How To Engage Your Toyota 4runner's 4WD (For Beginners)
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- Опубліковано 10 лип 2024
- How and when to engage 4WD in every generation of Toyota 4runner:
canadiangearhead.com/using-yo...
00:00 Intro
01:09 V6 vs V8 models
02:16 How to engage 4WD
04:37 What is the Center Differential Lock?
06:25 When to use each setting
07:16 4lo demonstration
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Links to 4runner modifications:
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Fox 2.0 rear shocks: bit.ly/3vMpCXT
OME 895 rear springs: bit.ly/3IK29tV
Method Race Wheels: bit.ly/3sHVRFp
Goodyear Duratrac tires: bit.ly/3sLWjCR
MIC Tuning OEM style light bar buttons: amzn.to/3tvTi8S
Oznium LED Camping lights: amzn.to/3pETAsZ
Boslla color changing LED foglights: amzn.to/3sJX3bv
Pioneer DMH-2660NEX head unit: amzn.to/3sKfCMQ
iDatalink Maestro steering wheel control module: amzn.to/3hEdvUi
My favorite car detailing products - bit.ly/3vLgDGa
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What else would you like to learn about the Toyota 4runner? Comment below!
Why is my vsc off light still on even if my center differential lock isn't engaged? 2003 4runner SR5
@@gavinvaneyk5593 Did you figure it out. Was the button just on.
@@tigergreg8 I actually didn't. I've seen quite a few posts about the same issue, so I'm not too concerned. But would still like to get it fixed it I can
@@gavinvaneyk5593 Have you gone to the Toyota 4Runner website and looked up your question. Tons of information on there. If you type that question in Google that site will automatically show up. You probably already did that though.
Have you ever discussed in a video (or anywhere else) how to fix both a 4LO and/or center diff? Neither of mine wanted to engage last time I checked this past spring. Mine's a 2004 Ltd V8 with full time 4WD and I'd like to get it all working before winter. Great videos by the way. Your channels a great source for everything 4th generation 4R.
Just bought an ‘08 sr5 v6. Been watching all your helpful videos. Thanks.
Bought my second 4runner today once my first one kicked the bucket and the power steering went out. My old one was a 2WD 98'. I desperately needed this video to make sure I didn't hurt my new 2003 100,000ml baby! Thank you very much this was exactly what I needed to know!
I just found your channel. I recently got an 03 V8. OMG! I love that thing! I am going to look at your site too as I know people have said to do certain things monthly to your 4runner. So, I just put it into 4lo and without accelerating, I let it go back and forth in my gravel driveway. I also got my first 4runner the end of January. It's a 22 TRD Pro. I have yet to put it the other gears. So, I need to see what all I'm supposed to do. Both 4runners are similar but yet, so different. I love the pick up the V8 has. It's really quick! Thank you!!
Great videos! Very informative and easy to understand. I just picked up an ‘07 V6 Sport, leather and loaded with every factory option. Only 40k original miles in literally mint condition and dead stock, no mods. I took it out on a pretty rutted and challenging trail in Southern California (South Palomar Divide in Temecula) the weekend after I bought it. I only used 2WD and it negotiated everything like a champ. I’ll be up in the hills this weekend to use 4WD so this video is going to be very helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. 😎👍
Very informative video. Thank you! I own a v6 and v8 love them both equally and both have proven Toyota's reliability!
REALLY helpful to a new 4Runner owner. Thanks.
Thanks for the explanation! Coming from a WRX to a V6 4th gen so this helps!
Thanks for this video. I was worried the 4lo crunching noise was just me and there was something wrong. Great explanation of everything
Thanks for the video. I just bought my first 4Runner. Coming from only Trans Ams, this was very helpful
Dang, that clears things up a bit. Good job man, very informative.
Thank you. Appreciate the walk through and explanations on when to use the CDL and Lo settings.
Loving all your videos. I have learned so much about my 4Runner thanks to you. Makes me love it a bit more knowing how awesome they are and knowing how to take care of the little things and some of the bigger things myself. Cheers!
Thanks for watching, Jolene!
Thanks for the info, specially about the differential I have a 2004 limited v8 with 185k miles, and I didn't have a clue til now.
As always an excellent opportunity to learn from you about my 4Runner
Great video bro. I hope to be joining the 4Runner band soon!
I just got my 2008 Runner two days ago and I am so excited to go off roading with it. This was a great video to help me get started. Thank you!
This is exactly what Ive been looking for much appreciated
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the info. I am debating on buying my first one this week.
