First time tacoma owner.

Okay first off hello to everyone. Just joined looking for some help. I have a 2014 Toyota tacoma base model regular cab 4x4. I just bought it used this year. 97,994 miles when purchased. Roughly 100,800 miles now. Anyways tough truck and I love it. My problem is this, I believe my 4h works as I can feel the binding when making a turn. Plus I've been off road a little. I hear something switch when I turn the electric switch as well. So I am pretty sure my 4h works. But the 4wd indicator light flashes. Should it be solid or is flashing normal? Also when I switch back to 2h light continues to flash and it feels like it's still in 4h. I've followed owners manual. But only way I can disengage 4h is to leave switch in 2h and park truck. Then cut it off and start it back up. Immediately the you can feel it disengage. A abrupt thud and it's done. Also 4h light and the 4lo light both blink and a obnoxious beeping as well when in 4lo. From what I've read that means 4lo is not engaged and it doesn't feel like it. I try 4lo in neutral with brake pedal applied at a dead stop. So I know my 4h works but 4lo doesn't and all the indicator lights flash for the 4wd system. Have not been to the dealer ship yet. Love my truck and don't wanna get rid of it. Any help would much appreciated and God bless.

 

Are you on concrete while attempting to go in and out of 4wd?

 

No I am on 2 acres of what use to be a cow field.

 

I have determined that my 4h is working though. I disengage by turning truck off and on. And in 2h couldn't climb the hill I climbed in 4h.

 

Hi. This is a somewhat common problem, from what I've seen. Mine acted like that when I got it and I think it had to do with lack of use. Mine works alot better since I've exercised it a bit.

 

And yes, the beeping and flashing light are telling you that it failed to operate when the switch was rotated to the new position. All you can do is try again.

 

Oh okay cool. But shouldn't I be able to go from 4h to 2h without shutting off truck? And the 4wd light supposed to flash in 4h then?

 

Yes you should be able to. The light is supposed to flash briefly and then go out in 2hi. If it keeps flashing, then it didn't shift. Stopping the engine sometimes helps when it's hung-up. But once you get it working right you won't have to.

 

Also I have followed owners manual for 4lo. I have truck running in neutral and I go from 4h to 4lo. Now the 4lo doesn't come on till I take it out of neutral and into drive or if I let it roll in neutral. Mind you I do have the brake pedal pressed also.

 

Oh okay so far everything sounds normal. I guess previous owner didn't use the 4wd. It's a one owner tacoma with complete service records and no accidents.

 

It's an imperfect system, and is the only thing that I don't like about my truck. I've heard of people getting stuck in 4lo too. You just have to keep messing with it until you find a method that works. The light should only flash when it's shifting. Once it's in 4hi or 4lo the light should remain on steady.

 

Okay well at least now I have some insight. Thank you John for you kind and considerate help. I love my Tacoma and so far only thing I haven't gotten to work is 4lo. The traction control should shut off when 4lo engages correct?

 

Yeah that's right. No worries! Good luck.

 

Before you go any tricks to help the 4lo engage properly? Outside of manual?

 

Anyone?

 

I'd try it while it's rolling slowly. Book says less than 2mph. These things tend to work better with just a little movement, foot off the brake.

 

Oh okay I'll try that now

 

I tried while rolling in neutral and no brake pedal. So far all I get is the 4lo flashing and that beeping. Arrrggg

 

Have you tried selecting 4lo, then put it in Park, stop the engine and then re-start?