I parked next to a snow mountain to help a friend get out of a ditch and when I jumped back in, I didn't realize I was in 2wd. So as I took off I started to spin. Well I let off the gas, but I guess I didn't wait for long enough for the rest wheels to stop free spinning, and I clicked the 4wd button and heard a decent sounding bang from the tcase. Well now 4wd won't engage. Doesn't even matter of I shift into low. When i hit the 4wd button I hear the actuator by the tcase moving... But nothing happens. The 4wd light in the dash doesn't blink, it doesn't come on at all. What's everyone's thoughts? What am i in for

 

Sounds like you need a replacement t-case is my first thought, usually they spit a gear out of the side of the t-case on a SR5 manual shift when you do that, not sure what the e-shift type would break, best way to find out would be to drain it to see if you have chunks, if no chunks, pull it out and take it apart, it might be salvageable.

 

but if the tcase took a ˟˟˟˟, then wouldn't the truck not move at all? or maybe I don't understand how it functions.

 

That is why I suggested you drain the fluid and check for chunks, you may have just broke a shift fork or shift motor, or you may have smoked a gear, but if you have chunks in there and you have been driving around in 2wD you have probably dickered all the internal components.

 

So i got it in a shop (i don't have a garage and I'm not working in -20 weather) and put it up on the lift. Front axle spins, so they are taking the front actuator off to check it. Anyone know the part number on that?

 

You really need to take some time and some notes and read this thread:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/4...er-ltd-131201/

The M/M (multi-mode, shift on the fly, electronic, AWD, or whatever you want to call it) transfer case has 5-7 position sensors (depending on some options), actuators, and ECU that all need to be in phase and talking to each other in order for things to work. Most of the time it is just the sensors that get junked up as 4wd is a seldom used function and these parts are 15+ years old.

 

Got it back from the shop. They said the actuator had seized. They put a Dorman unit on and it is all good. I drove it yesterday. We had a heavy snowfall last evening. Like 8 inches in 4 hours. (I need to update my profile location). I haven't shifted it in and out of 4wd much but in the parking lot it shifted in and out just fine. Knock on wood it stays that way.

They gave me the old actuator. I kind of want to investigate it. When it warms up maybe I'll take it apart and take a look inside.

 

Please post pictures of the actuator they replaced. It is a common understanding that the transfer case actuator can only be removed with a disassembly of the transfer case itself since the actuator is holding the shift forks. Or did they replace the front axle actuator?

Inquiring minds want to know