Toyota Tundra 4X Light Flashes - Diff Actuator Diag and Replacement

[@OneAuto]

I'm grateful we don't have Dorman stuff over here. Even so it makes you doubt your diag when that happens. Nice job Tim.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

yes, that's why I have pulled all my hair out!

[@wyattoneable]

I love the comment from Eric. I some cases I've had good luck with Dorman, but not for critical components. There prices make it temping though. Great tip!

[@farmboy30117]

I agree Wyatt!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Don't fall for the low prices!!! hahaha

[@Thunderroad8517]

Got one of these today. 03 tundra. 2hi4hi flashes on the button and the cluster. No light for the drive position on the shifter. Will not engage into 4wd. Sent power and ground to just the motor side and it works. Thanks for the help in diag. No light in the 4 low.

[@SouthMainAuto]

I really don't believe you that you had a faulty Dorman part. Such a great company with great products and quality ---Said no mechanic ever....

[@SouthMainAuto]

Oh and P.S. If you make enough video showing how sh^%y their products are they will send you free t-shirts and stuff! They make wonderful rags!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

hahahha. I hope they have XXL shirts. I knew better than Dorman, that's why I quoted the OE part but the customer was friends with the other parts store owner. at the end of the day it only cost me an extra three hours of my time and potential assault charges at the parts store after they initially refused to refund my money. Oh my goodness. NEVER AGAIN!!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

I posted this link on their FB page haha they love it when I do that :D

[@moneymac2864]

LMFAO...oh man...how has Dorman not been sued? Seriously...oh lets sue AC-Cardone while we're at it...but anyway great video...

[@bigdaddymak1439]

Dorman=JUNK -Eric O. South Main Auto!!

[@faronfowler]

be better if you had demonstrated the reference voltage measurements

[@connieromanishan6780]

Thank you for this video. This is exactly what my truck is doing.

[@incompetent.engineer]

FYI, I had the 4HI flashing issue, turned out it was a bad position switch on the transfer case. Good thing to check before replacing a $200 front diff actuator. The front diff actuator may not be powered if a position switch on the transfer case is bad, as the ECU will get confused. The switches are easily identifiable, they just thread in to a bolt hole, and have a connector on top. Easy to check their function, continuity when closed, open circuit when open.

[@ismo9920001]

hi I have the same problem my 4HI is flashing and the traction control light stay on. where that position switch on the transfer case is located? thank you please you can also email me at [e-mail]

[@TaterTot_615]

I had this exact same issue. My 03 sequoia got stuck in 4WD locked diff. Center diff light flashing. I tested both transfer case postion switches and found the front one to be bad. After replacing it I disconnected the battery for about 15 minutes and then reconnected it. I started it and the blinking light went away. I would start with the position switches if you’re having similar issues. The part was $61 with tax.

[@incompetent.engineer]

Glad it helped someone out all these years later!

[@TaterTot_615]

I had this exact same issue. My 03 sequoia got stuck in 4WD locked diff. Center diff light flashing. I tested both transfer case postion switches and found the front one to be bad. After replacing it I disconnected the battery for about 15 minutes and then reconnected it. I started it and the blinking light went away. I would start with the position switches if you’re having similar issues. The part was $61 with tax.

[@Hector-cn3rv]

How did you get to the 2 top bolts on actuator? Bottom 2 are ok but top 2 theres hardly no room to get tools in there.

[@joshuarhodes9022]

Hey mine 2000 tundra is getting stuck in 4x4 and I already replaced the whole transfer case with a new used one but it's still flashing in getting stuck in 4x4 I do notice the front differential actuator looks in great shape but the grey plastic wire u showed is cover in oil and grease from a old oil leak I fixed what do u think it could be

[@sydsyd]

Dorman. JUNKED!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

final answer!

[@daveeddy2402]

My 2002 Tundra was Locked in 4wd..would not come out..forward. reverse. Neutral...nothing The plastic cap on the actuator blew apart..rust corrosion etc. Mechanic bought two used transfer cases...they both had bad switches!!! Now waiting for another switch from Colorado.. Hoping that my transfer case isn't "out of synch"!!! That it's still "clocked "

[@allendurfee5275]

How many vols should it read i have 9.5v

[@snw56]

Never had much luck with serious Dorman parts.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I knew better lame deal

[@Thunderroad8517]

What is the correct reference voltage???? Thanks in advance.

