4wd odd issue

I am having an odd issue with 4wd. I use it regularly just to keep stuff lubed, and it normally pops right into 4hi pretty quickly. Yesterday it decides it doesn’t want to disengage back to 2wd. At first the lever wouldn’t budge back to 2wd, then the lever finally moves, but 4wd light stayed on. I could hear something in the front end click when I tried to move in and out of 4wd, but it wouldn’t disengage. I had to roll backwards, then drive about 50 feet forward before it would finally disengage and the light go out.

Today I tried it, everything worked normally. Then this evening it took quite a long time to engage from 2wd to 4wd, as in a couple hundred feet which is unusual. When it finally engaged, it was fine, and disengaged no problem.

So, could this be signs of ecu or solenoid problems or normal type stuff with a manual lever? I haven’t used much in the way of manual lever 4wd, so it’s something I’m adjusting to. Oh, and all my 4wd driving is on a gravel and dirt road, no pavement, so there’s no binding going on. If it continues, obviously a dealer trip is upcoming. Just wanted to see what you guys here think first. Thanks in advance.

 

Actually sounds pretty normal. Sometimes the gears just don't mesh right - there's a lot of variables at play - and it takes a minute and some distance / movement to engage / disengage.

 

My former Tacoma and current 4runner both do this sometimes.

 

Sounds normal.

 

Ok, great, thanks for your input. Makes me feel better that this is normal. Now I won’t be too concerned if it occurs again.

 

Not sure exactly how you are shifting, but some advice:

Be forceful in your shifts. I rip that T-case lever from 2H to 4H.

I find it easiest to engage and disengage 4H while moving.

4L I always completely stop for, shift into neutral, give it ten seconds or so, and then shift into 4L. I do the same when shifting out of 4L into 4H.

And it isn't really needed on the 4Runner, but if I am in an area where I can do it, after i get back into 2H I usually back up in a straight line about 100' or so. A holdover from older 4WD vehicles.

 

Couple more thoughts (Mark normally covers everything)
1. Don't "load " the driveline while it is trying to shift, i.e., neither hard acceleration, or downhill load, as both can keep the action from occurring quickly.
2. Keep your wheels straight ahead, as the geometry of the shorter turning radius of the front end will also effectively create item #1.
Also, as Mark so eloquently stated, YANK the lever....
Less wear and tear occurs on a transmission with QUICKER shifts..... Not always the same for the rest of the driveline, however.

 

Good tips and advice guys, thanks.
I guess what really got me concerned was the instance of trying to move the lever back to 2wd, I gave a forceful push, but it was like something physically wouldnt let the lever move. It was odd as I was fully stopped, maybe that was the problem to begin with.

 

the 2wd to 4wd hi no problem for me... pops in out quickly .. as was mentioned move the select knob quick ... if it does not want to change then something is not working right..

4WD LOW that is the tricky little devil when cold , very slow may have to do it a couple of times ...

If I do select 4WD L I do it on a slight grade stopped in neutral and if it does not engage take foot off brake as it rolls , then it pops in as the gears line up properly.

check all the drive train fluids ..