new tacoma transfer case

98sr5

Observer
has anybody had any problems with those new toyota electric transfer cases. im asking cause i got a freind with a bronco with auto hubs and electric transfer case and it doesnt want to engage half the time. but im thinkin of getting one. another thing why could they put a shifter for 4wd like an fj the center consoles already there its not like you have a front bench
 

HMR

Rendezvous Conspiracy
No problems with mine and I engage/disengage it several times a week.

If you're completely stopped it might not engage 100% of the time. Moving backwards or forwards a few feet will do the trick. For that reason, I try to always engage 4wd before I get stuck. I've had several manual T-cases and none of them would engage 100% of the time when stopped either. I'm a fan of both types of T-cases but prefer the newer, electric version.
 

nvprospector

Adventurer
Never had a problem with is engaging/disengaging. Like HMR stated, some times when standing still it will not fully lock but after moving less than an inche it pops in.
 

Tucson T4R

Expedition Leader
I agree. I have been involved with a few Toyota forums for the last few years and across the thousands of members, I haven't seen a reported transfer case failure on the Tacos or 4Runners.
 

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
Tucson T4R said:
I agree. I have been involved with a few Toyota forums for the last few years and across the thousands of members, I haven't seen a reported transfer case failure on the Tacos or 4Runners.

I have seen at least one report of a TC failure to engage, over on the TTORA main board. Interestingly, it was not an 05+, it was an 01-04, IIRC, and it is one of the ones that has what I would call the "semi-electric" t-case: The one where there is a T-case lever to go into H-N-L, and a button on the side to push for 4wd. The person posting was complaining that when it was wet his truck would not go into 4wd, though the high-n-low worked fine. I don't know if he ever resolved it but it appeared to be some kind of electrical problem, a short circuit somewhere that only manifested itself in wet weather.

I'm sure the electric T-cases have gotten more reliable but I'm still glad mine is fully manual. :D When I lived in Laramie I had a friend who owned a Ford Ranger 4x4 with the electric T-case and he had constant problems with the case not wanting to engage or disengage in extremely cold weather.

If you've ever been to Laramie in the winter, you'll understand why this is not a trivial issue!
 

CYi5

Explorer
Martinjmpr said:
I have seen at least one report of a TC failure to engage, over on the TTORA main board. Interestingly, it was not an 05+, it was an 01-04, IIRC, and it is one of the ones that has what I would call the "semi-electric" t-case: The one where there is a T-case lever to go into H-N-L, and a button on the side to push for 4wd. The person posting was complaining that when it was wet his truck would not go into 4wd, though the high-n-low worked fine. I don't know if he ever resolved it but it appeared to be some kind of electrical problem, a short circuit somewhere that only manifested itself in wet weather.

I'm sure the electric T-cases have gotten more reliable but I'm still glad mine is fully manual. :D When I lived in Laramie I had a friend who owned a Ford Ranger 4x4 with the electric T-case and he had constant problems with the case not wanting to engage or disengage in extremely cold weather.

If you've ever been to Laramie in the winter, you'll understand why this is not a trivial issue!

My friend's ranger had the same problem, though I haven't had any problems with my semi-electric '01 in 150k.
 

heeltoe989

Explorer
certainly sounds like a Ford. My 97 Ranger 4x4 always gave me problems with 4hi and 4low. My Toyota has worked flawless even in -30 -45C temperatures. Never a problem

I guess that why I bought a Toyota and not a Ford. I got tired of the unreliability when I needed it most.

They just build better trucks!:26_7_2:
 
Last edited:

SOAZ

Tim and Kelsey get lost..
Martinjmpr said:
I have seen at least one report of a TC failure to engage, over on the TTORA main board. Interestingly, it was not an 05+, it was an 01-04, IIRC, and it is one of the ones that has what I would call the "semi-electric" t-case: The one where there is a T-case lever to go into H-N-L, and a button on the side to push for 4wd. The person posting was complaining that when it was wet his truck would not go into 4wd, though the high-n-low worked fine. I don't know if he ever resolved it but it appeared to be some kind of electrical problem, a short circuit somewhere that only manifested itself in wet weather.

I'm sure the electric T-cases have gotten more reliable but I'm still glad mine is fully manual. :D When I lived in Laramie I had a friend who owned a Ford Ranger 4x4 with the electric T-case and he had constant problems with the case not wanting to engage or disengage in extremely cold weather.

If you've ever been to Laramie in the winter, you'll understand why this is not a trivial issue!


DOH! My 01 4runner had the electronic t-case actuator fail. Trying to figure out whether a tacoma or 4runner with a lever actuated t-case will work. Anyone know?
 

Schattenjager

Expedition Leader
No problems here - again - gotta be moving to get it in right away.

I used to stay in 2X4 until I NEEDED 4x4, but now I just flip the switch and motor on, eliminating (I hope) any chance of it not engaging when needed.
 

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