4WD light won't turn off

[davisfj62]

Just joined the forum. I recently purchased a 1989 FJ62 from my sister. It's never been in 4WD! That is until I took it offroad (40 mile run on the Padre Island Seashore -- mostly 4WD high and some 4WD lo in some deep sand). Now the 4WD light will not shut off. The vehicle is definitely in 2WD. Please help. I am new to "push button" 4WD high and I sure I did something stupid. My last 5 toyota trucks were oldschool "stop-lock-shift-run".

Thanks and Happy New Years!

 

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Welcome to the fold. First thing is to check your solenoids. We have a very intensive search function, and if you search under 4wd solenoid you will find many fixes both temporary and final. Usually this issue is with people not able to get it out of 4wd...

To help you get started:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/255579-help-4wd-solenoid.html

 

[Lost]

check the vacuum lines for corrosion as well, same thing happened to me, it wasnt the solenoid, instead the lines were rusted through.

 

[alkarich]

I've had a couple of solenoids go on 2 different 62's. Easy pain in the ass fix is to swap vacuum lines each time. Replacement is the best choice. It's been awhile since I've owned one of these rigs but I don't think that part was specific only to the Cruiser. Corolla wagons had the same solenoid I believe. I'm sure the search will provide you lots of good info.

 

[Frode S]

Wait... If the rig responds to the switch (i.e. disengages 4wd) doesn't that mean the solenoids are ok, and the fault most likely is the senderunit for the light on thre trabsfercase? Or am I missing something?

 

[Ming89FJ62]

Most likely it's the 2WD solenoid that's failed since it's energized all the time (when in 2WD that is). Problem is that you can't just replace the 2WD solenoid - you have to replace the assembly (2WD and 4WD) and OEM replacment is in the $300 range. Very seldom does the TC position indicator switch fail.

 

[alkarich]

Here is a pic of the solenoid you are looking for. It is mounted at the top of the firewall in the engine compartment. Both are plastic, one is red and the blue. Start by swapping the vacuum lines on these. You can't harm anything by doing this simple test. Hopefully your light will go out.

 

[alkarich]

Just reread the original post. Oops. I assumed you were stuck in 4WD as well. So the front drive shaft isn't turning? It is just the light that is on?

 

[davisfj62]

4WD light no mas

Problem solved! Thanks everybody for all the help. It was the bottom noid (4WD off). For now I switched the vac lines to get the truck out of 4WD/HI.

I found a used noid (off of a 88 Toyota 4WD/PU -- thanx to Randy88FJ62) headed to Austin to pick it up. Total cost $15.00! FYI: I was able to email pics and thread info to the salvage yard (thanx to OVERHANGER!), they had me hooked up in all of 5 minutes. They also commented on the expert advice from the MUD community.

Thanks again,
Jeff

________________
1988 FJ62-stock (for now)
2001 Dodge 1500 4WD -- 3" lift, 33X12.5 BFG AT/KO, chipped, Bilstein shocks/stablzr, Magna flo, and K&N air intake
2001 Sub Forester DD -- not a bad offroad ride!

 

[alkarich]

Way cool! Glad to hear you figured it out. Also great price on the part.