Greg_Canada

Hey guys, i've been searching with no luck on this issue. I found a thred by 99SC4runner with good info, but it isnt the same problem i am having.
My truck is a 99' 4runner 3.4 auto ltd with the multi-mode 4wd.
I cannot get it in 2wd. It makes AWFUL gear grinding noises and clunks.
I can use it in AWD, 4HI, or 4LO, but i cannot for the life of me get it in 2HI. Id say, once out of a hundred tries, it pops into 2HI.
It's not the front differential switch.
I'm thinking it's the actuator not moving all way way, as it moves, but not all the way out of gear. It sounds like is moves 80% of the way.

Anyone else have this issue / ideas? Would it be OK for me to take the actuator out (would there be installation set-up / clocking errors?) and lube it?

Thanks,
Greg

rock slayer

is the problem in your tranny or front diff??

Greg_Canada

Transfer case.

rock slayer

oh yeah thats what i ment i knew it wasn't tranny. does it go in if you back up a lil?? i know its a stupid question but thats how my buddy had to do it!?

Greg_Canada

The issue is the electric motor isnt going all the way forward. if i move the truck it sounds like it wants to explode....

Godzilla

Maybe your centre diff lock sensor? Maybe it is not "seeing" when or not you are fully in 4wd/2wd. That is where I would start, since it is the cheapest.

Greg_Canada

Bumpppp

Godzilla

Best thing to do is to test all your sensors and your actuator to try and identify the problem. Cant diagnose anything further without more infro than just a clunk noise.

Greg_Canada

The oil was dry! Annihlated the t-case! Geeezzz check your oil levels!!!

brian2sun

What are you guys talking about a center diff... And a T-case? AWD, 4HI, and 4LOW all in the same '99 4Runner? I'm missing something..

...Nevermind, I get it. I didn't realize the limiteds came w/ 4x4 and AWD.

badattitude

Starting with some 1999 runners and later; the 4WD system included a center diff that allows better 4WD use on hard surfaces. Using AWD (by pressing the 4WD button) allows the front drive shaft and rear drive sharft to spin at different speeds. I'm not sure if these trucks have the same 4hi as the previous models. I know 4lo and 2wd are the same.

t-Case is transfer case, all 4WD models have them.

brian2sun

Thanks for the explanation badattitude, I didn't know they did the AWD thing as early as 99. I also thought it was AWD or 4x4, not both! I'm learning...

Do the Highander Editions/Sport Editions have the AWD too? Or just the limiteds?

CYi5

Just the limiteds, hard to beat a truck that has AWD, 4hi, 4lo, 2wd, and e-locker.

naksukow

just limiteds for 99-00, then all 4runners got multimode.

anniesball

Did any 99 Limited with Multimode 4WD have 5 speeds? I would love to convert my 02 to a 5 speed, but don't want to give up the AWD.