Riverboy

So I have been searching for some sort of answer for a friend of mine who has a 96 4runner v6 auto and has had problems getting the rear e-locker to engage. Being in 4low at a dead stop, the light on the e-locker switch/button just flashes. Does anybody know about these, how much do you all think it will cost to fix. Any suggestions? I did not find anything using the search bar.

fastkevman

Give the rearend a couple of "whacks" where the locker motor is and see if it engages.
Don't pound on it.....also could try reversing a little and stopping......I had the same issues occasionally on my '98 in the winter.

Joe's Toy

[QUOTE=fastkevman;50776447]also could try reversing a little and stopping......QUOTE]
X2
Is he driving at all after he turns on the locker? I know my locker usually takes a couple feet to engage (the light just blinks until it is engaged).

mjwalfredo

Also try zig zagging by turning the wheel back and forth as you pull forward after pushing the button. That seems to help mine engage a little bit faster than just pulling forward.

cackalak han

Like said above, just try tapping on the locker actuator with a rubber mallet. If that doesn't work, (along with the above suggestions), you might have to clean it. Here is a good write-up:

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthrea...ghlight=locker

edzo

creep ahead, go in reverse, much slower than walking speed. it will eventually engage. my truck used to take a while but after using the thing 6 or 7 times it got way easier and now it engages right away. I have used it about 90 times since, each time it decides to engage on it's own terms. but the locker demands to be in synchronization before it will lock, and that may take moving the vehicle forward and back a bit until it syncs. if vehicle is stuck then just gas it forward and reverse very very slowly. it should 'clang' and lock soon enough

give it some time.

try locking it 20 feet ahead of when you might need it and drive ultra slow.

Riverboy

Thanks, I will relay this information to him, he said he tried driving a bit and had someone get out and see if both wheels in rear spun on the ice but nothing happened.

Thanks again.

mjwalfredo

He may have to try tap on the actuator to free it up because I bet it should have engaged fairly easily on a slippery surface like ice. I don't speak from experience being from South Carolina though Mine engages quickly in the mud so I bet ice would be similar.

400th post, cool.....

Trail_Banger

Yeah...get a rubber mallet and whack the actuator. That may do it. If not, I'd say his motor is F-dup. I had a 2001 TRD and I wasted the locker. The stealership wants 900 bucks to replace the unit (parts & labor).

Riverboy

Hey guys, I have emailed all responses to my friend with the issue and I will keep you posted on what was the matter. I had the thought along the same lines as Trail Banger about wacking the actuator. He has been sick for 2days so I don't know if he has tried anything. Is it true with toyota's that if you don't use it you'll lose it? I have heard that with domestics. I know when he was on the ice he said he mashed the gas and hopefully he didn't ruin anything. He's pretty new to the yota world.

PoleVaulter95

im jsut kinda curious as to why he would be engaging it on the ice? coudlnt this make it tail happy around corners?

Riverboy

polevaulter95-This is just what he was telling me, I think he was on the ice on purpose to test to see if both rear wheels were going to turn regardless of the light on the dash.

Doublewid3

I have the same problem w/mine. Ever since my ABS broke it engages faster. I think it might tie into the ABS. Still takes awhile, sumtimes it clicks in no time, sumtimes it almost refuses to go but does go.

FlyingLow

My friend has the same problem, he can here the motor running but the light just flashes. Is this more common in the cold? He was playing in the snow. My first sugestion was to tap it but that didn't work for him either.