Toyota Tundra 4x4 Flashing light (Easy Fix!)

[@ThrasherGnar]

Thank you for this video, you saved my butt! My rear transfer case actuator had water intrusion, corrosion, and moderate rust pitting on the contact rings. However, one note: When I pressed the 4HI button it did in fact lock the front driveline. Because of that and your comment saying that was the quick test to verify the rear transfer case actuator was working, I first pulled the front actuator. That one was pristine inside. Just posting this to save someone the trouble of pulling the front actuator first because it’s much more difficult than the rear. I hope this helps someone.

[@wetlifesports]

Yw, thank you. Glad it helped

[@lighthouse7i]

When you "gently" remove the black plastic housing cover, (that has the tiny motor attached to it), pulling straight out after wiggling back and forth a few time, simply LEAVE the gear mechanism attached to the metal housing. Only the contacts in the plastic housing needs cleaned and lightly sanded with 400 grit paper then re-greased with di-electric. At least that's all mine needed. Great video! You save me a lot of time & money.

[@wetlifesports]

Yw, thx

[@sinatraaaaaaa]

Great video. I had the same problem a year ago. I was in a bind so i just went underside and tapped on the actuator with a screw driver until i heard a woosh of air. Got it rebuilt 3 days later.

[@wetlifesports]

Thx

[@kevinlunney5608]

Cxaĺl

[@guitarman1470]

When I pulled the cover off the front actuator the gear came out with it and I'm a little unsure of the orientation. I saw that you figured it out but I am not having the luck. When it happened I was reaching for change in the ashtray and hit the button by accident. I pulled out and the truck started tracking funny on the Asphalt so I looked down and saw that it was engaged and push the button to un engage it. Finally I got it out of 4 wd and into 2 wheel drive. I am struck in 2 wheel drive with the 4wd light flashing on the dash and button. I'm still able to use the truck but I need my 4 wheel drive. I took the Actuator out and in this morning 3 times and it's not working. Any pictures or diagrams that show the orientation of the gear in the cover would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Kevin

[@wetlifesports]

@@guitarman1470 sorry, no pics from me other than my few videos. Did you see all of them? The others have links below. Gl

[@guitarman1470]

@@wetlifesports Thanks for the reply. So if I get the wheels off the ground then take the cover off of the actuator. I can turn the gear and get it into 4WD. Then orient the gear so that the cover goes on like in the video. The 3 spiral tracks on the right (facing the inside of the cover) is that right? I'm going to work on it tomorrow.

[@bobadler3097]

Note: I had this issue (4HI blinking, and VSC light on), I disconnected my 4hi plugs off the actuator, reseated them, and poof it worked again flawlessly. This was after trying every back and forth, forward reverse, full tilt, banging on actuators with rubber mallet. 4hi, 4lo, and 2wd actuated easily. I am definitely going to exercise these acuators more often! For a minute I thought I'd be in this close to $1000.

[@wetlifesports]

Nice!

[@TaterTot_615]

I am currently having this issue and I will try this tomorrow. I’ll keep this post updated.

[@WirvingNunez]

@@TaterTot_615 did it work?? im trying to figure this out atm

[@TaterTot_615]

@@WirvingNunez I had to replace one of my transfer case position switches

[@WirvingNunez]

@@TaterTot_615 was it the front one or the back?

[@ABC-wz2db]

The fuel overflowing is probably from a problem with the charcoal canister. My tundra was not accepting fuel. I removed the canister and all the little beads inside were caked up solid. Yours is probably toast due to submersion…but I was able to flow air through mine and break up the beads. And now it accepts fuel again. Thanks for vids!

[@wetlifesports]

Thanks for tip. I'll ck.

[@ABC-wz2db]

@@wetlifesports i used a vacuum and compressed air to dry it out while hitting with a mallet and beat it on the ground caveman style. Maybe there's a better way....

[@azizb.7561]

Had same issue of beads getting solid and blocking airflow. Used compressor air and loosened all beads and it worked on 300k plus FJ.

