Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2013 Toyota 4Runner TrailFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Problem Symptoms Table
HINT:
- Use the table below to help determine the cause of problem symptoms. If multiple suspected areas are listed, the potential causes of the symptoms are listed in order of probability in the "Suspected Area" column of the table. Check each symptom by checking the suspected areas in the order they are listed. Replace parts as necessary.
- Inspect the fuses and relays related to this system before inspecting the suspected areas below.
TRANSFER SYSTEM
| Symptom | Suspected Area | See |
|---|---|---|
| Switch from 2WD (H2) to 4WD (H4) is impossible | Transfer indicator switch (for 4WD position) | Refer to INSPECTION |
| Transfer shift actuator assembly | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| Harness or connector | Refer to SYSTEM DIAGRAM | |
| ECM | Refer to TERMINALS OF ECM | |
| Four wheel drive control ECU | Refer to TERMINALS OF ECU | |
| Switch from 4WD (H4) to 2WD (H2) is impossible | Transfer indicator switch (for 4WD position) | Refer to INSPECTION |
| Transfer shift actuator assembly | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| Harness or connector | Refer to SYSTEM DIAGRAM | |
| ECM | Refer to TERMINALS OF ECM | |
| Four wheel drive control ECU | Refer to TERMINALS OF ECU | |
| Switch from 4WD (H4) to 4WD (L4) is impossible | Transfer indicator switch (for 4WD position) | Refer to INSPECTION |
| Transfer indicator switch (for L4 position) | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| Transfer shift actuator assembly | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| Harness or connector | Refer to SYSTEM DIAGRAM | |
| ECM | Refer to TERMINALS OF ECM | |
| Switch from 4WD (L4) to 4WD (H4) is impossible | Transfer indicator switch (for 4WD position) | Refer to INSPECTION |
| Transfer indicator switch (for L4 position) | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| Transfer shift actuator assembly | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| Harness or connector | Refer to SYSTEM DIAGRAM | |
| ECM | Refer to TERMINALS OF ECM | |
| 4WD indicator light does not come on | Harness or connector | Refer to SYSTEM DIAGRAM |
| Combination meter assembly | Refer to PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE | |
| CAN communication system | Refer to DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM | |
| Four wheel drive control ECU | Refer to TERMINALS OF ECU | |
| Transfer indicator switch (for 4WD position) | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| Transfer shift actuator assembly | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| 4WD indicator light remains on | Four wheel drive control ECU | Refer to TERMINALS OF ECU |
| Transfer indicator switch (for 4WD position) | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| Combination meter assembly | Refer to PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE | |
| 4LO indicator light does not come on | Harness or connector | Refer to SYSTEM DIAGRAM |
| Combination meter assembly | Refer to PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE | |
| CAN communication system | Refer to DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM | |
| Four wheel drive control ECU | Refer to TERMINALS OF ECU | |
| Transfer indicator switch (for L4 position) | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| Transfer shift actuator assembly | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| 4LO indicator light does not come on | Four wheel drive control ECU | Refer to TERMINALS OF ECU |
| Transfer indicator switch (for 4WD position) | Refer to INSPECTION | |
| Combination meter assembly | Refer to PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE |
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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