What causes the 4LO light to flash in the Land Cruiser?
2 Answers
The flashing of the 4LO and engine warning lights is typically caused by a malfunction in the vehicle's speed sensor. There are various reasons why the engine warning light may illuminate in a Toyota Land Cruiser, including sensor-related issues such as faults in the coolant temperature sensor, crankshaft sensor, or oxygen sensor. Other potential causes include spark plug failure, ignition coil failure, fuel pump failure, or fuel line blockage, all of which can trigger the warning light. Additional Notes: Note 1: Excessive engine mileage can weaken spark plug performance, leading to the illumination of the pollution warning light. Excessive carbon buildup causing ignition difficulties can result in the ignition coil backfiring, leading to ignition coil failure, poor ignition, incomplete combustion, and ultimately the pollution warning light turning on. A distinctive characteristic of this issue is severe engine shaking when the ignition coil fails. Note 2: If the engine does not consistently experience severe shaking, the ignition coil can generally be ruled out as the cause. In older vehicles, mechanical wear and tear can lead to poor engine performance, resulting in ignition issues and the illumination of the pollution warning light.
I've seen many Toyota Land Cruiser owners encounter the issue of the 4Lo light flashing, which is usually a problem with the low-range mode sensor in the four-wheel drive system. It could be due to poor wiring contact in the transfer case or the sensor itself failing to read gear position data, causing the light to flash continuously as a reminder that the system isn't properly engaged. Off-road bumps can easily loosen connectors, and water or dirt seeping into the wiring connections can also cause this. It's important to stop the vehicle immediately to check if the gear lever is in the correct position and try repeatedly switching the four-wheel drive mode to see if it resets. If that doesn't work, promptly drive to a reliable repair shop for computer diagnostics. Don't push through and continue driving, as this could lead to more severe transmission damage and disrupt your trip.
