truckeeyay

I've used the search tool but need further clarification on a question related to my 4Runner's 4WD. I have conflicting stories between a handful of mechanics and figured this would be the best place to get a correct answer.

Long story short:

I live in snow country. Shortly after this winter my 4WD (AUTO HUBS) stopped working. It's worth mentioning that the indicator light telling me whether or not 4x4 is engaged has never worked (burnt out bulb).

I took it to a local mechanic and they suggested that my "indicator switch" needed to be replaced in order for the 4WD to engage. My understanding - which has been "confirmed" by several mechanics - is that the indicator switch only told the dashboard whether or not to illuminate the 4WD light.

However, I see some other posts here that suggest the indicator switch also activates the solenoid for my front differential. Is the local mechanic full of it? Would replacing an indicator switch on a 93 runner w/ auto hubs have any influence over the 4WD engaging?

truckeeyay

I suppose that's ADD sorry for the ignorance.

wii_tarded

What is the set up? 3.0 or 22RE? Manual or auto? I have two different switches listed on the EWD, but one is for a manual. Is this the "ADD Indicator" or just "Indicator"?

truckeeyay

Thanks for the reply.

I have the 3.0, it's a manual.

The exact thing they said was "indicator switch" - I pressed for more details but got none.

This is what the work order says:

"INSPECTION FOUND 4WD VACUUM LINES NEAR EGR VALVE. RE-ATTACH AND OK. NEEDS THE 4WD T/CASE INDICATOR SWITCH. THE 4WD IS WORKING DURING TEST DRIVE."

Despite that last sentence they're saying that they have to "manually activate the 4WD" by "jumping the switch" (??).

truckeeyay

any insight would be greatly appreciated

justin_4runner

ok so the indicator switch on the vacuum actuator just tells the light on the dash when to light and not, the sensor u are asking about in the work order is on the side of the trans towards the back, and when u put it in 4wd it continues the voltage to the relay to tell it is in 4wd and u will hear a click under the dash. its the relax clicking in and out of 4wd. so it sounds like u need to replace the one at the rear and will have 4wd again.

wii_tarded

How did they decide that the 4WD is working? Take your truck out to a gravel lot, put it 4LO, and do some figure 8's with the windows down. You should hear the front inside wheel slightly spinning in the gravel. Do these slow so you can really listen.

From what I'm seeing on my EWD, the light is turned on by the ECU, the switch on the t-case is what signals the ECU to activate the ADD system. Yes if you put the lever into 4HI or 4LO, it will turn the front drive shaft...but this system works by sliding a locking ring over part of the front axle to engage the front end. Your front wheels are always "locked" due to the design. So if that switch is not working, you're not getting 4WD.

The switch is expensive (ask me how I know). A drain plug for the t-case is a lot cheaper. If the switch is toast, I'd recommend spending the money on manual hubs and either replace the switch with the drain plug (perfect fit) or leaving the bad switch in and just cutting the wires off. It will be a bit more money to go ahead and do the swap, but you will save money in the future in the form of CV replacement costs.