4 Wheel Drive just broke

2000LtdKen · #1 (**permalink**) 02-16-2002, 02:26 PM

I was out at the desert this morning shifting between 4hi and 4lo when I got this terrible grinding noise for about 10 seconds. Afterwards, my 4hi light blinks on the dash and on my 4hi shift button. No 4 wheel drive though. So now my truck is just in 2 wheel mode and I have tried all the stuff with going forward and backwards to try and engage but no luck. Any thoughts on the problem? I guess I am off to the dealer on Monday.
Ken

pakalas · #2 (**permalink**) 02-16-2002, 02:58 PM

Just wondering...what procedure did you use to shift from 4hi to 4low? There's a certain procedure to shift into 4low.

2000LtdKen · #3 (**permalink**) 02-16-2002, 03:28 PM

To shift into 4lo Truck already in 4hi Stop Neutral Push 4lo button

champcaracing · #4 (**permalink**) 02-16-2002, 03:44 PM

ok, but did you wait for the 4lo light to come on steady?? we had this happen on the 2002 dodge ram launch tour, the ford guys didn't know this and you could here that noise across the parking lot. also before i bought my tundra, i heard that if water gets in the motor that does the shifting the plastic gear can break inside. good luck!!

2000LtdKen · #5 (**permalink**) 02-17-2002, 09:48 AM

Champcarracing,
If water gets in your motor you got bigger problems than my little fiasco.

Beastmaster · #6 (**permalink**) 02-17-2002, 10:03 AM

Hmm...this ugly problem may have reared up it's head again. Here's my FAQ section on this exact problem...
Hope this helps,
Steve

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Subject: 4.14 - 4x4 Actuator Rod problem (2000)
Some 2000 model year Tundra owners have reported problems with their 4x4 Tundras not going into 4-Lo and hearing a grinding sound when that happens. The solution is a mis-machined shaft in the front servo assembly and another mis-machined shaft in the transfer case. Many owners have had to have their actuator rods replaced per Toyota Engineering. Others have requested that their entire Transfer Case be replaced. In either case, owners have reported a downtime of roughly two weeks without their Tundra. This problem may not be recognized by most Toyota tech staffs and their support system. Most owners who have had this problem have had to require the dealership contact Toyota Engineering directly for the fix.

Jwitz · #7 (**permalink**) 02-17-2002, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 2000LtdKen
Champcarracing,
If water gets in your motor you got bigger problems than my little fiasco.

you are right, but he meant the motor for the ADD system... And by the way, unless a seal is broken of some sort, to get water in that particular motor you must be in about two to three feet deep, that is the length of your breather hoses.

2000LtdKen · #8 (**permalink**) 02-17-2002, 02:35 PM

I believe that this would be covered by the warranty: Powertrain Engine, transmission, front and rear wheel drive and restraint system are warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the vehicle's in-service date. Does anyone know for sure?
Thanks,
Ken

OakTRD · #9 (**permalink**) 02-17-2002, 03:24 PM

I had a similar problem with my 2000 Tundra 4x4. I was out 4 wheelin' and I couldn't get the truck into 4lo. I took it to the dealership and they discovered the actuator was messed up and because of the damage it caused by grinding gears, they had to rebuild the transfer case. It was all covered under warranty. Take it in and have the dealerhsip look at it because it should be covered.
Glenn

2000LtdKen · #10 (**permalink**) 02-27-2002, 04:58 PM

Just got it back from the dealer. Covered under warranty. Replaced the actuator and servo and it seems to be ok. It did make a slight clunk when shifting out of 4lo back to 4hi. Does anyone elses transfer case make noise like that?
Thanks,
Ken

sinjin · #11 (**permalink**) 03-02-2002, 08:32 AM

I have a 2002 TRD and I cannot get it into 4WD when the temperture dips below -10 c (or -4 F) it has been to the dealer several times but they tell me they cannot find the problem. Needless to say I am not impressed so while surfer TS I found a thread about the actuaters and hopefully they are going to fix this problem next week.

shortlid · #12 (**permalink**) 03-02-2002, 05:32 PM

You know you have to be STOPED FULLY and in N to shift into 4lo in the Tundra right!!! It is in the manual!

2000LtdKen · #13 (**permalink**) 03-02-2002, 07:40 PM

Shortlidge,
Yes, I understand the shifting instructions about being stopped and neutral when shifting in 4lo. I was just back to the desert today to test out my baby and she works sooooo beautiful, I almost cried.
See ya,
Ken

shortlid · #14 (**permalink**) 03-02-2002, 09:30 PM

Glad to hear she is running like a import again!!

Alan · #15 (**permalink**) 03-03-2002, 10:03 AM

Hey Ken,

How often do you cycle/use 4WD Hi & Lo? I try to get to the dirt every couple months, at least, in the hopes that will help keep the internals moving freely. Whaddya think?