Great video… very practical and simple
I just picked up a 2005 v8 4runner with 135k miles, super excited to start modding it for a tow/off road rig! Keep the vids coming!
Congrats!!! This will probably outlive you lol
That's awesome, congrats! You're going to love it
I have a 2005 SR5 V6 that I purchased brand new. Last month just hit 300K and it still runs like a charm! I have replaced the water pump once and the thermostat twice. That's about it. Change the oil around 3-5K religiously. Within the last year I added TRD wheels, Prinsu roof rack with 42:" light bar, Baja Design ditch lights, RIGd Ultraswing, CBI rock sliders, Rago molle panels front and rear. Waterport Weekender, HiLift jack, Plano single and double cases, Victory front Blitz bumper, bottom skids. Tomorrow adding Smittybuilt winch and front bumper light bar! There are so many aftermarket mods. Hope you have deep pockets! LOL 😂
@@Kiss__Kiss I heard there are some 4th gen V8's around with over 1 millions miles on them!
@@abcpatriot3276 There are!! Over engineered marvel of an engine, the V8 4.7L 4Runner is..
Exactly what i was looking for! Thank you! i subbed
Thanks for the thorough explanation.
Omg thank you for this video! So helpful!
Thanx bro. I’ve been looking for a vid like this 4ever!
Thanks for watching!
Super informative, thank you!
You just solved my problem. I have my 4LO has been beeping maybe mistakenly engaged... Thanks man
thank you for all your information.
Thanks for this video... Been doing it the wrong way
Yep.. It's what I always enjoy about my 4th Gen 4runner SE-V8 4X4, as well as my GX470. Always in 4Hi.. No brainer. Great Video idea/topic.
Thanks for watching!
Just subbed. I bought an 03 V8 recently and was wondering this exact thing
This are beautiful machines!!!
I bought my 07 Sport V6 used and have learned from this video that when I've put it into 4 hi, the diff lock has been engaging because the last owner had it set that way. I've had it since 08 and didn't know that's what the light meant, I thought it was just showing it was in 4WD. 😳 Thank God it hasn't broken yet.
What is a good thing to also mention is that the visor card in the truck has all this information written, this can help explain all the modes from the manufacturer.
Really helpful!
thanks for this information
Going to look at a 2009 V6 4Runner w 164k miles. It’s in the rust belt area so hopefully the frame is ok! Thank you for this video. Needed to know before my test drive lol
Make sure to check out my other video about things to look out for as well as my 4th gen buyer's guide on my website!
Just picked up my first 4runner, an 03 V8 4x4. 187k miles. Pumped on it. Always had 5.3 silverados (love them too) but wanted something smaller and from Toyota. Like it a lot so far.
Hello!! I’m buying a 2003 4Runner too but the 4x4 doesn’t engage. Should I buy it,should it be too expensive to fix??
Thanks bro I appreciate
Good stuff.
Thanks!
Great video, thanks! Question, what is the difference between engaging the differential lock in 4Hi vs. using 4Lo. Should you engage the dif lock in 4Lo?
Awesome vid. Just got a 05 with 74,000 miles in June. 4lo would never engage until I kept trying and 2 weeks ago it finally did.
Glad you got it freed up!
My 05 just hit 300k last month! Still runs like a charm. SR5 V6
@@abcpatriot3276 awesome man! Hope mine can last that long!!
@@caww6249 There are 4Runners around that have over a million miles! Durability but crappy gas mileage.
Just picked one up super excited, can I ask what your wheels setup is please?
Added to library
my poor runner is really starting to need work.. makes me so sad. going to try to see what more i can learn from your videos and try to save it before i have to pass it along to the next avid 4runner owner.
Please make a complete video about all the buttons and features of toyota surf 4th gen runner, for example: Fuel Range mode, Fuel consumption with average km/h, I have seen there are 2 modes of Avg fuel consumption that shows on that mini display but. don't know which one is for what purpose, It would be nice if you make a complete detail video about all features, buttons and mode. Thanks. (Note: We have 2003 Toyota Surf LA - RZN215 model v6 4.0cc Engine)
Do you have a video where you explain the "2L" (L2?) gear stick position, all the way down, or furthest from "Park" ? Thanks
Thank you my fellow Canadian! Awesome resourcefulness. I'm really liking the 5th gen but not sure if they function the same way and if they utilize the electronic tc actuator like the 4th gen
The link I put in the description explains more of that in detail. Some of the 5th gens have a similar electronic actuator and others have a lever
Is ist there any Risk putting 4lo in to go down a hill because then i dont have to use the brakes so much. Got myself a 03 Limited and i love it. Its Stock, i Took it a Little Bit offroad and Even that was impessive. Love your Channel keep the good work up my man. Greetings from Salt spring Island BC👍
Great video! BTW, what stereo did you replace the original with? I can't seem to find one that fits flush like yours. Look forward to more videos
Mine is a Pioneer unit, I did a video on it
Question- V6 4th Gen - should 4 Wheel engagement icon light come on (not Flashing)in H4 position or only show icon in combination with far left 4 WD push button (additional icon)? My 4 WD icon comes on regardless (not flashing but steady) of far left button push button(additional icon) position.
