04 Toyota 4runner transfer case

[full choke]

I have inherited an 2004 4runner from my wife. 4.0 v6 sr5 4x4- well supposed to be, but doesn't work. My wife purchased this in 2012 from a single owner woman with 60,xxx miles. It now has 158,xxx. My wife never put it into 4x4, I highly doubt the woman before put it into 4x4. My wife took it in to Greg's Japanese Auto for some work and had them look into it. They said the transfer case was shot. I told her to have them look into the electrical switch (modulator?)- they said they tested the electrical and the transfer case needs to be replaced. They want $7,700 to do it. I found one place more local who said they would replace for $6,500.
My question- does anyone know of a shop in the Maple Valley, Black Diamond, Kent, Auburn, Enumclaw area I could take it to to have them look at it? A 4 wheel shop or somewhere? I have a hard time believing the transfer case is shot- from underneath it looks new, no signs of leaking or cracks? Essentially, I need a 4x4, but do not know if 6,500+ is worth it for this vehicle at this mileage? I cringe to go buy something else. Transmissions and transfer cases are not really my thing. Any info helps. Thanks.

[Dan-o]

I'm no expert, but that sounds like a transfer case that might just need some TLC.
(How do you wear out a transfer case by not using it?   I could see the electronic module, but not the transfer case.).

I use South Sound Diesel.
Gene is the owner.
(206)229-7006

They are not a discount shop, but I've never regretted trusting them with my repairs.

Good luck.

[fishngamereaper]

Hard time believing the t case is shot.
The actuator in those will go bad..or in your case possibly gum up from non use.
Trying tapping it with a rubber mallet.
Otherwise they are a few hundred dollars new.

No shops to recommend
Just possible cause advice...

[jackelope]

If you want to come up to Bellevue, I’d take it to Harry at LBR automotive. Tell him Josh sent you. They do lots of good work for us on our off brand stuff.

[Sunbkpk]

Those 4th gen 4runners have a problem with the electric actuators for 4wd if not used regularly. The grease thickens and or the electrical contacts go bad. Happened on my wife's 07 4runner a couple years ago.  She almost never put it into 4wd. Fixed the electrical contact and got the grease moving and works fine since then. Sometimes it may be the front axle actuator but seems most often to be transfercase 1. Check the 4runner forums and you will find the issue often. I think was a flashing 4wd light that never went solid. And never engaged 4wd.
If you decide to sell cheap I may be interested. 

Good luck.

[headshot5]

If I were you I'd turn off the vehicle click it into 4WD, and restart.  See if that allows it into 4 wheel drive.  My 2006 TACO developed that where it will sporadically allow it into 4wd when running, but never fails to allow it into 4WD if you turn off engage the switch, and restart. 

[full choke]

If I were you I'd turn off the vehicle click it into 4WD, and restart.  See if that allows it into 4 wheel drive.  My 2006 TACO developed that where it will sporadically allow it into 4wd when running, but never fails to allow it into 4WD if you turn off engage the switch, and restart.

I'll be damned. That worked @headshot5. Thank you!
Now I just have to figure out why it does that?

[wadu1]

If I were you I'd turn off the vehicle click it into 4WD, and restart.  See if that allows it into 4 wheel drive.  My 2006 TACO developed that where it will sporadically allow it into 4wd when running, but never fails to allow it into 4WD if you turn off engage the switch, and restart.

I'll be damned. That worked @headshot5. Thank you!
Now I just have to figure out why it does that?

[JWBINX]

Maybe Greg's can help.---NOT.

[Brotherman]

Look here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transfer-case-actuator-4wd-troubleshooting-including-how-to-manually-shift-the-transfer-case.703240/

[highside74]

My 99 4runner would get stuck in 4 wheel drive. Replaced the solenoids underneath and she worked great until they got gummed up again. Then I'd lay on the ground and bang the solenoid area like you would an old starter and she'd pop out. You can by aftermarket from your local parts house. Once they popped free they'd work until they sat again.

[Lumpy Taters]

As someone who has owned 4x4's all my life. I can tell you if the T-case was shot it would make noise. A lot of noise.  and quite possibly not move at all.   All of the power goes through that box to move the vehicle and I'm sorry but Toyota is known for pretty reliable drivetrains.    Do you have any friends that are mechanics?  Even weekend wrench turners can verify this for you pretty quickly.   Also even if it is bad.  Change it yourself.   YouTube full of how too videos and other than laying under the vehicle to do it they are pretty easy to do.  I am sure a local wrecking yard would be happy to sell you one with a working guaranty or exchange.   Got one from B&R for my 07 Silverado for like 800.    By the way look for a used 4 runner like yours.  They are still sought after.    Probably about 1k to buy a replacement if needed with all the fluids and gaskets.