Hilux 4x4 Forum

Hi. I am the new owner of a Hilux. Looking forward to the upcoming adventures.

One small problem I have with the vehicle. After about 5 - 10 minutes of driving in 4x2 mode, the 4x4 engage light (green light with 4 wheels)comes on (flashes). It drives me insane because after a while it looks like an indicator. If anyone has had any experience with that I would appreciate some advice on how to fix it.

That light should come on when you engage 4x4. Shifting from 2H to 4H. Possible that it can be the switch that is suspect? Not sure where it is located though.
(Corrected my previous mistake)

I think you meant 2H to 4H Pieta.

It flickers if you select 4x4 but there is a problem engaging. As you are in 4x2 there should be a "problem" engaging 4x4 as you did not actually select 4x4. i.e. the 4x4 controller is thinking that it should be going into 4x4 but it is not thus giving the flickering signal. I also suspect a sensor on the gearbox/transfer case. I would check all the wires leading to the different switches on the gearbox. If memory serves there are three going to the gearbox.

Does it engage 4x4 when you select it and does the light then stay on?

Welcome Dean!

The flashing light indicates that 4x4 has been selected but has not engaged. By default your model will only permit engagement when in low range so something sounds a little odd here. Is the 4x4 switch on?

Have you tried it in L4 on a soft surface like grass, gravel or sand to see if the ADD on the front diff kicks in? (The light will stop flashing and light continuously.) If it does, then switch off the 4x4 mode and drive in a straight line for a metre or two, otherwise rock the vehicle backwards and forwards to see if the light goes off. Then go back to H2 and see if the light comes back on.

Andy
Are you not confusing 4x4 selection with diff-lock selection? Then again perhaps Dean also is?

The diff-lock will only engage in 4L if the bakkie is unmodified. In 2H and 4H the difflock light will flash if you have pressed the diff-lock button but will not engage.

Howzit and welcome to the forum Dean.I also drive the same vehicle as you do and have modified it into a dedicated campervan.
I have experienced the exact same problem with my hilux and after chatting to Dylan (AM RACING) on the forum ,he advised me to check the actuator on the front diff.

I stripped mine and serviced the the contacts and electric motor within the actuator,reassembled and the problem was solved.
PM me should you require further advice on how to go about this service.
Good luck

Welcome to the forum...

Mars wrote: ↑Mon Sep 04, 2017 8:37 am I think you meant 2H to 4H Pieta.

It flickers if you select 4x4 but there is a problem engaging. As you are in 4x2 there should be a "problem" engaging 4x4 as you did not actually select 4x4. i.e. the 4x4 controller is thinking that it should be going into 4x4 but it is not thus giving the flickering signal. I also suspect a sensor on the gearbox/transfer case. I would check all the wires leading to the different switches on the gearbox. If memory serves there are three going to the gearbox.

Does it engage 4x4 when you select it and does the light then stay on?

Hi Mars

That is exactly what I think the problem is. I will check the wires out and see if I can see anything wrong there.

It does engage 4x4 perfectly. Also, the rear diff lock works normally.

Mars wrote: ↑Mon Sep 04, 2017 11:30 am Andy
Are you not confusing 4x4 selection with diff-lock selection? Then again perhaps Dean also is?

The diff-lock will only engage in 4L if the bakkie is unmodified. In 2H and 4H the difflock light will flash if you have pressed the diff-lock button but will not engage.

Definitely not confusing 4x4 with diff lock

FIRSTGEER wrote: ↑Tue Sep 05, 2017 7:25 pm Howzit and welcome to the forum Dean.I also drive the same vehicle as you do and have modified it into a dedicated campervan.
I have experienced the exact same problem with my hilux and after chatting to Dylan (AM RACING) on the forum ,he advised me to check the actuator on the front diff.

I stripped mine and serviced the the contacts and electric motor within the actuator,reassembled and the problem was solved.
PM me should you require further advice on how to go about this service.
Good luck

Excellent, thank you so much!

The actuator on the front diff has a set of contacts inside and a minute electric motor which turns a small gear which in turn moves the actuator arm back and forth.
This motor ha contacts similar to a wiper motor and thus stops moving in either selected position .Because of the faulty contacts.the gear stopped at the incorrect position and this caused the light to flash as it was neither engaged or disengaged completely.The signal to the green 4wd light is sent from these contacts.

I hope you come right and good luck.

So after a week of having the vehicle, the problem has disappeared.

The previous owner said that he had the problem for some time. After giving it some thought, I actually think that the vehicle has not had 4x4 mode engaged for years. After a week of having it, I have engaged it plenty and the problem is gone.

Will still have a look at the actuator though.

According to the Toyota Hilux Driver manual you should engage 4x4 on a monthly basis and drive for a specific distance. 9kms if I remember correctly. What probably happened is that the contacts with moving more now are making better contact. I hope it stays sorted.

Glad you came right there Dean.