I've gone through the threads here for a LOOONG time and either my friend's 4-runner has a bad rear actuator or I'm testing it wrong. right now, I'll bank on the latter.

the 4wd system lights are blinking, but it is in 4wd and it needs to be in 2wd, at least until we can properly diagnose the problem.

anyway, i read about pulling the plug on the rear actuator and applying 12v +to pin 2 and - to pin 3.

a few dumb questions...

is the actuator the grapefruit-sized black plastic housed guy on the back of the tfer case? it must be, but I don't want to overlook the obvious (that I'm testing the wrong thing).

i unplugged the flat-6 connector. from the actuator. do I apply the 12v to the plug (It wouldn't affect the actuator, would it???) or do I apply it to the actuator itself?

applying to the plug is what several threads have indicated, and applying it to the actuator would be difficult due to the orientation and location of it, but certainly not impossible.

help!!!!

in fact, if anyone can help me I would love a phone call -- she's stuck at my house and had to spend the night and I would love to fix this asap. thanks!

Jeremy
818-353-2222

 

In reading the posts about manually operating the rear actuator on the transfercase, the instructions said to pull the plug and then apply 12v to pins 2 & 3.

just for clarification, You apply the 12v to the actuator and not to the plug w/the wires!

the locations of 2&3 were given on a 6-pin socket with 3 on top and 3 on bottom.

The one I was working on (an 02 model) had a flat 6 connector. the pins to hook up to on this connector are the two pins closest to the motor, which is located under the round metal dome next to the plug.

you'll need a mirror and two alligator clips to hook wires up to the proper terminals but that's the guy.

additionally, you can take the plastic cover off by removing the 3 10mm head bolts and pulling it off. I cleaned off the brushes and the motor and all of the connections.