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L300 stuck in 4wd - relieve tension to unlock?

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 3:19 pm
by dfnder
I have tried a few of the suggestions to unlock the 4wd but so far nothing has worked. I was wondering if it is possible to relieve the tension in the transfer case to allow it to switch out of 4wd? Any body able to give insight what linkage to disengage to allow me to get to 2wd? Is it a big job?

Cheers and thanks, Peter

L300 stuck in 4wd - relieve tension to unlock?

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 3:24 pm
by dfnder
I have tried a few of the suggestions to unlock the 4wd but so far nothing has worked. I was wondering if it is possible to relieve the tension in the transfer case to allow it to switch out of 4wd? Any body able to give insight what linkage to disengage to allow me to get to 2wd? Is it a big job?

Cheers and thanks, Peter

L300 stuck in 4wd - relieve tension to unlock?

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 4:42 pm
by Firesong
Driving backwards didn't do the trick?

Re: L300 stuck in 4wd - relieve tension to unlock?

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 5:15 pm
by yojimbo
Driving backwards will, I think, only unlock the hubs, when its already in 2WD, I think the issue is getting it out of one of the 4WD positions that the lever is currently stuck in.

I would start by jacking up a wheel and seeing if the transmission is wound up and if lifting it lets it all relax.

Re: L300 stuck in 4wd - relieve tension to unlock?

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 5:47 pm
by dfnder
I can move the 4wd stick to the various positions but wheels don't unlock when reversing

L300 stuck in 4wd - relieve tension to unlock?

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 5:59 pm
by Firesong
If you move it to 4 low does it change?

Re: L300 stuck in 4wd - relieve tension to unlock?

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 6:54 pm
by dfnder
No it still stays in 4wd when I shift it to Low4, just cant seem to get the auto locks to let go. Are the caps strong enough to handle some banging?
Maybe the vibration may let them unlock...? I have tried booting it in reverse and shifting in and out of the various positions and it doesn't seem to help. I will retry the 4Low cause it was some time ago and I want to make sure it is actually going into 4Low and if it isn't then I guess it would be the linkage. I will report back after dinner! Thanks for the responses

cheers!

Re: L300 stuck in 4wd - relieve tension to unlock?

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 2:14 am
by yojimbo
I would still jack a wheel up and see if its wound up.

Also, with them locked, you are not in 4wd, at least when the lever is in 2wd, its just the front axle still goes round as its driven from the wheels.

L300 stuck in 4wd - relieve tension to unlock?

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 1:17 pm
by Firesong
Auto hubs can be a pain. Sounds like you may have gotten some moisture in them and they froze?

I've replaced mine with manual hubs but if yours are giving grief you should remove them, regrease them and put them back in

By all means give them a whack

You can try parking it in underground heated parking at the mall and shop for 4 hours... Then try it again
Fs

Re: L300 stuck in 4wd - relieve tension to unlock?

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 10:13 pm
by nxski
I got stuck in 4x4 once, I shifted into 2H, popped the van in reverse and got it going about 50kph, heard a loud clunk and it's been working fine ever since. I don't know if I should be recommending this but it's the only insight I have into the matter.

Re: L300 stuck in 4wd - relieve tension to unlock?

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 12:22 pm
by Growlerbearnz
Try reversing in 4WD, putting it in 2WD, and driving forwards. You may also try using the brake and accelerator at the same time while doing the initial reversing while in 4WD, the extra pressure from the brakes on the hubs may help them unlock.

Locking hubs lock in both directions, you might find that will pop them loose. Sounds like they could do with a clean and re-grease, if they're not actually broken inside.

Good luck!