AWD Needs turns to engage

[dphflytyer]

I have a 2002 6cyl 4 runner with 292,000 miles. Looks good runs even better. I just started having a problem with the 4wd. When you push the AWD button on the shift lever the AWD dash lights just flash and it doesn't engage. The minute I make a hard right or left system engages and the lights stay lit and it works perfect. I had someone look at it and they think it might be the actuator. The part is pretty pricey and I'd hate to change it out only to find that that wasn't the problem. Anybody else have a similar problem to and a fix. Its a pain to always have to try and make a turn just to engage the system. Need to get this truck to beat my last 4runner which made it to 390,000 with hardly anything major going wrong. Cant beat lifetime oil changes eh....
Thanks again for any help.

 

[liljlandon]

Iirc you can remove it and have a buddy attempt to engage it and you should see it actuate. May just need a thorough cleaning!

I bet 500k is in your future!

 

[dphflytyer]

Thanks for the reply. How big a job is it to remove the actiator? Im wondering if it may just be the 2 sensors At least its a cheaper start. Is it tough to remove without having the convenience of a lift? I'd really like to get it back working like it used to. Any help in removing and cleaning the actator is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Dan