So, with diff locked I can drive up to 50mph but in mud, snow and slippery conditions, correct?
Also, do I understand it correctly that I can engage the diff lock when I am already driving up to 50mph and 4H?
I just got my first 4Runner V6 so this video is right on for me )
Thank you for this informative video. we have an 05 and never really understood this concept. Side note: I noticed your odometer said 250K is that miles? Ours has 153K miles and would do a jig if we make 250K...
Mine is in kilometers but as long as it doesn't rust, 250k miles is totally doable!
I have an '03 V8 Ltd. The CDL works but the 4Lo beeps all the time when I engage in neutral I'll keep trying it and see if it frees up.
Have you ever discussed in a video (or anywhere else) how to fix both a 4LO and/or center diff? Neither of mine wanted to engage last time I checked this past spring. Mine's a 2004 Ltd V8 with full time 4WD and I'd like to get it working.
Mine still works fine so I haven't looked into it
2003 v8, any reason to lock the differential in 4 low? I don’t off-road but will be pulling a boat out of the water on an inclined ramp.
i have a 2006 V8 awd and when i put it 4LO , it doesnt blink or beep at all. checked fuses all good. maybe its a bad switch?
If don't use h4 or L4 do you have to exercise it every month?
And is ok to exercise them on flat land for a couple of miles?
With the 4wd light on will it cause your 4Runner to smoke if the actuator is off
Hi, I have a 2wd- 4wd version how fast I can drive on 4H? Thank you!! 😉
How do you change the bulb on 4 wheel selector dial
Does this v8 model have any attachments for Apple air play
Question l have 2004 Toyota 4Runner v8 4.7 the 4WD 4Lo Light not turning off l put in neutral then train tu turning off but not turning off l don’t know what is the problem any l tips to resolve the problem thank you.
This is awesome Thank you
It seems you could lock the center on the freeway or when otherwise not putting the system in a bind. ;)
Anyone or yourself know why after I disconnected the module to get to my blower motor I reconnected it and the 4LO keeps flashing/beeping. And turns off when I put in in 4lo with the switch. BUT when I try to put it on 4Hi again it keeps flashing/beeping. Yes I even try putting in N 1st like normal engagement and nothing. Any help would be appreciated 🙏🏽
When I try to engage my 4 hi on my V6 it blinks the 4WD and center lock lights on my dash. Not sure why. When I bought it 3 months ago the 4WD was working fine.
Closed captions
I have a 2008 V6 Limited 4WD
I read online that keeping a 4th gen (03-09) V6 4runner in 4Hi it causes excessive wear & tear compared to RWD.
Is this true?
If it's true, which components are taking excessive wear & tear?
I prefer to stay in 4Hi all the time as there's a lot of potholes where I live.
If someone knows this for sure I would appreciate a response.
This is very informative thank you so just to clarify. You can essentially use 4H at all times on any pavement even dry on these vehicles (IF you don’t engage the locking differential)? Is it also ok to drive in the highway in 4H at higher speeds?
I would still use 2WD in dry conditions if you have it but as long as you aren't feeling any binding while making turns it should be ok
@@CanadianGearhead thanks I’ve been doing plenty of research as I’m getting a 4Runner for the first time and I think I have a good grasp at this point of how to use the part time 4WD system. Appreciate your insight.
Great video. All your videos are great. I have the same vehicle bought at about 6 months ago. 4 low has never worked. And the differential lock does not work either. The former owner said he never tried 4 low so I'm pretty sure it seized. I don't really think I need the 4 low but it would be nice to have. When I engage either the the differential lock or the 4 low they just blink and that is when I do it in neutral. I'm afraid if I take it to the dealer I'll be in for a $3,000 repair bill so I think I'll just leave it.
