Transfer case stick kaput?

[Coelacanth Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Coelacanth]

Went to shift into Hi Lock in my auto 2008 Prado the other day. Previously had no issue. Stick moves a little bit, but not much, and the transfer case will absolutely not move from 4 Hi. I have tried everything I can think of.

Can anyone help?

[Guest Close Guest]

Were you in neutral?

[Coelacanth Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Coelacanth]

Problem solved. I pulled the plastic covers off and took the plate/stick assembly off. There was no obvious problem but neither of the control rods would move. The slot alignment seemed normal. I got a large screw driver into the gap between the dirver-side rod and its housing. It moved a fraction, then the other rod started moving freely. I did a trial run without the return spring on the stick... everything seemed to be working - if a little bit graunchy.

Fully reassembled it then took her for a run. Moving in and out of all positions fine - lock an low lock are working as they should.

I am not entirely sure I know what I did (which is a little concerning) but I will call it a win!