How To Trouble Shoot 4x4 Actuator

Yes or you could just plug it in as well as the 2 position switches, ground the body of it, turn the key on with the truck in 2wd and it should shift itself into 2wd if it's not already.

 

I gather the original AISIN actuators are the only ones worth getting? There are so many advertised by other manufactures with prices ranging from $200 to close to $1000 for the AISIN OEM ones #36410-34015.

 

The oem one is around $300

 

That would be exceptional at $300... Who has it at that price?
Being in Canada I know I have to take that price and double it but even $600 is way better than the dealer up her that are asking around $1600.

 

https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~actuator~assy~differential~vacuum~41400-35031.html

 

That's the front ADD... The transfer case actuator is a little more at $911.12 . Did sound a little to good to be true.

https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~actuator~assy~transfer~shift~36410-34015.html

 

Ah ok, sorry didn't know you were referring to the tcase one. Yeah that one will hurt the wallet a bit more, unfortunately that is what it is. In reality, it's cheaper to just put in an FJ case, you can get one for around $400.

 

I tried searching the thread with no luck but I bought a new actuator. It came with a new tube up to the hard line but what’s confusing me is it has a plug. Is keeping the plug in the answer to keeping moisture out?

 

don’t plug it up. I’d it’s sealed there’s no way for moisture to escape.

 

The key to preventing moisture from getting in is regular inspections of the vent line and replacing it if there's any evidence of it getting rotten, same goes for the one on the ADD and rear diff lock actuator if you have it.

 

Attach the vent. Like all the other components that heat up it needs a way to prevent pressure build up that will either pop the plug or cause one of the other seals to fail. And Same for when it cools down, it can cause negative pressure that can try to drawn air in from the other seals..

A good example is the rear differential vent... There have been cases where this became plugged. When the axle heated up due to normal driving the positive internal pressure forced gear lube out the axle seals and ruined the drum brakes.

 

2011 Tacoma. I'm pretty sure I got a bad new 4x4 actuator from Amazon. I should be able to plug in the new actuator and have someone turn the 4x4 knob in the cab and see the fork move right? When I plug the new one in I just get the blinking 4x4 light. Great thread, I appreciate all the posts.

 

Are you plugging in the 2 detection switches as well?

 

Do you mean the front actuator? The fork(s) in the 4wd actuator are internal to the transfer case and you could never see them move? Or are you referring to the shaft on the 4WD actuator?

I believe it has to be installed or grounded if not installed in order to work.

 

could be the T-case sensor. see the "products discussed" section at the bottom of the page, Back-up switch. That was the issue on mine. If the sensor doesn't sense the tcase has been engaged, it wont actuate the ADD

 

Yes, I was talking about the fork on the front diff actuator. Turns out the part I got from Amazon was bad. I tried a new Aisin actuator this morning and everything seems to be working fine now.

 

For the hard bolt on the front diff actuator this is what worked for me. I used a 1/4 to 3/8 converter on a skinny ratchet paired with a short 12 mm short socket. This gives you the perfect amount of length to get the socket on the bolt but still be able to move the ratchet up and down.

 

Not sure if a brand new transfer case actuator would be set at 2H when purchased. So doing a lot of thinking about the easiest way to install new one . Let me know your opinions.

Step 1 Remove plate and gear (that engages transfer case shaft) on old actuator
Step 2 Remove old actuator
Step 3 Tap actuator shaft inward till you feel it engage the 2H detent position , the farthest in position
Step 4 Remove cover plate and gear from new actuator.
Step 5 Install new actuator.
Step 6 Turn in vehicle with switch set to 2H to make actuator rotate internally to 2H position if it wasnt already
Step 7 Install gear and cover plate and your done.



If the transfer case internals are just fine and there is no internal mechanical issue I dont understand why they would have to remove it, take it apart etc just to replace a bad actuator.

 

Is there a thread for swapping to an FJ transfer case?

 

there is. A lot of info is buried in here there’s not a direct “how to” but browse in here and any question you have has probably been answered.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lets-see-your-fj-case-swap.455278/