2001 4runner 4wd issues
 

Hi, first post on here so if there is already a thread that has the answers for my questions would be awesome if someone could point me there!

So my project 4runner 4wd issues: I had the blinking lights of death. I took out the transfers switches on the T-case and one was good and the other needed to be cleaned, which made it work. After cleaning them up and putting em back in place when I engage 4wd the blinking stops and the center Yellow light goes away while the other green lights stay lit. I press my button on the dash and the blinking of all the lights (center yellow comes back). Any suggestions on where I should look/mess with next? (also when I turn on the vehicle the blinking happens until I press the 4wd button on my shifter.) If pictures would help let me know, if you have any ideas much appreciated. thanks

The button on the dash (to the left of the steering wheel) is for locking the center differential.



Andreas

If pushing the dash button makes all the lights blink again, you have either another position switch that is bad or your shift actuator isn’t turning.

you’ve addressed one bad position switch already, there are two more near the top on the passenger side of the t-case.

If it’s the actuator, usually what mucks them up is the contact traces inside that get corrode and no longer carry signal. What is happening is pushing the dash button signals the 4wd ecu you power up the actuator, the center lock position switch SHOULD see a change in position, when it doesn’t it blinks the lights to signal an error in the system.

First thanks for the reply and breakdown. Second what would be the best way to access the other two switches? Through the Center console or from underneath

I’m not sure if you have access from the top. I went from below and it turned out to be the contacts in my actuator. Swing passed the bank and get a roll of quarters for your swear jar. You’ll need them before it’s done.

Yeah from, the videos ive watched going to be a pain to get up in there. thanks for the help bud, hopefully the switches are the problem fingers crossed

Check the contacts in the actuator first. It takes like 5 minutes to get the cover off.

ok ill look into that aswell

You could gain a bit more room by dropping the transmission mount crossmember and allowing everything to sag a few inches. Let it rest on a jackstand.



Andreas

the two top switches are on the passenger or driver side?

Should be passenger side

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...8fa3494a78.png
am i blind or looking in the wrong area? From the videos ive watched it should be right here... but I cant seem to find it

The switches are on the transfer case. Your pic shows the a/c compressor and front part of the transmission.



Andreas

i know where the back two are. Im trying to find the front one or ones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crq3...ature=youtu.be

if you see this video he shows one up front. i dont know? pretty sure this is the passenger side and im right around it?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...ae75ebccf.jpeg
From the diagram they may be on the drivers side. Sorry. It’s been several years since I checked my when I was having blinking 4wd lights.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...1a69ff006.jpeg


Here is a pic of the spare ‘01-‘02 transfer case I have.



Andreas

yeah ive gotten to those two in the back, are there no more on my year? or are the two black plugs there what i should be looking for?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...647a821cc0.jpg
those two up there? if so any suggestions on the best way to get up in there lol

Yes, those are the ones. That’s why I posted a pic of my 2001 transfer case.

I suggested earlier that you support the transmission/transfer case and then remove the crossmember that holds the transmission mount.. Once removed, use a floor jack to slowly lower the assembly a bit.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...c6dc61bee.jpeg


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...0b20d61ab.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...798a843bc.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...63149a949.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...2c1a43575.jpeg



Andreas

Yeah sorry i was looking for the one from that video since its something i can do right now. Was hoping to avoid doing something like this since I dont have the space atm to do much more than unscrew something "easy" and check out ie: the switches with the 27mm socket. thanks for the info and detailed pictures/suggestions on how to approach it, much appreciated.