The shop I had work on it put a new actuator motor on. They did it the way Lexus recommends....split the transfer case and install the shift motor..then reassemble.. Driving home I tried it out and now the for wheel drive engages as it should..After much research, it was done for a reasonable price.

 

Hey there! How much did you end up spending on parts and labor?
I'm going through the exact same issue as you went through right now

 

HUH--how do you know this, Its AWD all the time, Im missing something in your verbage

 

Right - the thread title is misleading - their problem was the center differential wouldn't lock. The vehicle is full-time 4WD so there is no "engagement" needed.

I had the dreaded transfer case leak repaired at the dealer several years ago, and I seem to remember it was in the $1500 range - the labor needed is similar to replacing the diff lock electric motor. The part for the actuator is listed as $1056. Can't hurt to ask for goodwill help on the price.

https://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.c...rimLevel=19100

It might be worthwhile to look into a parts-yard transfer case (a new one is $2600). The dealer won't install it since it's not from their parts counter, but if you have a 4WD specialist in your area they can handle it. The labor will be a lot less since you aren't splitting the case open.

Chip H.