[@scalise45]

When you installed the new actuator did you switch on the 4wd before and manually lock it in 4 wheel drive before when you put the actuator in? I am having a problem where mine was getting stuck in 4wd and would come out. The dealer told me I needed an actuator but couldn’t get a part for weeks. I found a new oem one and installed it. When I put it in 4wd it makes a terrible whirring sound and the vehicle doesn’t move. Like it’s in neutral. I think something is not lined up right. No blinking lights or anything. It turns on and off with no issues but it doesn’t move.

[@kalmanoelle719]

Awesome video

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

Awesome video thank you so much for sharing

[@genomcmahon2731]

Are you saying that grayvto ground is 12 volt and green to ground is 12 volts I have 23 volts on the gray zero on green

[@scflooring8658]

Should have listen to Eric O Good 👍 words to trust!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Dealing with another Dorman defective part today. I guess I’ll never learn.

[@brobyrne17]

In the video you mentioned Dorman and the problem you had with it. What manufacturer did you get for the one you put in during the video? It was stated at 2:20 of the video. Replayed it several times but could not determine the name. Thanks! 2006 Tacoma.

[@USA01930]

how hard is the removal and install. having a similar issue just replaced the transfer case actuator same problem 500$ later

[@Steven-hj6nl]

2001 Sequoia SR5 is your next quest. Can only find 1 here with a dash like mine but is 2wheel drive. Only found another similar and 2 in Tundra of this problem. Mine is stuck in a dragster turning radius and what have seen is that it could be the transfer case mod that needs to be cleaned for contact. Is this correct with mine?

[@rustynuckles3662]

My 2002 Tundra had the flashing 4Hi but nothing happened when I pressed the 4Lo. Come to find out that the 4Lo button was not clicking in. So I found a used dash bezel ($135.00) containing a working button and while testing "reference voltages" I could see that the ADD started working again because I removed it and just had it hanging with a ground wire attached to the frame and the body of the ADD. On this one, you have to press in the 4Hi and then press the 4Lo to get the 4Lo to activate.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Excellent!

[@denvercolorado811]

outstanding video

[@samsquid9138]

what I find works (sometimes) is turning the 4x4 on, turning the truck off and back on.

[@Dogpool]

Im a fan of dorman. They make a lot of stuff that no one else does. And this part here isn’t a miracle , just open the thing up and clean the contacts. It sweeps 3 fingers across a contact. Very simple device really. I am sus that the doorman one was no good.

[@Hector-cn3rv]

Im about to do this very same thing !

[@Hector-cn3rv]

Just curious, Is it possible to just remove the 4 phillips screws with actuator still bolted on TC Rather than taking the whole thing off?

[@johnlepere3002]

On my 2004 tundra I replaced the actuator it goes into four wheel okay the light stays on, but when I take it out of four wheel the light continues to flash all the time. Anybody else have that problem?

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Another Timely Tip from Tim. Oh and don't four4get to tip the dor man.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

hehehe

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Have a great day mate.

[@hobolyf]

My right exhaust manifold cracked. Replaced with a dorman part. It's rusted Soo bad in 6 months and the left exhaust manifold looks much better with 200k miles.

[@crmcbrideww]

How much was this repair? if you don’t mind me asking. I know I’m not in the same city as you and I won’t be taking it to you(unfortunately) but this is what’s happening with my Sequoia and it’s in the shop now.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I think it was probably a $500 fix. The OE part is expensive.

[@craignmongolia]

This might be a stupid question, but I live in Mongolia and I own a 2001 Toyota Hilux Surf, which is the Asian version of a 4Runner. I'm having this same problem but I'm not sure how to check the voltage on the old actuator to know if it's working properly. Any instructions to do that?

[@Steven-hj6nl]

My first foreign vehicle

[@garyclemons1129]

lol good job keep up the good work

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you for the kind words! Take care

[@aaroncorral1327]

Hey great video man quick question though I have the same problem on my 2001 tundra the 4hi just blinks and the 4lo does not engage, my question is were can I get the transfer case shift actuator from I am having a hard time finding one

[@Hector-cn3rv]

Just remove the 4 phillips screws on ADD black cap and clean out the bad grease thats inside and regrease. Saves you $300.

[@davidc544]

What does a repair like this cost? I'm looking to buy an old 4runner and some have this problem.

[@TCAuto2010]

great video, on my 02 sequoia my diff red light on the dash is constantly flashing after the last time I switched into 4wd it never engaged, red diff light flashed as iff it was going to then never did and won't stop flashing now. so checking the pins at my diff actuator it has continuity at pins 4-6 which means it's in L4. I have not checked my A.D.D. yet but would you say my diff actuator is faulty with it being stuck in that position? thanks for your thoughts on this.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I think that's the most likely cause. Look at the wiring there where that connector is on the L side.

