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4x4 switch sticking

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Coldrider, Nov 21, 2019.

  1. Nov 21, 2019 at 2:07 PM
    #1
    Coldrider

    Coldrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2019 Limited almost new not quite 2000 miles. Not my first 4 wheel drive. Was driving in snow, 6"-8" . Tried to engage 4 hi, switch would not turn. Moving less than 5 mph. Stopped fiddled with switch, rev, forward, neutral, nothing. Tried again went right into gear, rather loud clunk. Worked fine disengaged fine.
    Today engaged fine, still clunks, but wouldn't disengage. Couldn't move the switch. Neutral, nothing, forward, still can't turn the switch, rev nothing. Tried again before pulling out onto plowed road, came right out.
    Understand clunk is normal, nothing outrageous. Thinking switch is messed up. Last 2 Chevys had electronic 4wd never had problem operating switch. Just looking for others with troubled before taking to dealer, 100 miles away!
     
  2. Nov 21, 2019 at 2:14 PM
    #2
    Mtn Mike

    Mtn Mike Well-Known Member

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    So is the actuator sticking or the actual rotary "switch". First, if 4x4 isn't used much the actuator gets sticky and doesn't work smoothly. Usually a few cycles in and out of 4x4 help that problem. The rotary control knob will lock in 4x4 low unless you press while turning it. Kinda like a child safety latch. Is that what you're experiencing?
     
    whatstcp likes this.
  3. Nov 21, 2019 at 2:25 PM
    #3
    Coldrider

    Coldrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It's the switch on the dash. Hi to lo fine after it engages. I have only used 4wd a few times. Couldn't turn the switch twice and wouldn't turn to disengage today. Finally came out. Feels like switch is locked. Would turn to lo, hi, lo ,hi just not 2 wd. First time I used it, it wouldn't turn until I stopped and put trans in neutral. Worked as it should next couple times. Like to engage without stopping in snow if possible, been stuck before stopping and not able to get moving again. Been driving in snow and ice for 45 years, no cherry here!
     
  4. Nov 21, 2019 at 2:46 PM
    #4
    Mtn Mike

    Mtn Mike Well-Known Member

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    Yep, something's not right. Time for a trip to the dealer service department.
     
    robssol likes this.
  5. Nov 21, 2019 at 2:51 PM
    #5
    supmet

    supmet Well-Known Member

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    Either, 2wd->4HI or 4HI->4LO requires pushing in the dial and then turning. I'm not in front of my truck and don't remember which. It's just a switch, not attached to anything physical, I really can't imagine anything that would make the switch work one time and the other not(physically not turning) except user error. Maybe a broken spring inside the dial??
     
  6. Nov 21, 2019 at 3:08 PM
    #6
    Taco_Craig

    Taco_Craig Well-Known Member

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    the "push" is to shift into 4LO. You should be able to spin the dial freely between 4H and 2WD at normal cruising speeds.

    Weird that the switch is sticking.
     
  7. Nov 21, 2019 at 3:09 PM
    #7
    Lt. Dangle

    Lt. Dangle RIP @stun gun 2016-2020

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    Lo requires the push.
     
    GreyBaldTaco and supmet[QUOTED] like this.
  8. Nov 21, 2019 at 3:11 PM
    #8
    GreyBaldTaco

    GreyBaldTaco Well-Known Member

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    Incorrect, no push required going back and forth between 2wd and 4hi
     
  9. Nov 21, 2019 at 4:26 PM
    #9
    Coldrider

    Coldrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    No amount of twisting and wiggling would make it turn. When it did decide to work it was simple and smooth. The switch I'm talking about, not the loud clunking.
    I'll try it again tomorrow while hunting.
     
  10. Nov 21, 2019 at 4:28 PM
    #10
    Coldrider

    Coldrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    And yes, push/ turn for lo, turn for hi or 2wd. Would not turn 2-4 while moving either.
     
  11. Jan 4, 2022 at 7:31 PM
    #11
    Recondite

    Recondite Well-Known Member

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    Having the same issue!!! I am currently stuck in 4lo. 2018 auto TRD OR. The switch will not turn to the left to get it into 4hi or 2wd. It is stuck in 4lo. It pushes in, but will not turn! Any help???
     

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