chozen1

i have a 97 4runner limited
when i try to engage the 4wd nothing happened no green light on the dash
i then removed the connector under the car cleaned it with electrical cleaner added dielectric grease and reinstalled the connector
4wd worked for a short time
now it does not work again
is it just the connector?
does it sound like the motor to engage 4wd is rusty inside(was told this by someone)
all help appreciated

brian2sun

I would start with the connector since it seemed to help before. Are the wires badly corroded? 4x4 is engaged mechanically via your arm and a lever to your transfer case - not an electronic motor, so I can only guess he was reffering to an actuator or something.

chozen1

thanks for the quick response
the connector looks like it has corrosion; anyone know the replacement part #; also can you just change the connector by soldering a new one in; or??
i think the person must have been referring to the actuator
anyway to test this?

rjaudi

Where is the connector? The limited is an electric engagement into high 4wd.

cackalak han

Also check for vacuum leaks. Had this problem on my old 98.

chozen1

the connector is under the vehicle
it is connected to what i would assume is the 4wd engagement unit

brian2sun

That may be true for '01-'02 Limteds, but '97 Limiteds' 4x4 systems were the same as the SR5s.

Maj

I beg to differ. The FSM for my '97 has trouble-shooting procedures for the 2-4WD electrical actuator (referred to as the "one touch" system). I too have had intermittent trouble engaging 4WD and have longed for a lever-actuated system rather than a crappy push button system.

brian2sun

I stand corrected, but I am a little confused. I'm sure you know more about it than I do since you have a Limited and I don't, but my buddy has a '97 limited that is identical to my SR5. You don't have a shifter for 4x4, but a push button instead?

rjaudi

There is a lever there that just goes from 2wd hi to neutral to 4 lo. Then on the drivers side of the knob there is a button to engage 4wd hi. It makes it easy to shift on the fly.

I could not find the connector at toyodiy.com, maybe you can try to find it there.

brian2sun

Wow, if they are all like that, I wonder if my friend's is really a limited. It has the limited emblems, leather, and the fender/bumper molding, but his 4x4 shifter is like mine - no button and the lever has 2hi, 4hi, n, and 4lo just like mine. Does anyone know if there are variations or did he buy a SR5 that someone made to look like a limited?

cackalak han

brian2sun - I don't think your friend's is a Limited. My 98 Limited had the push-button. The style that you have is called J-shift (the pattern on the knob is basically in the shape of a J). I guess someone could have switched it out for a j-shift...

chozen1

going to get the fsm for my truck
still sometimes it will work then not;
hope it is not the transfer case actuator; dealer in vancouver wants $1500 for the part itself; i think it is about $800 in the states?
the part they quoted me is #3641035040

brian2sun

Thanks for the info.

4rx

I had the same problem when I replaced clutch. When I installed transmission on my truck, the 4x4 green light doesn't come on. So I got home at late night and put it in 4lo and turn the engine off. In the next day, I start the engine on and the green light came on. I guess it resets by itself somehow.

Maj

Mine looks similar to this:



When working properly, you can hear the actuator functioning when the ignition is on (motor not running) and the 4WD button is mashed on/off. It sounds like it is electric motor-driven rather than a solenoid style actuator.

Ron Helmuth

I have 99 SR5 automatic transfer case from a recent swap out that took place in my garage. If you are convinced it is the switch at the transfer case, stay in touch.

If it could help you out I am glad to do so. I don't know automatics whatsoever. But we can swap photos to be sure.

note 99 not sure if applicable to a 97....

chozen1

thanks for all the inputs
it is working again
not sure for how long this time though
btw anyone know where i can get the factory service manuals for a decent price?

mkgarrison5

my sr5 taco's 4x4 sometimes doesnt want to come on mainly bc i dont use it often enough lol.. i had a hard time getting the 4x4 to come on (lever style) and after i did i ran around the field for awhile and now it pops in and out of 4x4 easily..