I can shift into 4wd lo no problem and the rear locker engages, but when I push the 4wd button on the side of the shifter nothing happens. No light come on and 4wd hi won't seem to work. Any ideas?

btw it's a 96 4runner ltd.

hanley

 

you cant use 4Hi and the locker together unless you do the mod (in mod section)

 

i thought you could only use the locker in 4lo and not 4hi without doing the mod? have you tried disengaging the locker and put it in?

 

must have posted at the exact same time. lol

 

i know that you can't engage the locker in 4wheel hi. I can't get 4wheel hi to engage at all. locker works fine.

 

Just so ya' know, the light on the dash is a true telling of the state of the front end. It's wired to a switch in the front housing that gets hit when the collar slides into place. The point being that unless the lamp is burned out, you can trust that it's not just an idiot light.


The locker is driven by vacuum, the solenoids are on the fender wall on the driver's side, the vacuum reserve tank is up under the fender on the driver's side, outside of the engine compartment.

Tracing the hoses amongst the solenoids will be the first step. Look for a vacuum leak in there. Also check the hoses leading to/from the storage tank.

With a helper's finger on the 4WD button in the cab, you should be able to hear the solenoids engage under the hood. There are two, and they work together to manage the vacuum at the locker. You can leave the engine off during this part to make it easier to hear.

If you can't hear them clicking (using a long screwdriver with the tip on the solenoid and the handle in your ear will help) then you're looking at an electrical problem. Check the wiring, connectors, fuse...

If you hear them clicking, then start the engine and move to pulling the hoses off to be sure that the vacuum's being routed. Put your finger over the end of the hose or solenoid and you'll be able to feel it.

If there's vacuum there, then move to under the truck and be sure you have vacuum at the housing. The lines are easy to find, though you'll have to pull the skidplate.

If there's vacuum at the housing, then it's probably the acuator itself. I'm pretty sure that it can be replaced from the outside. I remember looking at it when I had similar problems with mine.


Good luck!