So I have a 4cyl 98 runner and my 4wd went out a few months ago. Finally got around to looking at it and have narrowed my problem down. When it is switched into 4wd the vsv's are supposed to switch sending power to the 4wd(red) one. When shifted the power does not switch wires and it is still going to the blue wire. I'm wondering what other switches control the blue and red switch and where they are located so that I can begin checking them. Thanks for the help!!

 

There's a separate and small 4WD ECU in the passenger foot well. This contains the actual 4WD relay. It should give an audible click when your shift the transfer case, even with the engine off. Dig up the wiring diagram on TTORA for specific pin outs and troubleshooting.

 

just to clarify can you do it with the key off or does the key need to be turned on to acc? and if it doesn't make any click does that mean the relay is bad? is it an easy to replace relay like a fuse or is it a more expensive part of the ecu?

 

There is also a switch inside the transfer case FOR SURE if you have an electric actuated transfer, MAYBE for the other type (electric ones have the 4WD pushbutton on the side of the transfer lever to go to four-high).

The vacuum valves do not switch until the transfer case is in gear and the propeller shaft is spinning up to speed. If the electric motor on the transfer is jammed up, then the symptoms you describe for the VSV's is normal.

 

I don't have the electric actuated 4wd. Mine is just the lever. I also do not hear anything coming from the relay on the passenger side. Any other ideas?