4x4 light flashing when starting the truck 4x4 inop

I apologize if this has been posted before however I did search but no joy. Here we go:

I jumped in my truck to drive to my buddies house the other day and I noticed the green 4x4 indicator light was flashing like it does when trying to engaged four wheel drive. I pulled over took an overall look at things tried engaging/disengaging a few times, truck on/off but no luck. The usual clunk of the transfer case and the solenoids clicking didn't happen either it was like I hadn't moved the switch just a flashing light. I haven't used 4x4 in weeks however did just drive it 700 miles or so. Anyway, I turned into his development and noticed the light was out. The four wheel drive then seemed to work fine. I assumed it was gremlins.
At work yesterday driving around base same thing flashing light, 4x4 inop. Now I'm just pissed and ignoring it. Got lunch, start truck up lights out 4x4 works. I believe at one point I turned 4x4 knob and nothing happened at all.
My guess is obviously electrical issues, however I read in another post about some vacuum lines that actuate the front axle. I'm hoping it's still under warranty for one and thinking it's probably not something mechanical like the T-case or front axle components. Any thoughts, hints or insight into my problem would be greatly appreciated.

If it makes a difference I've got a 3 inch toytec lift with 275/85/R16's on it and have but have yet to install the light racing upper control arms.

Thanks,

Brendon

 

So, you are usually always in 4WD... and the light is usually always on?

 

No I'm rarely in 4wd except when four wheeling. The light just came on randomly while driving on pavement with the selector in 2wd.

 

Then you have a problem!

 

thanks for your insight....

 

When my 4wd light flashed constantly and the truck would not go into 4wd or 4 lo it was my actuator. Toyota covered it under warranty. Mine went out at 16k, truck was stock and used 4wd a lot on the winter roads up here. It just happened out of the blue like you described.

 

Your most likely culprit is 4wd switch in transfer case. Check that first.

 

So I got the truck to the dealership and after messing with it all day they determined it was the 4 wheel drive actuator at the center differential. Exactly what I told them I thought it was. Anyway, they have to order the part and have yet to determine if it's a warranty item. Anyone have experience here. I would consider it a drive-train item and I'm under 60k so that should be covered as I see it. But I'm the guy that doesn't want to shell out a ton of cash. Regardless, that things should not be going bad at 47k on a 2008. If I have to go to bat here anyone with experience having this thing warranteed I'd appreciate it.

 

Why would they order it if they weren't going to warranty it?

 

mine just did the same thing, it was the actuator, it cost $1600 to replace...they apparently had to remove my front suspension. That's at the dealership of course, I had to have it fixed asap, and they did had it less than a day, so I guess I can't bitch too much. Also I think I killed mine after getting stuck in water up to just below my doors. This is with a 6" lift and 33's...

 

yeah mine would not work at 16k during our mud season.
Truck was stock, no river crossings, normal driving a 4wd truck in rain & snow, 4WD used regularly on Class III & IV roads getting to camp & to the mountains. The part was around $350 plus the diag fee & install. Toyota paid for it & its fine since 50k on the truck now.

 

Thank you for all your responses. Anyone had any experience replacing this thing on their own? I have access to a lift. I'm not thrilled about dropping $1600 bucks if I can replace it myself

 

So I just crawled under the truck and popped off the skid plate. Unless I'm mistaken it's sitting right there and quite accessible. I'm still waiting to hear what they come back with as far as warranty and/or quote for the part/work. Conicelli has it for like 280 bucks. We'll see. If it's outrageous I just found something to do this weekend....

 

I was just looking at the same pages. Thanks for your help.

 

Update..

Toyota of Wilmington just called and they're going to warranty the part. Sweet...

 

Hello fellas,
I just did a search on this forum because my 09' with almost 25k miles is doing the exact same thing. I'm going to take it in this week. If they don't cover it Im going to freak out!