Hello list....I have a '97 4Runner Sr5 4WD Automatic, which has given me little to now problems (just an oil leak that needed to be patched twice).

However, today, as usual while driving on a wet pavement, I engaged the 2H to 4H for better traction. I made sure I was doing less than 60MPH, but when I switched from 2H to the 4H lever, I heard a grind, and put it back into 2H. When I tried to engage it into 4H again, the lever was in the 4H position, but the 4WD did NOT kick in, and the light failed to come on. After I parked and tried again, still nothing. I tried the N and 4L, and still nothing.

Can anyone tell me what possibly happened? And what is a fair estimate for a repair on something like this? Thanks again.

 

I'm not sure about the grind but usually when the 4WD won't work it's because of a broken vacuum line. Check that first and then move on to the mechanicals.

 

Try rolling slowly, then putting it in 4hi "quickly". Drive around on something loose, accelerate and decelerate..does the light come on? Maybe your light is burned out?

I'm pretty sure my little card says to stay under 50mph, not 60mh..so that is probably why it was grinding. Besides, it's almost unnecessary to drive in 4wd on wet pavement.



Also, get under there and check all of the electrical connections on the transfer case.

 

Won't that make the gears bind? Thought the 2003+ 4Runners could only be ran in 4x4 at all times?

 

I did try to engage from 2H to 4H again at low speed a little while ago, but the problem persists. I used to be able to feel it pull into gear as I pulled down on the lever, but now, I just feel the lever, and do not feel anything in the transfer case anymore.

For safe measure, I tried the 4L (following the proper procedure by stopping and putting the trans into neutral), and I *do* feel something going onin the case, but still no light.

Thanks again to you all for the prompt replies

 

That's why I said drive on something loose......The V8 4th gen is full time 4WD. It's never a good idea to drive in 4x4 all the time.

"MAYBE", if I understand this correctly, you can do so if you have a selectable center diff lock.

 

Easy then...are your front wheels being powered? Put it in 4lo on some dirt, and try to turn.

If it binds, your light may be out.

 

I think he was just trying to get more traction on a wet road. However, at speeds "under 60" I don't really see the reason for doing so. Once you are going that fast, 4WD is not necessary.

As for the binding, yes that happens around turns in 4WD, even on wet pavement with the 3rd gens. I don't see the harm in doing so every now and then when the roads are wet, but I would not make a practice of it. Heck, what is rain anyway?

As for the original posters question, I would have to agree with the vacuum line assessment. I would check those out. The bulb check is not a bad suggestion either.

 

It's fine to run 4wd even on dry pavement you just need to be sure to disengage it for low speed tight radius turns (parking, city driving). At speeds over ~15-20mph you can't turn hard enough to cause dramatic wheel speed differentiation without pretty much flipping the truck or spinning out anyway. It is good to cycle some oil around in the t-case regularly and it does provide additional traction at any speed. I do it often especially when on twisty mtn roads for the extra traction.

 

You should be engaging the 4wd under 40mph like the manuel says.