4Hi Light Flash Diagnosis

So after my New Year beach excursion and the subsequent revelation that my 4WD is inoperable, I took it to my mechanic today and he called me back with a bad actuator (diff) diagnosis.

Apparently they open up the front diff to change it as they asked me for the particular fluid I put in it should they get approval for the work.

Estimate: $940

 

The diff front diff doesn't have to be opened up to change out the actuator. You don't even loose any diff fluid changing it. Why are they asking you about the fluid type? If you are even slightly mechanical it's pretty easy to change it out yourself.

 

Here is a video on how to change it. It's a 4Runner but same principle.

https://youtu.be/aTPbGXYN64s?si=oUAsVzifBERC5hj7

 

Just going off what they told me. I perused YouTube but didn't see anything for my year model.

 

Just posted a video. Who ever is doing the repair is taking advantage of your lack of info. Not meant to insult.

 

Looks like he did drain the old fluid out so makes sense they'd ask for the diff fluid I use

 

....but there is no reason to drain the fluid to change the actuator and he should know what diff fluid it requires. Your mechanic has limited knowledge on Toyota vehicles but he's certainly profiting from it.

 

He's asking me because he knows I use a specific kind that was supplied when they did the gear swap.

 

As already stated, no reason to change the fluid in the first place.

 

Yet the video you posted showed a drain and fill.

 

I just found a quick video showing how easy it is to change the actuator. He's just servicing the diff. You do not have to drain the oil to change the actuator.

Anyhow, I'm done. Good luck to you sir.

 

Just spit ballin here. But considering the OP didn't come in knowing ahead of time that it definitively was a faulty actuator; wouldn't it make sense to drain the diff fluid and look for shiny bits as part of the initial diagnostic?

 

At the price of gear oil, no, that does not make sense. If it isn't turning on, it is the actuator. This mechanic sounds like a parts cannon mechanic.