing there.
     
  6. Oct 2, 2015 at 11:28 AM
    #6
    Fernando

    Fernando Hammerdown

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    Fernando
    Sacramento
    Vehicle:
    04 Tacoma DC 4x4
    Too many, See Build
    I have a brand new 4x4 switch sitting here if you need it....when my 4wd went out I bought it from Toyota...turns out my ADD had gone out.

    PM me if intrested
     
  7. Oct 2, 2015 at 9:42 PM
    #7
    jpmizelle

    jpmizelle [OP] Member

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    Paul
    Huntsville, AL
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    01 Tacoma
    Thanks, but I've got a new actuator coming.
     
  8. Oct 2, 2015 at 9:50 PM
    #8
    akamrkent

    akamrkent Well-Known Member

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    Kent
    San Jose
    Vehicle:
    2004 Black Tacoma TRD
    Homemade Bumper and Skid plate, OME lift, Powertrax auto locker(front dif) and a Leer Shell
  9. Oct 3, 2015 at 4:14 AM
    #9
    jpmizelle

    jpmizelle [OP] Member

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    Huntsville, AL
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    01 Tacoma
    It was my understanding that my 01 is an electric actuator without any vacuum lines. Upon inspection I could not see an inlet for any vacuum.
     
  10. Oct 8, 2015 at 7:21 AM
    #10
    jpmizelle

    jpmizelle [OP] Member

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    New actuator in and running right now. Thanks
     
    akamrkent likes this.
  11. Nov 8, 2015 at 3:07 PM
    #11
    Hogfan1

    Hogfan1 Active Member

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    I found out today that my 4wd is not working on the truck I recently bought. 2001 double cab, auto like the OP's. My bro in law came over and checked it out. After running through a few checks he thinks it's the actuator. Transfer case and everything seems to be working fine. My diff light does not come on either. Does this sound like the actuator to you? If so, is it a pricey fix? How bad of a DIY?
     
  12. Nov 9, 2015 at 1:22 PM
    #12
    Hogfan1

    Hogfan1 Active Member

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    I took it to the dealer to have them look it over and do an inspection. He said the computer wouldn't tell him anything since check engine light isn't on. Anyway, regarding the 4wd. Mechanic said he believed it to be the ADD actuator. The dealership said it would be $705 to replace. $380 for part plus labor. I looked online and ordered the actuator for $170 and will install myself.
     

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