[blackcoyote]

I drive a 03 Quoia SR5 w/ 4WD - 200k+ miles.

I changed the actuator, I changed the diff fluids, when I press the 4WD button the light on the dash blinks but doesn't turn solid and the 4WD does not engage. The actuator does work.

Car has been used primarily as 2WD, and there was a long time where the 4WD has not been activated - might be the cause of this problem?

I am running out of ideas, and my next step will be going to a dealer for an [expensive] diagnostic.

Before I do that, does anyone here have any suggestions?

Thank you in advance.

 

[SilverSasquatch]

Do you push the button to activate 4x4 when stopped or moving? Also, make sure the little vacuum hose on the transfer case is plugged in. The end can rot and fall off the nipple.

 

[blackcoyote]

Do you push the button to activate 4x4 when stopped or moving? Also, make sure the little vacuum hose on the transfer case is plugged in. The end can rot and fall off the nipple.

I tried both, stopped and moving. Will check the vacuum hose next - but from what I remember that also should be plugged in.

 

[AbAbner]

I drive a 03 Quoia SR5 w/ 4WD - 200k+ miles.

I changed the actuator, I changed the diff fluids, when I press the 4WD button the light on the dash blinks but doesn't turn solid and the 4WD does not engage. The actuator does work.

Car has been used primarily as 2WD, and there was a long time where the 4WD has not been activated - might be the cause of this problem?

I am running out of ideas, and my next step will be going to a dealer for an [expensive] diagnostic.

Before I do that, does anyone here have any suggestions?

Thank you in advance.

 

[AbAbner]

I ran into this same problem a few years back due to lack-of-use.
Not using 4 wheel drive like not using anything else on the vehicle for long lengths of time cause things to sometimes freeze up due to lack of use. Lack of use causes things to dry due to no activity and no lubrication.
Does the 4wd light come on? If it's not used in a while the 4wd shift motor can freezes up especially in an older vehicle. Solution is for someone to keep pushing the 4wd button on and off while a second person craws under the vehicle and hit the shift motor (on the back of the transfer case) with a hammer a few times to unfreeze. Then make sure you put it into 4wd from time to time. All systems in the car should be used once a month. During the summer many people do not engage 4 WD until winter snow. During winter many people never turn on their air conditioner to keep things moving and lubricated. I try to use each system at least once a month. Try to use your 4 WD only on no asphalted off road surfaces from time to time at least once a month.

 

[Rayland]

every time it rains I engage mine and run it until engine up to normal temp then disengage it. started this habit after difficulty similar to yours several years ago. - became very difficult to get it engage in 4W, green lights would sometimes come on, sometimes not but orange center light would keep flashing instead of going out as it should when fully engaged.
Try to engage, drive slowly turning steering wheel back and forth. You can also try moving main gear shift (not 4H -N- 4L shift) into neutral and back to drive. if stopped can try reverse also. Sometime that will help a sticky or sluggish one engage.

2002 Sequoia Limited currently at 240,200 roughly ( don't remember exact reading when I parked earlier)

 

[SilverSasquatch]

I tried both, stopped and moving. Will check the vacuum hose next - but from what I remember that also should be plugged in.

I re-read your OG post. You say you've changed the f/r diff fluids, but did you change trans and transfer case fluid?
After I changed out those fluids on my truck I could get into 4x4 smoother and HI-Lo shifting was much easier.