Which fuse should be checked on a 2000 4runner with 4wd not disangaging?

Answer 1

It's not a fuse that is your problem. It is a switch that needs to be changed. I have a 99 Toyota 4 runner and had the same exact problems. My 4wd would not disengage. I took it to a TOYOTA dealer and they said they couldn't figure it out. He told me he changed all the "sensors" he called them, and still can't figure it out. I asked him what he thought it was and he said he suggests changing the transfer case and said it would cost about $4000. I said "no way" pack it up I'm coming to get it. So I investigated it myself. Here's the deal......on the 4-runners with 4wd we have a transfer case on the transmission with 2 switches, one to put it in 4wd and one to take it out. On the front differential we have 1 switch and the back has 1 switch. The only difference I know of is with a model with rear Locking Differential you will have a second switch on the rear diff. And with a model with front A.D.D. (automatic disconnecting differential) you have the 1 switch on front. So your switch needs to be replaced on the transfer case. These are called transfer indicating switches and here's the part no.'s.....pay close attention here. Transfer case has 2 switches, a 84222-12010 which brings it out of 4wd and a 84222-35070 which puts it into 4wd. You need the 84222-12010. You can only get them from your dealer and will have to order, they should be less than $100 ea. Very easy job to replace. Now here's bonus info for you since I had these problems also. My front wheels would grab and not turn very well when in 4wd mode. Terrible turning on dry pavement. This is the front differential switch. Toyota puts in the same exact switch as the transfer case, it's the 84222-12010 for both the front diff and the rear diff. The rear diff is a little harder to change but still for less than $300 I replaced all of mine and now have an awesome operating 4wd system again. Don't ever listen to your dealer unless you know them personally, they really do try to rip us off. When investigating my problem I read many, many, cases where dealers tryed the same stuff with other people.
By the way, to check the switches to make sure, pull them out and check continuity between the two prongs on the switch, put your meter on the prongs and the depress the switch and you should read continuity or the switch is bad. God bless and have fun.