Prado 1997 - 4WD selector getting stuck in 4Hl.

[surenkoh Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close surenkoh]

Dear All .
My Toyota Prado is a 1997 diesel 1KzJ 3.0 TZ .Last week I had and issue where my gear wheel selector got stuck on "High Lock" . The local mechanic reversed the vehicle few times , jerked it and released the lock . Now the same issue is repeated .

Local Toyota technical support says that since the model is old and the 4Wd has not been used frequently this is the case and I have to reverse and make sure that the selection is complete . But I have been using the car for 3 years and never had this problem before . I have an oil leak from the transfer box it .My tyre size now , front and rear is also not the same .Rear - 265/70/16 , - front 275/70/16.
What can be the issue , Can any one help on where I should begin to diagnose the issue from ? , Thanks in advance .

[surenkoh Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close surenkoh]

Re: Prado 1997 - 4WD selector getting stuck in 4Hl.

Thanks Trojan ,Was out of town hence late reply . Would first Change to a new set of tyres before I do anything . Would let you know the progress.

[surenkoh Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close surenkoh]

Re: Prado 1997 - 4WD selector getting stuck in 4Hl.

Torjan thanks a million for the advice , saved me a huge amount of money . Magic ,Just now Replaced My current BF goodrich which I think is the cause of all this with a a new set of tyres ( Maxxis 750 ) . And wala it works , no issue changing of gears . Locks and releases like a baby. indicator works perfectly .Also the engine does not feel the pressure now in HL.
The car is looking great . ( Last month I replaced the entire front suspension and Shocks ) , On the gear lever bushed I replaced it just before I wrote to the forum thinking that's the issue.
Only issue to be fixed is the Transfer box oil leak , which will be checking this week to find out whats wrong .Will updated with the latest.
Thanks again.

[surenkoh Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close surenkoh]

Re: Prado 1997 - 4WD selector getting stuck in 4Hl.

Checked the differential oil leak @ toyota. Done . Replaced oil seals . Machine back on track . I feel so good.

[CaptAndy Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close CaptAndy]

Re: Prado 1997 - 4WD selector getting stuck in 4Hl.

Hi All,
I have the same problem as listed above but I see all the posts with the answers are gone, can anyone help?

My Prado is a 2002 RV TD manual box,

The transfer lever is stuck in HL position, the 4wd light is off & I can do U turns easy so am confident that I am not in HL.

The lever is stuck fast which is annoying as I had a day trip planned for today.

I have read elsewhere that it may be som bush on top of the transfer case, at the bas of the lever..

I was in HL on corrugated roads just before the problem was detected.

[williade Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close williade]

Re: Prado 1997 - 4WD selector getting stuck in 4Hl.

The transfer lever is stuck in HL position, the 4wd light is off & I can do U turns easy so am confident that I am not in HL.

The lever is stuck fast which is annoying as I had a day trip planned for today.

Hi Andy,
The problem described is the OP is the more common problem of the diff lock not disengaging when shifted from HL to H.

Are you saying you can't even move the shifter in to the H position or does it move and then spring back to HL?

[Big Cass Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Big Cass]

Hi All,
I'm the new guy. I have the same problem as the original post but I cannot see the responses. My 98 Prado is stuck in HL. I can move the stick back into H but the light on the dash remains on and I am positive the vehicle is still in HL. I have tried reversing, reversing and turning the wheel, moving forward turning the wheel, reverse to forward slowly without breaking. vehicle in neutral, vehicle in park. All sorts. Also seeing as the vehicle is stuck is it ok to drive on the road?
Look forward to your replies.