New 4wd Actuator Position

Hi Folks.

I just purchased a 2014 Tacoma 4wd.

The truck is low mileage and is very clean. I'm having the "4wd indicator flashing" issue when I go into 4hi and 4 low.

I was under the truck for the first time today and I found that the actuator on the transfer case had the vent tube disconnected so I'm suspecting that I've found the cause of the problem.

I've watched the videos of the guy taking this apart and I think I have a pretty good idea how to disassemble the thing and check that the position it is set at corresponds to the position that the transfer case is actually in.

My question is; Does anyone sell a kit with the replacement seals for the thing? it looks like there are 2 o-rings, one for the motor cover and the other where the part goes into the transfer case. Can I get them from toyota? I've looked but haven't come across anything.

Also, if I just got a new part from Toyota, what position does it come set at or would I still have to do this with a multimeter on the limit switch terminals?

Any help with this would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Chris

 

No, there is no seal kit that I know of.
You could maybe buy a cheap Dorman actuator and rob parts from it.
But I’m of the opinion, it’s not worth it.

You’d be better off pulling yours and inspecting it. Most are badly corroded.
Some guys have had luck cleaning theirs, you could try it.

If you really want see where the problem is, we have a thread for that.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4wd-system-operation-help-thread.742420/

 

If you get it apart and think it's worth rebuilding, you can get measurements for the rings with an accurate caliper and order them from McMaster.

 

I may do that. I'm in Atlanta, so I'm a regular at the McMaster will call window.

I read most of the thread in the link and much of what I think I know about doing this is from there. Any thoughts on the factory set position of the new OEM units

Thanks

 

The actuator should self correct - IIRC it runs on limit switches, so after installing, turn your 4WD selector knob back and forth once or twice and you should be good to go. The position sensors for transfer case position (for the 4WD ECU/dash lights) are handled by sensors on the tcase.

 

I'll post the Mcmaster part numbers if I go this route.

 

So if I got the new one, I would mount it on the transfer case without the rack gear on the shaft, turn the key on and let it take the position that the switch is commanding and then put the gear on?

Thanks

 

You shouldn't need to mount it, just plug it in - but also please treat me like I'm talking out of my ass until someone who has more experience with the job can confirm.

Edit - here's a not terrible video.

 

The actuator has to be timed to the rack, the easiest thing to do probably would be to plug the new actuator in and turn the key on with the truck in 2wd and let it put itself in 2wd then make sure your Transfer case is in 2wd (rod all the way in). I'm pretty sure you can remove the little triangle tin cover and the drive gear behind it to remove the rack from the actuator and install it onto the Transfer Case and reinstall it to maintain the timing.

 

Thanks for the responses.

Does anyone know where the vent line to this actuator terminates? Is it open to atmosphere or is it normal to build some back pressure if you blow into it where it connects to the actuator?

Thanks

 

Vents to atmosphere.

If you're running a new vent for it consider also moving the rear diff vent at the same time.

 

So, if I'm building any back pressure, its blocked somewhere?

 

Pretty sure it connects to the Transfer Case on top.

 

I would think so. The tcase vents under the hood to a breather right next to the front diff breather (at least on the 4.0). Could be sludge in the tube, or a pinched hose/damaged breather.