Can someone describe to me how the entire 4wd system engages and works in my 1997 3.2 auto 4x4 Rodeo?


I live in a hilly, rural part of Hawaii where I need my 4wd just to get to work and without it i have to hike a steep unpaved hill with all of my work tools, and any help from you car GENIUSES would make me very very grateful.

My 4wd doesnt engage, either in 4h or 4l BUT does make a whirring sound when i put the shift lever into 4h or 4l.

If i shut the car off after putting the lever into 4h or 4l and let it sit for a long while, and turn it back on, then the dash lights up with the 4wd symbol, and it seems like my 4wd then does kick in.

THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE.

I work construction, and so im fairly handy, but need your help. Thank you.

How old's your alternator?

Auto or stick shift?

Try looking at your volt gauge next time you're aiming for 4-wheel.

As a side thought, I have your same truck, only mine is a 4x2, you'd be amazed where all mine has been and goes weekly, and I also live in the high-country of Colorado; have yet to ever get stuck. My truck climbs muddy, icy, snowy hills weekly - just put all of your tools in the far back, lower your tire pressures a slight tad - if need be, and hopefully you have good A/T tires.

I've kept this truck for as long as I have because I have NEVER gotten stuck - even this past winter, when the majority of the 4x4's in my area couldn't make it out. The benefits to the Rodeo and it's capability comes from having good weight distribution.

Hey Ramblin Fever,

I do in fact get stuck, and my boss doesnt and she has blad tires on an old jeep.

The grade is 30 plus percent and it is soft crushed lava rock.

My alternator is 6 months old, and works fine, however my 4x4 doesnt work.

I get stuck despite the weight in my back, so im wondering if I could get some advice on how to fix my 4x4.

thanks a ton man.

P.S. Ramblin, youve always helped out in the past, for that Im very, very grateful to you!

Also, on many of the public roads, including the ones I drive to and from work, it is the law to have a functioning 4wd vehicle.

If i get stuck on any of these roads while driving a 2wd vehicle, I get a ticket from the local police.

Thanks.

Really, so it's mandatory for every Hawaiian to own a 4x4? Or just the types of roads you take?

I'm amazed that your's gets stuck, truly I am. I never had my 4x2 fail to follow my older 4x4 Rodeo anywhere.

But, I will say, that my '97 Rodeo probably weighs about 500-1k# more than most with all of the added accessories on it and the stuff I carry in the back.

I wish I could help more; but it sounds like you're gonna need to find a good mechanic.

Post some pics sometime.

...Post some pics sometime.

yeah, will you. "stuck in hawaii" doesn't sound so bad on the face of it....:)


//bc