kennyyoung

Hi, today we got hit with our first batch of snow..... I pushed the 4wd button on my automatic shifter and nothing, the 4wd didn't engage and the dash light never came on. I shut the truck off with the 4wd button still pushed in and then went to re-started the truck.... when I turned the key, the 4wd dash light flashed and sounded a buzzer. I used the 4wd yesterday backing out from behind my house and it worked fine!!! Any idea what this means???

kennyyoung

Ok, I'm hearing that it could be a vacuum problem.... but where do I look to check for a vacuum problem, where is it located?

kennyyoung

Ok guys, someone has got to know about this ..... I think that the actuator is sticking because of lack of use over the summer months. I crawled under the truck yesterday and tapped it with a hammer and got it to engage into 4X4 and back out several times, but nothing consistant. Is there anyway to free it up other than continuing to tap the bugger to death? There is a small triangular plate on the actuator that can be removed ..... does anyone know whats behind it and is it an access point to get to the interior of the actuator to possibly put in some gear oil or something? Thanks.

kennyyoung

Come on guys, the snow is coming and I need a reliable 4x4 to get me around!!! Times a wasting!!!

kennyyoung

Is there anyway to get inside the actuator without removing it from the transfer case?

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

You posted in the check out my truck section. It even says right in the title no one can answer your question in this section.

Ill move it to the appropriate section

kennyyoung

Ohhhhhhh, thanks!!!

Beto

It shouldn't be that bad just to pull it off the transfer. I did this in a '98, along with the rear diff lock actuator. I don't think you even lose any gear oil when you do it. The only risk is that you damage the o-ring seals, in which case you'll have to find or make new ones.

The reason I took mine out was the same - intermittent shifting, tapping on it also helped. It used to make a little squeak-grind-click noise when it did move. Mine was full of crud, water mixed with oil, and rust. I can't remember exactly how it comes apart but it wasn't that bad. Just clean it up, lube it up, and you should be good to go.

kennyyoung

Thanks Beto, I am hearing the same squeak-grind-click noise when it moves as well, but I heard that the transfer case had to come apart to take off the actuator due to a internal clip or something in the transfer case..... I'm not sure if this it true, but I sure would like to know before attempting to remove it. I hope it is as easy as it sounded for you. Are you sure it just comes off the transfer case? Thanks again for your input!!!! I wonder does anyone have any diagrams of the transfer case and actuator for a 1996 Tacoma 4X4 Automatic?

Beto

I don't remember any internal clip. Mine was a '98. Here is a link to your FSM:

http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/96_r...searchable.pdf

I'm downloading it now to have a look. You should do the same.

kennyyoung

Thanks Beto, appreciate it!!!

Beto

Page 984 in the PDF. Looks like it does have an internal clip. I dont remember this on the '98. It was 7 years ago, maybe I'm mixed up between the rear diff lock actuator and the transfer actuator. My transfer actuator did go squeak-grind-click, I know that for sure. I did take it apart and clean it, regrease it and problem solved. Now I'm wondering if I did that while it was on the truck? Maybe try unscrewing the electric motor housing cap and get access to the bearings and windings that way (its that roundish piece with the kind of nipple on the top, should have three little bolts or screws).

kennyyoung

I cant get the link to open properly.... I have seen a small triangular plate on the actuator, do you know if taking that off will allow me access to the internal components or what it is covering? The 3 bolts on the plate are pretty rusty and I wouldnt want to take it off if it wont help. How does the electric motor housing cap come off..... is that the round cap about the size of a spray can top or alittle smaller.....lol... sorry started typing before finishing reading your post... 3 screws or bolts.

kennyyoung

Thanks Beto for all your help!!! Greatly appreciated!!!

Beto

Try this, and then navigate to your manual. It takes a long time to open the link to the pdf because its 70megs.

http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/

kennyyoung

Ok, finally got it open... taking a look now!!!

kennyyoung

After looking at it..... it looks like I can unscrew the electrical connection on the left side in figure 007435 and possible get into it to apply some gear oil or something..... also in the picture under the electrical connection is the plate I was talking about with the 3 bolts on it.... wonder whats that there for, does anyone know?

kennyyoung

Does anyone know what the triangular plate on side of the actuator is covering.... is it safe to take off and if so, will it give me access to the internal components to lube them up?

kennyyoung

Any suggestion on what to do with this stuff...lol!!!!