4x4 light will not go off

I have a 2003 Tacoma 4x4 DLX Manual Trans. Used the 4wd today and the green light on the dash will not go off. I've tried backing up, switching from hi to lo range....etc...Anyone know what's up with this? Thanks/

 

? did you put it back in to 2x4?

 

my 97 did this to me last week, I just kept playing with it until it went off. Haven't really had a chance to look at it yet as I am still mid build on my other one

 

My 89 yota did the same thing. It wasn't in 4wd .....guy I sold the truck to says it's still on . .who the hell knows

 

if that is the case on yours I am sure it is just the sensor sticking

 

LMAO ! Yes ,Wilcam47, that's the first thing I did ! Lol .

 

my 98 would engage 4x4 un-commanded when I would go through puddles...I never did figure out the problem but it seemed like the 4x4 solenoid was the problem

 

Theres a few posts on here for the opposite (not engaging). If you read all of those they lie outthat our 4x4 system is pretty simple. Most issues boil down to the two vacuum lines. Might be a good place to start.

 

there was also one about re-soldering the 4x4 solenoid IIRC...

 

My old '91 did something similar not long after I got it. That was the front drive engaged switch at the transfer case, actually it wasn't moving smoothly. I took it out, soaked in brake fluid to clean the gear lube goo and it never did it again in 15 years the I owned after. Having a 100% manual 4WD system I knew it wasn't actually in 4WD or the front hubs locked, so it had to just be a switch.

Since the OP's truck has a manual transfer case shifter he can know it's not actually in 4WD by the stick. It's possible the auto disconnect actuator in the diff is stuck. Having the front axle locked is OK but just increases wear and reduces MPG. The vacuum actuator might be held up or a broken vacuum line, etc. If it's only partially engaged that would be bad, it could strip the splines.

 

FWIW, many 1st gens have a button to engage 4hi and a lever to engage 4lo. The OP did not indicate which of those his '03 has. If it is one with a 4WD button (not a j-shift) then there would be ambiguity of whether or not 4hi is still engaged.

 

Did not know this. I thought it was 4Runners with that button. If his has the button then absolutely agree it would be ambiguous.

He did say DLX. That may mean basic. I'd think SR5 at least or Limited would have a fancy switch.

 

The 4wd dash light on all A.D.D. Tacomas is controlled by two switches in series. The "4wd condition" switch on the t-case and the "4wd (A.D.D. condition)" switch on the diff actuator. They are both normally open in 2wd and both must be closed for the light to come on. They could be "stuck" closed or "held" closed or one of each.

 

2004 TRD here. Used to have similiar problem. Light would not go out for a long time after putting the lever back in 2wd. Switched it in and out about 20x while stuck in traffic and if and now goes off and on in perfect sync. with the lever position. Also noticed the diff lock indicator was sluggish for a while. Did a similar "exercise " and now works good. Unless these are used often, they get sticky- switches, and linkages.