The actuator on my 4x4 off of the transfer case

Hello, I'm new here, and a female, but, I do understand a little about autos. Just a little about the actuator. I am having my mechanic, who hasn't owned a toyota before, so I shouldn't have asked for his help, but, my truck is now stuck in 4 LO, so he obviously doesn't know what he's doing. He did watch video's, printed out schematics, and still isn't getting it. There is a piece that looks broken, its a detection switch, so I am wondering if anyone has color pics of that actuator, and how its supposed to look in 2 WD compared to being in 4 LO. It is also shifting hard from park to reverse. It never did that before when it was engaging. I hope this isn't going to be an expensive fix, and I hope he hasn't messed my truck up, but, I need answers please

 

@brutallyhonest1 welcome to the forum.
Usually corroded or stuck. Ensure timing marks are kept lined up when taking apart.
Some good info...https://www.tundras.com/threads/2007-2020-transfer-case-actuator.61182/

https://www.tundras.com/threads/g2-4wd-actuator.47592/#post-1268229

 

Ok that made sense. Only problem is we can't remove the 4 HI actuator, the screws won't un screw, they are stuck tight, we can't get them out so that we can see how to mirror the 4LO. Don't want to break off the screws

 

@brutallyhonest1
I just did a transfer case swap and the screws were corroded pretty bad. I was able to get them out after drill/taping and install some new ones. From what I've seen they get pretty bad in some areas. Good luck.

 

do you or anyone else know what other 4x4 vehicles has this same actuator off of the transfer case? Mine has a broken switch inside the actuator. Don't know how that happened, but, I need to get another actuator, not sure if we can replace that broken switch or what

 

Try car-part.com
2007-2013 should all work. I swapped t-cases as my actuator would sometimes go into neutral and wanted to convert to AWD.
You should be able to find a switch or even swap transfer cases pretty easy and cheap.

 

They are relatively different and therefore cannot copy the orientation. Try this. Reassemble the actuator somewhere close to the correct position (many pic here to guide you) and without installing it into the othercase half, connect the wiring. You will need to press down on the gear to insure that the wipers make contact. Make sure the switch is in 2wd and start the engine. The unit will find its home 2wd position as soon as you turn the key. Turn engine off. Now put truck in neutral and be sure the actuator shaft is ALLthe way forward. Cock the unit slightly counter clockwise and engage the gears. You should need to tension the spring just a little bit as you go clockwise to get the case to seat on its other half.

the previous owner of my tundra screwed this up and it took a lot of research and trial and error to get it right. This is an abbreviated description,so suggest searching here some more to collect more wisdom.

If that little white arm on the lever switch (limit switch) is broken, you are SOL. If ther is no switch at all, then you are fine. Toyota made them both ways. Again, many pics here to show you all of the components and how they look.

 

We got it fixed right finally, so glad you replied to my post

 

This is the process that worked for me. Let the truck time the actuator, then just clock it enough for residual tension.

 

That's great!