Ritzy4Runner

iTrader: (1)

Had an issue during the massive storm we just went through here in Washington. Snow big time on Sunday (12/2) anywhere from 4-12" depending on where you lived, yeah mountains were in feet of snow. Needed to go the Sub Base to work on my Runner, new rear bumper end and change oil. Well needed to shift into 4WD and when I selected H4, no indication. So doing what I have learned to do over the years with a 4x4, neutral, reverse, neutral, drive ... nothing. Back to H4 and tried to move forward and the back end proceeded to try to catch the front end so I knew I had no front wheel engagement and not a faulty light bulb. Ended up getting to the Base and only did my oil change. Flakes coming down the size of softballs! So went to Commissary then nice gingerly trip home.

Called Toyota and made appointment for Monday to have it checked out. I have an extended warranty so this should be a no brainer fix for them. Well most everyone knows what happened on Monday here in Western Washington. Record rain fall for 24 hour period all over and couple that with the snow the previous day, well it was ugly. Took me over an hour to get to the Dealership traveling the last 1/2 mile!. Heck I could see the freaking Toyota sign and couldn't get through the traffic! I digress, found out that the company (National) would not cover the problem. Was determined that it was the switch operated by the 4x4 selector for the transfer case. Not a covered part! It was a freaking manually operated switch just like my warranty states are covered but they claim it is operated by the lever and not directly by the operator! Well I was just a little pissed but not the dealership fault. They are gonna work with me but it still gonna cost me $200.

Anyone else have an issue with the transfer case switch? I need to get a factory shop manual and do this stuff myself!