Unanswered 4wd

[Sacagawea]

Vehicle Drivetrain

4wd

Vehicle Year

2002

I've never had a 4x4 that is so confusing. Even the owners manual leaves me foggy. Can anybody tell me what happens mechanically when I hit the 4x4 button and why is that different than the transfer case shifter? Thanks

 

[Trideyota]

There is an actuator that shifts everything. Very common in all newer vehicles.

 

[GA-sequoia]

What I'm going to write applies to 01-02 Sequoias since I see that's what you have. I have an '01 and had to do a lot of research to find the answer too.

When you press the 4wd button, the transfer case sends power to the front differential. The Sequoia has 3 open differentials: front, rear, center. The only one you can lock is the center differential, and only while in 4WD, 4L, and 1st gear. It was changed in '03 so that you could lock the center diff with a new button. To do it on an 01-02, you need to add a center diff lock mod.

The transfer case shifter down in the center console switches between 4H and 4L. This system works really good to provide you with 2H for gas consumption, but then pressing the button puts it in 4H (basically AWD). Once you switch the transfer case to 4L, then you have the extra torque via gearing.

 

[iggi21]

Hello guys. I am from Poland and have a 2006 Sequoia limited 4wd.
I just had a rear actuator problem because after the winter water got in and the motor got stuck. I bought a new actuator from Amazon Dorman 700-470.
Before I put the new one the four-wheel drive light was Blinking and then wouldn't engage 4hi or 4lo an all.
After I have changed the new actuator I have a new problem. When I push 4 high the light is flashing and nothing is happening but when I push the bottom for center diff lock four-wheel drive is engaging but also with center lock. To disconnect i only have to push four wheel drive button again and then is quickly disconnecting as is supposed to. problem is that it's only engaging when on Drive nor on Neutral or Parking.
This is not a big deal but I think is supposed to engage also when on N.
Another big problem is when I try to push 4Hi. Yellow light is flashing and I hear like the motor is trying to engage I move back and forward and after a while I hear a horrible sound coming from underneath the car. Is a very loud and crazy noise. I don't know what could be an issue but maybe someone head similar problem.

 

[Chrisgeorge54]

The 4x4 button engages the transfer case into the transmission, while the transfer case shifter shifts your transfer case from 4hi to 4lo (after the 4x4 button has been pressed). The truck needs to be in drive and moving under 62mph to press the 4x4 button, but it needs to be in neutral and stopped to shift into 4lo.

Neutral on the transfer case lever is only for towing the vehicle behind another vehicle.

I’m new to these rigs too, but that’s how I understand the owners manual, and it worked in application.