Hello all,
My 4Runner doesn't like to stay in AWD. I have a Limited so it has AWD/4Hi/4Lo. The weird thing is that it won't stay in AWD. Like, I'll be driving along in AWD, then the 4WD lights start flashing and it goes back into 2WD. This confuses me.
Also, sometimes it won't quite go into 4WD. I'll shift the transfer case but then it's like it'll get stuck in neutral or something. I'll have no motive power at all. Just a whirring noise in any gear. I then have to turn the car off and restart to get it back into 2wd.
What do y'all think is happening?
Pushbutton control, I presume. Does it engage properly, then kick out, or never engage at all?
First guess would be encoder motor or broken shift mechanism inside the case.
Could also have a failsafe if the front axle doesn't engage properly, but thats a stretch.
Well the AWD is a pushbutton but the 4WD is a lever. When it does engage, it'll stay that way for a bit and then pop back into 2wd.
My wife had an 01 and had one of the switches on the axle or transfer case go bad. I took it apart and cleaned it and it worked as it should.
My experience with these selector units from toyota is that if not used with some frequency they can seize up and need to be cleaned and lubricated. Once you get it freed up, use it periodically, it won't reoccur.