[@SovanoraHounKhin]

Lol me too same 2004 issues well, thanks so much for your smart fixed. l will try to work on my 4x4 as soon as the summer is here 😊🙏🙏

[@wetlifesports]

Yw, good luck

[@JesseLong-yb7mx]

Only truck still running after something that happened awesomeness truck

[@wetlifesports]

@@JesseLong-yb7mx yes, imo, best trucks ever.

[@wetlifesports]

DON'T LOSE YOUR tiny ball bearing that falls out. It goes in that center hole to keep the gear shaft stable.

[@TaterTot_615]

I had a similar 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.

[@wetlifesports]

Thanks for the input!

[@noahh1997]

Same thing happened to me i accidentally clicked it, can you drive normally in 4wd? Because it’s doing the same thing yours did and we’ve never even used 4wd so idk why this is happening.

[@wetlifesports]

@@noahh1997 if your on dry roads and its actually in 4wd, it could damage things.

[@noahh1997]

@@wetlifesports any other way for me to turn it off? I accidentally turned it on, we never really used it so nothing should be broken or worn out, the car is is really got condition as well and doesn’t have to many miles 😭

[@noahh1997]

@@wetlifesports I got it out of 4wd just had to drive it forward

[@SabinaVictoriaP]

Hello, I just found your video. This is currently happening to my truck right now except for both of the lights are flashing. Is it safe to drive this way? I have to drive somewhere this morning and I’m unable to get it to go in either gear.

[@wetlifesports]

May have to dig in and clean her up

[@dantedrowson2511]

Thanks for this vid man soooo helpful♡♡♡♡ Thank you for wrestling under your truck for us!😊

[@wetlifesports]

Yw, thank you!

[@JRESHOW]

If 4 low works but not 4 high could it be this?

[@wetlifesports]

That should be the actuator towards the back that switches from low to high, i believe.

[@baboosted]

My 4Hi is flashing on my dash all the time from just turning my key on to the on position also on the 4Hi button truck drives no issue but 4x4 does not work and not engaged I already replaced the front actuator with a new one same problem I’m not sure what it could be any tips.

[@wetlifesports]

Good question, my latest fix busted yesterday. I was on a dirt road so I exercised her and she went right in the first time. Then she broke...new video soon. Did you do the quick test on the rear actuator? See if the shaft spins when button is pushed?

[@baboosted]

@@wetlifesports on the rear one I took out and just gave it a visual inspection it looked good but I did not power jump it I should have tried that.

[@wetlifesports]

@@baboosted Test it. Just turn key on, don't start vehicle, and listen to see if you hear it cycle. Then, as i show in my video, grab 4x4 shaft headed forward toward front, and see if it spins or won't. It should spin free when switch is off, and not spin when switch is on.

[@baboosted]

@@wetlifesports I’ll give it a try thanks

[@Livingsavaged]

I'm having issues engaging my 4HI/4LO as well. I noticed that when I switch to 4HI, it flashes but not engage. I turn off the vehicle in 4HI and turn back on, and then it's engaged. I have to do the same process with 4LO, but I put in neutral and turn off and on, and clearly you feel it engage. From switch from 4LO/4HI to 2WD you can hear disengage and lights go off, still in neutral of course. I'm going to try replacing the battery, something might not be getting enough voltage. I have 2015 Tundra with 58k miles.

[@artemiosalazar6168]

Can we have a part number

[@wetlifesports]

Sorry, not sure, might be in my other videos descriptions.

[@kevinthemayor]

Thanks, but my 2000 toyota tundra sr5 v8 4.7 engages sometimes does and sometimes doesn’t engage 4 wheel drive high, I haven’t got it to engage 4low at all, let me know please and thanks

[@wetlifesports]

Yw, See my other videos for other ideas. Its mostlikely the same issues. Do the tests. It probably corrosion or too much grease.

[@bobadler3097]

Just note that there’s no way 4lo will work unless it’s in 4hi first. 4hi engages the 4wd system overall, 4lo changes the gear ratio. So it’s not like they’re separate. It always goes from 2wd->4hi->4lo. So if there’s an issue with 4hi sometimes I’d address that first.

[@rebeccajohnson1407]

JUNK... restored my dads old truck over the years the money i saved payed for my house TRUE FACT