Hi Everyone,

Its been a while since Ive been on, but ive recently run into a problem. Ive tried searching and havent really gotten anywhere other that the given..."clean the contacts, take it off, lube it". Anyways, 2000 Tundra, V8, SR5, Auto, push-button 4x4. I push the 4-Hi button (tried it while driving and while stopped), button flashes and the dash light comes on and flashes, I hear the actuator "click" and engage, and both lights just flash. Ive tried driving forward, going in reverse, nothing works. It just doesnt seem to ever fully engage. Any info/advice would be great....its currently looking like Ill probably just have to get my hands dirty and start pulling stuff apart. Let me know!

and btw, ive tried searching, and gotten no-where.

 

The front actuators on the 1gen tundras are known to go bad. Try turning your wheel from full left and then right and then vice versa. I've heard this helps to engage the actuator. Otherwise, you'll need do the mention the work you've already mentioned. Worse case scenario, you swap out the actuators from another 7.5" front unit.

One of the main reasons I went with a manual transfer case. However, I never got around to rewiring the front actuator on a separate switch.

 

my 2000 tundra 4wd will not engage, it clicks and the light flashes. moving the truck forward and back does nothing. will try lock to lock with steering. does anyone know if this can be forced without taking it apart? Bigger hammer?

 

Try gently tapping the front actuator with a hammer. Best way is on a lift or jack the front wheels up, parking brake on, trans in neutral and tap the actuator while slowly spinning one front wheel by hand. Have a helper push the 4wd button while doing this.

 

Thanks for the hint, 4wd works. The hammer tapping with the wheels up did it.

 

Good deal! Try using the 4WD a few times in the next couple days so the actuator doesn't stick again. If it does fail again, you'll probably want to replace the actuator. Luckily, it's not too difficult to replace.

 

When trying to dis engauge 4 wheel drive 4x4 light flashes and then a loud clunk in rearend. Wondering what problem might be.

 

I had the same problem. I did not need to use the 4wd for a couple of years. I changed the fluids for the transfer case and front differential. I then supported the front end on stands. With the engine running, vehicle in neutral trry to spin one front wheel by hand with a helper pushing the 4x4 button. Tapping on the actuator with a rubber deadblow mallet will help. The 4x4 still takes a some effort to engage, I have to be in neutral to engage and reverse to disengage. I only need my 4wd to pull my boat at the ramp at low tide when it is slick. I make sure that it works prior to it being critical and make a point to operate the system on a regular basis. It helps. Good luck.

 

Any suggestions on what to do when actuators go bad and truck is stuck in 4wd? Can't afford to have the work done at the moment. and REALLY need to get it out of 4wd. Blinking lights etc. First it wouldn't go in and now can't get it out! Thanks, Kathy

 

Running into a similar problem. First start up in the morning 4wd indicators on dash and buttons flash. I park at work and when I go home at night the are off and 4wd works like it should. Had it into a dealer who just did the airbag recall work to see if they may have messed something up. They said it had something to do with the ABS breaks. Leaning to the transfer case actuator but why does it only happen in the morning? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

Should have put in that it is 2005 4.7l double cab tundra sr5

 

4WD HI AND LO- flashing and not engaging. Put a new front actuator in, still did not solve the problem. The dash previously just flashed 4 HI, now it is flashing both. Any ideas? Would it be the transfer case motor? Going tot ake it to a stealer soon because I have been head scratching for a while now. Had a local mechanic take a shot at it, no dice.

Im all ears....