I'm new and need some help

Well I always end up on these forums when I'm trying to troubleshoot problems with my truck and 99% of the time I find the answer so I decided to sign up. Chances are what I'm going to ask has already been answered so bear with me haha...

So on my 2002 Tacoma it has a automatic transmission but a manual 4x4 stick (no push button 4x4). Yesterday I was up videoing some deer in deep snow and when I got back to the pavement I put it back into 2 wheel drive but the 4x4 light stayed on. I went back in the snow to make sure it had disengaged which it had then put in in 4x4 to see if it engaged which it did then re disengaged and made sure it did but the 4x4 light is still on. I got home found on here that it's the Automatic Differential Disconnect actuator and got a new one ordered. My main question is am I going to hurt my front differential driving it where it's just the front axles are stuck engaged but my transfer case is not just until the actuator gets here.

Sorry in advance because I'm sure this has been answered already I just don't know how to find it haha.

Thanks!

 

the front cv axles will continue "free spinning" all the time. Once you engage the 4x4 lever it gets rotation from the transmission, is my understanding.

 

I can’t answer your question Remy.
But rest assured someone will like the above post. Stand by for more comments.
Welcome to the forum and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Tons of knowledgeable people here to help in an instant.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Mine has done this a couple times, but has always disengaged if I put it in reverse and back up a few feet.

If you turn on dry pavement and it feels like it is binding or the wheels skip, you have a problem. If it isn't binding, then the light is on but nothing is engaged up front.

 

I have tried this and the front end is definitely still engaged when I'm stopped the front drive line wont free spin like it should if it wasn't. I have unplugged the actuator and the 4x4 light shuts off but as soon as I plug it back in the light is back so I know that's where the problem is. I just am not sure if I drive the truck at 70 mph if it will hurt anything in the front diff. Thanks though!

 

The truck disconnects one axle up front. If the actuator stopped working, it means both axles are turning your diff, turning your drive shaft. Other than turning more rotating parts. It's not a big deal, provided your front diff isn't a welded/autolocker/LSD you won't see any drivability issues.

 

Awesome thanks that's what I was wondering about.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW!!