My 85 4Runner with Auto tranny will not go into 4LOW. 4WD works fine. Pulled pan on tcase to check for "stuck valves" but can't get to them w/out removing more bolts. Changed dex III fluid. note: tcase linkage looks good - indexes to all three positions fine in tcase. Any advice on cleaning valve bodies in tcase? There are about 12 bolts accessible but don't want to start pulling apart if I do not have to. Truck did go into 4low ONCE - ran all gears fine, but can't get in again. Going to get dealer AT flush next.

Any advice???

 

btw, tcase has "AISIN 8980 1" stamped under pan. 4WD light on dash DOES NOT light up even when in 4WD (Yes, I verified it is going into 4wd).

Any specs on this tcase out there???

 

You got a body lift by chance as sometimes that is the problem. Mine pops out, but I've got to clearance the cover/boot due to the body lift.

Keep us posted as to what you find out and how you fix it.

 

Negative on lift - this thing is all stock and was a trade in family rig I just bought. Everthing on the truck is real tight and zero off-road scratches under - my thought is the thing rarely saw 4x4 and esp. 4low which leads me to think something is gummed up esp since it DID go in low once for me and ran great.

Any other hints?

THANKS!

 

could possibly be the No.4 solenoid, i hear it is located in the xfer case mine's toast and i have no 4 low. I haven't got around to replacing it yet. get codes pulled to find out

 

Thanks for the info! - Are you sure there is a solenoid in mine? It has a manual linkage from the tcase shifter into the tcase - I can see the selector in the tcase moving properly - I assumed the selector actuated the "valve body?" directly w/out a solenoid.

 

Update:

Runner went into low range yesterday. Previously, I drained ATF and replaced along with some conditioner - put about 1K on it.

I am leaving it in LOW all weekend in hopes that the "valve bodies" get cleaned up more while in the LOW position.

A friend advised a dealer auto tranny "flush" - is it worth the $140???

Am I dreaming that it is as simple as sticky valves or can a solenoid / other part fail "sometimes"?

 

Here's my ZERO DOLLAR solution to this problem.

When I need to go into low range I do the following:

1. Place tranny in NEUTRAL
2. Turn engine OFF
3. Switch TCase to LOW Range.
4. Place tranny back in PARK
5. Start Engine
6. Off I go, IN LOW!

This has worked 15 times or more - EVERY TIME.

Moderator: This post is in the wrong forum - can it be moved so other's can get this solution?