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timhartmann1

4Runner transfer case limp mode

My 2002 Toyota 4Runner with the gasoline engine is giving me fits. It's got 122969 km on the clock, and suddenly it's stuck in what feels like transfer case limp mode. The gearbox is slipping and shifting all kinds of uncleanly. Could this be related to the ABS system somehow? Anyone else run into this powertrain malfunction nightmare? I'm dreading what the shop will say...

Summary of the thread

A 2002 Toyota 4Runner is experiencing issues with the transfer case being stuck in limp mode, causing the gearbox to slip and shift poorly. The problem may be linked to the ABS system, as similar issues have been resolved by addressing ABS faults. Diagnosis confirmed ABS faults, and the repair was covered by a service campaign, resolving the issue without cost.

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4 comment(s)

michael_schwarz1

Sounds rough! I had a similar issue with my 4Runner, although the symptoms weren't quite the same. Limp mode is never fun. Was the torque converter acting up at all before this happened? Did you notice anything unusual, even a slight shudder?

timhartmann1 (community.author)

Hmm, good question! I hadn't really noticed anything off with the torque converter, but honestly, I wasn't specifically looking for it. Now that you mention it, there may have been a slight shudder a couple times recently. Could that really be the culprit behind this whole transfer case meltdown?

michael_schwarz1

Yep, that shudder could be a clue. When mine went into limp mode, it turned out there were underlying ABS faults triggering it. Best to get it checked out at a shop. I'm not equipped to diagnose and fix ABS issues at home, and I wouldn't recommend that to anyone.

timhartmann1 (community.author)

Appreciate the insight! Turns out you were spot on about the ABS faults. Got it diagnosed, and thankfully, the repair cost came out to 0€, as it was a known problem covered by a service campaign. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

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TOYOTA

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4RUNNER