05 tundra 4x4 problem

Can't get my 05 tundra to go into 4 hi or 4 lo by the button I have to push the button to 4 hi light flashes no 4 wd put truck in neutral turn key off, restart it automatically goes into 4 lo and ingaged, then I push the 4 hi button then immediately push again and now I'm in 4 hi and engaged why do I have to do this to get 4wd, thanks

 

Put truck in drive, push 4hi, wait a second for it to engage (lights up solid on dash).
Then put truck in neutral, push 4lo, wait a second for it to engage (lights up solid on dash).

 

You can't (or shouldn't be able to) get into 4LO without getting into 4HI first, then shifting to Neutral. When you push 4HI, the light should go solid within 2-3 seconds. If it remains flashing, start here for troubleshooting: https://www.tundras.com/posts/3081795/

A lot of times it's just that the actuator vent tube is cracked or missing and shit has gotten into the cap, and corroded contacts, as the video in that thread shows.

 

No I start the truck, put in drive light flashes no engagement go to neutral will not go into 4 low turn truck off, start up again engages into 4 lo I have 4 lo light still flashing, push the 2hi 4hi button then immediately hit the 2hi 4hi button again and I am now into 4hi engaged that's how I get my 4 hi to work!

 

Yeah, that's not right. Sounds almost like your 4WD ECU could be fried, but I'd still be checking the contacts on the actuator as shown in that video. It's not unheard of for the 4WD ECU to die. IIRC, it's on the side of the dash (passenger).

 

Yes I'm looking into a new one for it all contacts are good on both actuators what about the indicator switches, if bad could that stop it from engaging

 

If contacts are good, the only other two things would be if things aren't timed correctly (there's something weird with the engagement) and the 4WD ECU. If I were going to throw money at anything, I'd throw it at a replacement ECU. I can't seem to find a post explaining how to check the timing etc.

 

Yes I would like to check the timing as well but I don't know how to go about it. It think if the rod is pushed the whole way towards to front diffirental its in 2hi, I'm not sure where to set the contacts for 2hi

 

@BroHon was it you that was covering this? @Jack McCarthy maybe you? I know @Tundra2 knows but he's on full-on papa patrol these days.

 

Yes it was me. I'll dig up the info that has specifics/positions etc...

 

@Gman69
Keep in mind I was researching for my 2000, So it could be different, @shifty` Maybe you know if they are all the same relatively?
This is how to service it by removing the small gear, (leaving the shaft in place and not braking the transfer case apart) to get it off.

This shows you the rotation and what mode you are activating inside the actuator.





This tells you about the rod position, make sure its in "Neutral" which he means 2H/2WD.
And you can confirm that by just reaching up and grabbing the front drive shaft... if she turns free your in 2WD.
Also lets you know how precise you need to be with the gear "one tooth off will not work"
Credit @w666


A little more detail here.
Credit @seachunk2



I just saved these screen caps a long time ago, don't have the link to the thread.
Good luck, let us know how this helps and if you are successful

 

I think your on it with the vent tubes, I believe its electrically actuated and vacuum position verified?

 

Position verified by a notch in the shaft that these two switches read. No vacuum

 

I don’t know. I thought those tubes were for equalization, but I am 100% OK with being wrong. I still need to (or want to?) replace mine. It’s not sold as an individual part that I could find. My my part finding skills aren’t always the best, just “alright”.

 

So it’s entirely possible also that the switches could have burned wires, bad connections, broken plugs, or even bad sensors, eh? I’d hope the f’n thing would throw a code if either was toast though.

 

Yes, but you can easily test ON/OFF with a meter when you have it out. I think they are just rolly balls thaat read the notch in the shaft.
EDIT: if a switch was stuck the computer wouldn't know it because that would be a normal position for it to be in.
I think just a good piece of vac line would work to replace the breather line... its been a while but I swear that thing just terminated like say, a diff breather.