4wd shifting problems

2002 4Runner 4x4 Limited. Dash light center orange dot flashing and the 4wd will not disengage. I've tried backing up, and pushing the button on the transfer shifter in different modes. Seems like the solenoid is stuck. Any insights?

 

Have you tried resetting your computer? You can reset it by disconnecting the positive terminal on your battery for about a minute. Then reconnect and see if that helps. Sometimes the wires in that system get old and it can cause a short. I've had solenoid problems in the past and they can cause issues like this. But upon a little light reading it sounds like your transfer case is binding. Do you have a button for 4WD, or do you have a manual shift lever?

 

Well with the actuator as well, you can disconnect the switch and see if there is any continuity in the switch terminals with a voltmeter. When you switch 4WD to on, remove the switch and check for continuity. If there is no continuity, then the switch is bad, replace it.

 

The only way to properly check your actuator is to unplug the actuator electrical connector and check the the resistance between the terminals. It's a process and would be difficult for me to describe it, but there's a breakdown in the Haynes manual showing you how to check all that.