Just bought a 1999 hilux surf looks like it's in amazing shape and only 24000km on it. Which is why I'm scratching my head at this issue... And hoping it's a quick fix. Under the vehicle looks brand new still actually so maybe just a corroded wire or something. I'm hoping.

It is from Japan, and didn't come with a manual (not that I could read it anyway) but it seems like the 4wd doesn't work? I don't know what normal operation looks like though.

So question, for any 4Runner or hilux surf owners, it has the 4wd on the fly, 4h, 4hL, and 4LL, but when I click the button all of the lights on the icon flash (orange centre diff one and green one for the tires)

Is this what it's supposed to look like when engaged? It's the 4cyl automatic if that makes a difference. Before I take it to my garage in Edmonton and get hosed, I was just wondering if it's something I can quick fix myself (or is it even broken? I have no idea. I just feel like flashing isn't normal)


Any help would be most appreciated, even if i can just point my mechanic in the right direction.
Thank you!

 

I'm not sure on the issue, but I am sure that the flashing icons are a great place to start doing to googling. They're tying to tell you something. Sorry I can be more help. Good luck.

 

If when pressing the button, the lever is in 2H, it means that 4H or AWD has not been engaged. Sometimes, it does not engage immediately and you will have to wait a few seconds before 4H is engaged. When 4H is engaged, you'll hear a click from under your seat and the orange light goes away so all you see is an all green steady light. Try to drive it around and try pressing the 4WD button a few times. Maybe the solenoid switches are just stuck..hopefully after being unused for sometime.

 

The lights are flashing because one of the position sensors (either on the transfer case or in the A.D.D) are telling the system that something hasn't shifted to the expected position. Check under the front axle to see if the vacume line to the ADD hasn't come off and check the sensors on both sides of the transfer case for broken connectors and damaged wires. When you are sitting still, if the system hasn't been usedfor a while it may be sticky, so roll along gently in 2H and push the 4wd button while you have your foot off the gas. you should indeed hear quite a loud click from the front as the add engages (which is all that the button does). It can be safely used at speeds of up to 60 mph! So the Jap sticker says...