I have a 2001 4Runner Multi Mode 4WD. 260,000 well earned miles. no signs of tranny ware- ever.

I put her in 4wd hi ADD off- due to snowy slick road conditions.

Going down a long hill i began to slide from braking- so I dropped in into 4WD lo.

There was a buzzing noise and some intense vibrations in the lever while shifting but it didnt struggle to kick into lo.

at the bottom of the hill I tried to shift back into hi- without first putting it in neutral (didn't even realize it until i had already shifted out of lo) but it never made it to high- just stayed in 4wd neutral. had to have it towed.


Back at the house I checked the ATF fluid and it looked brand new and did not smell burnt. I tried cycling the t-case in 4wd hi, 4wd lo, ADD on, ADD off, tranny in neutral, tranny in drive. NO LUCK.

Put it in park with the motor on and it makes a buzzing sound for about 2 seconds.

got under with it running (someone else holding the brakes of course) and tapped one actuator with a hammer and it clicked and the 4WD indicator lights in the gauge cluster went out (they were previously flashing).
I could also hear something that sounded like it was turning in the t-case.

tried to cycle the t-case again- no luck.

any ideas on what to do next?