Blinking 4 wheel drive light (2024)

One of the 2 actuators is not engaging correctly. Its possible that the one you hear is the transfer case actuator engaging, but the corresponding A.D.D. actuator (Front Diff) isn't working correctly. Easiest way to tell, is get the truck off the ground, and with the key on, engine off, put the truck in neutral, engage the 4WD, get under the truck And see If both drive shafts rotate when you spin the front drive shaft. You'll be able to tell immediately if the actuator is working.If both spin, its your A.D.D. Actuator. If they don't both spin, Transfer case actuator...

Truck must be in 4hi and then (at a stop) shifted into Neutral and then push the 4lo button and then it will go into 4lo. Next step is shift into Drive and see what happens.

Not sure about the blinking light you describe if it is going into 4hi as you state. Maybe some cobwebs?

Welcome to the forum.

The blinking is cause it hasn't or cannot engage. The 2 posts above provide everything you need to diagnose and get you going

Big shout out to Tekton Tools for providing the correct hammer. Glad it worked for you. I did the same thing with no result last year when I was rebuilding my Tunny..

Hey, i know this is related but may not be your exact issue, but when a wheel speed sensor gets worn, dirty, or loose it will trigger your blinking 4x4 light as well. Just something to look into. When i had my truck lifted they couldnt get the speed sensors out of the spindle. So i replaced mine but had to drive it home without them. The blinking freaked me out until i replaced the sensors. Just something to look into. It was misleading i also thought i had a 4x4 problem and it was just a speed sensor.

Wonder if that works for women too ??? Where can i get one of those hammers ?

Had same issue- you could hear 4x4 engage but sensor unplugged. Plugged it in- no more blinking.

I have a 2001 Tundra SR5, when I push 4x4 button lights flash and I hear nothing underneath truck. I replaced both actuators and still I hear nothing. Only thing I hear is a click behind right kick panel. So I took panel off and it's 4x4 computer control, I found one on Ebay now waiting for this part to arrive. Anyone else have this issue.

So i figured out the blinking 4x4 light. It was a faulty connector for the front wheel speed sensor. Hope that helps someone.

Moreover, would such problem also affect our 1st Gen trucks? Is there any link between the WSS and engaging 4WD in the 1st Gen?

My truck has blinking light but I don't hear any noise from either actuator both are new..last winter I could hear them working but not engaging. So I replaced front actuator but couldn't find rear one..now this summer I tried engaging and heard nothing at all...so I found rear actuator and changed..still nothing no noise from either actuator..so I guessed was 4x4 control module I could hear that click when pressing switch..so found used one on ebay installed and still nothing just a click from 4x4 module, and flashing lights..they don't stop blinking no way unless I unplug control module behind passengers kick panel. Plz help don't know what to do now...2001 tundra sr5 140,000 miles don't use a drop of oil and I love this truck but thinking about selling and I really don't want to.

I'll buy it!

But before that, you know the owner's manual says you need to engage the 4WD at least once per month for like 10-20 miles to keep it functioning, right? You did check the obvious first?