Got a call from my sister today saying that her 4Runner 4WD system is stuck in limbo. Her husband used the push-button 4WD and for the last day of driving the lights have been flashing.

I had her try going from R - N - D, mess with the push button, and had her messing with the J-shifter with no luck...the stuff that has always worked for my 3rd gen. So I read this thread:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/4...01/index3.html

I will probably just buy the front diff sensor (84222-35070) and see if that makes any difference but I live a 1,000 miles away and won't be out to Boulder until Thanksgiving. My main concern right now is that something is definitely wrong driving it. Everything seems normal I am told, except when turning the wheel more sharply. Apparently it is making noises it shouldn't in that situation (like turning into a parking spot).

What I am wondering is, is she causing more damage driving it around like this? I'm guessing yes. They keep getting slammed with multi-thousand dollar unexpected situations (mostly because of their dogs) so I'm trying to figure out the cheapest course of action. Really appreciate any input anyone can give me.

 

Sounds like it's stuck in 4wd and if they've been driving it in 4wd on dry pavement if something hasn't broken already they're about to do a lot of damage.

(I can't fathom spending thousands on animals...)

 

My truck is having a similar issue actually. It has always gone into 4wd with no problems but a few weeks ago it started being real pick about it.

It has gotten worse to the point that i can't get it to go into it at all anymore.

When i pres the button It will kinda halfway engage and it starts trying to pull to the left.

Not sure what is going on. I have tried all the normal circles, reverse, N drive ect. No luck. Can't figure it out.

 

floor shift > button shift

 

Tried that too, didn't help.

 

Well in my case i tried it again last night as i was pulling out of the driveway and it went right in. Not sure whats going on but it is engaged now. Gonna drive it like this for awhile to hopefully loosen up anything that might have been sticking.

 

Is it possible for 4WD to only partially engage?

I think it is either fully or possibly partially engaged since it was driven in deep snow and the brother-in-law didn't mention having a hard time getting around. If it is really in AWD/Multi-mode, I am not concerned about it being driven on pavement for the time being. Can't believe I forgot to mention what 4WD system it has...1999 Limited 4WD (push-button 4WD).

TA...glad to hear you were able to get yours working for now.

 

Yes, it can be partially engaged. I think the center diff is locked when this happens from the way mine has acted. So not a good thing.

 

They were using the push button 4WD which does not lock the center differential so I don't think that would be what is causing problems. I'm heading out to CO a little earlier now so hopefully they don't destroy anything before I can try my sensors in her car (we both have 99 Limiteds so all the parts should be exactly the same).

 

Just telling you, i have the push button as well and when half engaged it sure feels like it locked the center. Even have tires skip like a locked diff before when this is going on. After it finishes engaging then then everything goes back to feeling normal. Done this since i got the truck.

 

Well here's the update...I went to drive the vehicle just so I would know how bad the binding actually was. It was REAL bad. So I changed the transfer indicator switch and the 4WD was back to normal. The next time I drove it I noticed the shift from P to R was rough...like a bucking bronco.

Changed the transfer case oil. First time it was ever done the oil had at least 96k on it and the fluid looked brand new. This time the fluid, Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-90, with 18k on it looked like dirty used motor oil. I didn't have a chance to drive it after the fluid change. When I got back home from my trip I asked my sister how the P to R shift was. This is the reply I got:

"When I turn hard either way, like coming out of a parking spot, the car doesn't feel right - sluggish and seems like its dragging. Don't know how to explain. Also that little jump when I start going I'm noticing sometimes."

What do you guys think?

 

Sounds like the center diff is locked. Mine acts like that with it locked and i found out the other day that for some reason when the center diff is locked in my truck it pulls to the left real hard. I am betting whatever is causing it to pull to the left is also what is making it hard to get in and out of 4wd.

 

I just changed the fluid in my transfer case and front diff. It now engages MUCH better then it did before. Still not as good as it used to but I can at least get it in and out now with some messing around.

 

check for loose drive line connections. ujoints and double cardon joints being slightly worn will make a heck of a difference for engaging and disengaging 4wd sounds like something in the front axle is worn out like a CV, usually what that clunking sound is when turning sharp, try going into loose dirt and stepping on it then trty shifting again do this is forward and reverse lots or jack it up all 4's and put into gear see if all 4 spin, you can also check for play in driveline when up in air by hand, put transmission in neutral and trans case in 4x4