2007-2020 Transfer Case Actuator

Pretty confident that’s the issue I had with mine. Junkyard transfer case solved it because I couldn’t find a switch

 

Hey Boss, you seem pretty well versed in the ADD wiring, with that I've got a question for ya.
I've done a manual T case conversion and I'm wiring up my ADD manually to a DPDT rocker switch. I've found that it's not as simple as tapping into both leads on the motor and just reversing polarity. I need to utilize a combination of the limit switch wires, ground, and motor leads. I just can't seem to find the recipie.

If you were to wire up a DPDT switch.... how would YOU do it?

 

In the factory service manual there is a test procedure for the ADD. They have a schematic on how to hook it up using a relay from the fuse box. That wire diagram should work.

 

I know this post is old but I am having a similar issue I took the bottom 4 low actuator off and cleaned and freed motor and everything put it back in and light still flashing and nothing. Do I need to do both of them in order for one to work does the other have to be working I guess is what I am asking.

 

I'm uploading a picture I'm thinking that something is broke of of my actuator judging by looking at other photos just looking for verification.

 

I'm uploading a picture I'm thinking that something is broke of of my actuator judging by looking at other photos just looking for verification.

 

If anyone needs I have a source for replacing the original motors that rust. I installed one for myself and sold a few on Ebay since and all have worked well. I sell them for 110.00 with shipping and they take about 4-5 days to get from the supplier to me in Oklahoma and 3-5 days to get to you if you're in the U.S.

You'll have to swap the gear from your old motor, but using a couple of flat head screw drivers as levers it actually comes off fairly easily. My name is Zach and my Email is ifixit86336@gmail.com if you're interested.

 

Thanks for the info bro but my motor is fine I think I somehow broke the little thing that tells the motor where to stop. I'm not sure how or when it happened but it did. I haven't gotten to the 4 wheel high side yet but if I run into an issue with the motor I will definitely keep you in mind.

 

Huge thanks to sixweeds and all of you on this thread. I was able to unstick my 4hi and get my 4wd working again! This is how I timed them. First try was a success.

 

Glad this worked out for you. I'm currently battling the same situation.

 

The actuator system in these trucks seems pretty damn easy to get outta whack. I've replaced mine TWICE and paying to get it done is not cheap.

 

I spoke too soon. Work perfectly fine last night, multiple times. Now today it's doing the same thing. Actuator isn't locked up. So I'm confused.

 

I followed all the steps, got the actuator motor working, timed, and re-assembled. Unfortunately, I am still having the same issue. Originally 4H kept flashing even when I turned off the 4H (until i turned off the truck), now it stops flashing when I turn it back to 2WD. Anyone have a recommendation on next step? I guess it could be the front actuator. I'm not finding much on how to fix the front actuator.

 

I'm still battling this as well. Even installed a new/used transfer case with working motors. Now my front actuator is beeping. I think in both of our cases, the 4hi timing gear is slightly off. My next attempt, I'm going to take the 4hi actuator off, manually put the transfer case in 4hi, turn the knob to 4hi, and see if the front actuator works. If so, I'll put it the actuator back in while it's in 4hi and see if that helps. I've put a brand new front actuator in before getting into all this mess.

 

I had to throw in the towel and take to and independent shop. $1500 not including the parts I supplied. They pulled the transfer case and installed a new actuator that I supplied. They quoted me $3500 including the $1800 for a Toyota Actuator. I bought it for $400 off of Amazon. Not happy with the cost considering I'm selling the truck. But, this is the first issue I've had with any of the 5 trucks I've owned over the years.

 

So I got the 4hi working by removing the 4hi actuator while leaving it plugged in, manually putting the rod in 4wd, turning the switch to 4hi and reinstalling the actuator. Not sure why it worked but I'm thrilled it did.

On the other hand, I can't get 4lo to stay in. I can hear the actuator move, the truck *clinks* like it's in, then a second later it moves back and 4lo blinks. I can manually put it in 4lo with the actuator out and it'll stay in 4lo with no blinking. I'm guessing the timing is wrong but I'm pretty sure I've darn near tried every position around the clock and doesn't seem to change anything.

To make matters more confusing, with the 2012 transfer case I got - the 4lo actuator doesn't have the limit switch and the plug is missing one of the pins. So it looks like they changed something between 2008 and 2012. Not sure if they are incompatible but they act the same for me with or without the limit switch.

 

So idk how or why, but I got 4lo working. The 2012 actuator that DOES NOT have the switch is in fact compatible and worked for me.
May or may not matter but I had turned the truck off with the switch on 4lo but placed the actuator back in with the rod all the way (disengaged). Flipped it back to 4hi, back to 4lo and it stayed solid. 2 months of troubleshooting this and it's finally fixed. Fingers crossed.

 

Scallywag, supposedly the 2008 and 2004 Lexus GX470 has the same actuator

 

Hey, good Tundra owners! So glad I found this site.
I have a 2008 Tundra with the same actuator as the one posted by Rph74. The guy I bought the truck from tried to glue the hose nipple onto the plastic housing. Probably worked long enough for me to test the 4WD and then came disconnected. I haven't removed the actuator from the truck yet. I found all the same videos in this thread but not one matches my actuator. I did find a replacement but before I ordered it, I was hoping someone might be able to answer two questions:
1. I don't seem to have separate 4hi and 4lo actuators. Does that seem right? I can't even find hi and lo actuators when I search for them. I only find ones like this part: https://www.partsgeek.com/51ld413-toyota-tundra-differential-lock-actuator.html I find ONLY this actuator.
2. I saw on one video (that wasn't an exact match for mine) where the guy said that getting the actuator arm and fork in and out of the transfer case required removing the transfer case to the tune of $4000. Do you think I'd be safe removing just the plastic housing and the motor and drive assembly and replacing just that? I see it was done to a similar unit in the video in original post of this thread. So, I figure why not order the whole assembly but just replace the drive assembly and plastic housing?

Thanks to all who already posted and shared links!

 

The one in the partsgeek link if for the front differential. The 4Hi/Lo actuator is on the rear of the transfer case. It will be on the driver's side of the driveshaft on the rear.

 

Looks like I’m joining the team for this problem . Can anyone tell me what what pins I should have power on when turning the knob to 4hi . I can jump start my acauator motor from the battery when I hook them up to pins 1&2 on the top hat of the acauator motor . When I switch the truck to 4 hi I am getting 13v between pin 1 and the ground pin . Not pin 1&2 .


When I try the timing trick with the truck in accessory my acauator motors do not move at all . Any help would be much appreciated . Will defiantly send some cashapp to anyone who helps me figure the out .

 

Just to add to general knowledge. I have replaced actuator, but still having same issue. However, here is weird part. If I disconnect battery and leave it off for couple hours, 4WD works after connecting battery again. For little bit though. After little bit, 4WD stops working again (flashing 4Hi, slow then fast). The only other warning light present is TPMS warning light. I will update once I confirm.

It is not computer since I did try it from spare one I got it on Ebay. That was without disconnecting battery though.

 

I am going to take mine apart because I’m thinking this is my problem. 08 with 366k miles. I tried to exercise my actuator and now I’m stuck in 4 lo, but the light stays blinking. I can’t change any modes. I don’t have the time to take this apart until the weekend, is there any fast way to get this back to 2wd so it’s at least drivable until the weekend?

 

During the process has anyone gotten the 4 hi and 4 lo light blinking when the truck starts it doesn’t go away Definitely in 2 wheel drive .

 

Any tips or tricks for getting the top 4 hi actuator off? Mine is rusted in place, can’t get any of the screws to spin. I removed the bottom 4 lo and it looked new inside.