[@TCAuto2010]

you referred to the connector on the left for the ADD on the video, are you referring to that? I'm sorry Man I said diff actuator, I'm taking about the transfer case actuator, on the back of the transfer case..

[@ThecardoctorTV]

oh sorry, I was confused. Try a light tap on the t-case motor and see if it starts shifting. Does it feel like its in 4 low?

[@TCAuto2010]

negative. the light has been flashing for probably about 5 months. I'm definitely not in 4-wheel drive. I did try tapping on the motor and nothing changed. I I'm thinking that motor is bad because it won't shift back into just two wheel High position. like I said I check continuity between all the terminals and I have continuity at pins 4 and 6 which means it is in L4 which I think is locked four not low four.

[@flavrdPnut]

I’m glad you did a vid on this but the electrical talk means nothing with out a video and you never gave a part number or price for OEM.

[@kristenjensen1822]

my 05 does this exact same thing. Started the troubleshooting per the dealer. Replaced the computer module in the dash first (dealer paid for). Nope. Didnt fix. Guess its the diff actuator.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Go with the OE part!

[@Badgertronix]

I'm sure the Dorman part looked pretty if nothing else.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

it was so pretty.

[@connieclaiborne4512]

Are you in nc

[@claytonshirts5456]

I have a 2007 Toyota Tundra the four-wheel drive light just flashes but I'm not locking into 4 wheel or 4 Low I don't understand this

[@dalepenner8411]

My 2005 tundra, both 4 hi and lo lights flash and no 4x4

[@ivanf4568]

Where is this shop? I want to take my sequoia

[@ivanf4568]

I Need a mechanic that knows this issues in the los Ángeles area, please let me know

[@haydenbargeron603]

What brand actuator did you get?

[@voodosforever]

Everyday Outdoors : He stated “OE”, which is “Original Equipment”, TOYOTA.

[@scottballin3798]

Aisin ?

[@TJD293]

I don't get how Dorman continues to be in business. Every part they have ever sold gets returned or the customer just gives up because it's a new part and doesn't know how to fix the issue now...

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Good question. Maybe they ship drugs in the parts boxes and put the drug money in the returned parts boxes and launder the money when they write off the loss of business revenue? hehehe

[@jamesflores9456]

dorman tacoma door handles... theyre better than oe

[@EXOVCDS]

I'm sure that a second Dorman part would have been OK... but we will never know. =(

[@ThecardoctorTV]

if you ever get one of these in your shop please try that second dorman actuator for us and let us know how it went. You seem like a lucky guy. You should probably enter the lottery also. haha

[@EXOVCDS]

I'll be sure to let you know... actually, I played lotto on Friday! Gonna check the tickets today... will surprise you at the shop if I got lucky! =)

[@jocelynsauriol2566]

thanks men help a lots

[@MrPeller80]

DO NOT USE DORMAN replacement parts..... I just uploaded a KZbin video on my front Diff Actuator troubles and fix. One owner 2005 Sequoia with only 70k miles. Flashing 4hi and wouldn’t engage between 2 and 4wd. Initial repair used a Dorman and it failed. OEM worked. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mneafaKVrNR6Y80 A new OEM Actuator was put in yesterday and truck now works back to normal. It was the Dorman part for sure! See this thread too: www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-trouble-shoot-4x4-actuator.263525/page-33

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Oh I'll give it back to the customer before I put a Dorman electrical product on a car...no way!!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Good call. I hope to avoid this in the future for sure.

[@normansmith7806]

Dorman 😦

[@ThecardoctorTV]

:( :( :(

[@Huabtaisdav1972]

Look at the manual book it explains clearly how to turn on and off on low 4 or high 4. Don't waste your money on this

[@joshuarhodes9022]

So your saying if your lights r flashing all u have to do is turn it on the right way

[@zx8401ztv]

That company has the wrong name, should be "Dorkman" lol, Bloody crap copy parts :-(. A success and all ready to go again :-D

[@ThecardoctorTV]

hahaha, ill send them a letter about changing their name. I bet they will really like the suggestion. They will probably like it as much as they liked this video after eric o posted it on their website. haha

[@randydevinney8031]

I was hoping it would show how to wiggle the actuator out of place. Waste of time all talk no action video.

[@reneewilcheck3248]

This vid shows how it comes out and goes back in.....kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoaQgZJ4j5eCmdU