The 4WD actuator getting stuck is a common problem if it's not used. The dealer will definitely cost a lot but you might want to take it to a good independent mechanic to see what their quote is like. Thanks for the support!
@@CanadianGearhead thank you I will give your suggestion a try. I have recently moved from Georgetown Ontario to Western Nova Scotia so it may be difficult to find somebody with experience. My plan is to wait for spring and try and free it up in the warmer weather first. Then if that doesn't work I may try and take it apart myself. I will look on the forums for advice on that.
@@seldon750 Did you ever take care of those 2 issues?
@@tigergreg8 thanks for asking. No I haven't got it working yet. I've tried some of the suggestions on the form of hitting it with a rubber hammer while engaging. Didn't work. Opening the box will be like opening up Pandora's box I believe. It looks a bit complicated and to time it properly could be a problem. Finding a local mechanic with experience on this particular box will be impossible. So I'm just going to leave it. Other than that it runs beautifully.
@@seldon750 Hey, if it runs well, and it keeps you safe, that's all that matters.
that made more sense than the owner's manual. why would an X in the middle indicate that the front and rear are locked?
Thanks for the explanation! Do you have to be moving for 4Lo engagement?
I have a 2W/4WD version but I haven’t used any 4WD yet because Virginia just hasn’t had the snow for me to use it, but I know I should cycle the 4WD so it doesn’t go bad.. I just got the car 1/21/22. 🤷🏽♀️
Nope, you can see in the video that I engaged it without moving. Sometimes rolling will make it easier if you're having trouble getting it to engage though
@@CanadianGearhead I see, thanks! 👌🏽
Hi, I have a 2009 v6 4runner, my question is can I go from 2hi to 4hi while I'm in park or do I have to be in drive? Thanks 😊
Love your channel btw!
It should work either way
I was about to ask the same question, or do I have to be driving to engage the 4hi - I have been just changing it from 2hi to 4hi while just in Park - Great Videos BTW!!
What is the max speed for 4LO?
Hello there, I really appreciate all the information that you are sharing with us... I have a question.. I just try a 4th gen... and when I engage the 4 low it's was making a "cans" noise under the front... it was sounds like it had a bunch of cans pulling under the car.... I didn't know what was that.... do you have any idea...?
Thanks
Hmm that sounds like there's something broken in the transfer case
@@CanadianGearhead got it.... I thought the same thing.... thank you very much....
Is that expensive to fix...?
I didn’t engage mine for about a year and I just tried it and it went from 4hi to 4lo so problems lol. Lucky or naw? Lol 233k miles
Hey CGH quick question, would you ever combine the AWd system whether 2hi 4hi or 4low with the 4 in the 4-D gear? Why and why not?
I hope this question makes sense!
If I'm in 4 low and wanting to crawl slowly, I'll pop the transmission in 1 or 2 so it'll hold those gears. Even in 4 low, you can actually build some speed up in 5th gear
I’m looking for a 4Runner in Mexico. Non of them have that knob. Are those only 4wd H? They do have the locking center differential lock
If a 4th Gen doesn't have the knob that means it's 2WD
Can you do a video on the DAC for 4th gen?
Good idea!
Did one get done?
What is the stereo head unit you have in your 4Runner in the video? It fits perfectly.
It's a Pioneer head unit, I have a video about the install on here
I have an '05 V8 4runner so it is full time 4x4. If I was to get and install manual locking front hubs, how much if any, would it help gas mileage for normal everyday driving? Thank you.
I doubt it would be anywhere near enough to offset the cost of swapping the hubs
Can you please tell me the lift you are using? Thanks
Fox 2.0 coilovers and OME 895 rear springs
Hey so I just got my 4 runner and I don’t know when the last time my lockers or 4 low was last engaged or ever engaged what should I do
Try engaging it!
When and why should you use the lower numbers on the shifter?
I'll use the 4th gear setting when towing out of overdrive, otherwise I only use the rest when I'm in 4lo and wanting to stay in 1st or 2nd gear. You can still build some speed up when you're in higher gears (even in 4lo) so it helps for crawling
Is it ok to engage the CDL well also being in 4hi and or 4lo?
Yup you can do it with both
Thank you Very helpful video, sorry my english is kinda bad and im new driver PLEASE I have a question. I was driving 2008 v6 4runner in very sloped iced place and i didnt know about how to engage 4WD and i switched to L4 and i was in Drive and beeping sound came /now i realise my L4 was failed to engage/ i didnt understand what happend i hoped it work and i accelerated to climb to mountain then some load horrible grinding sound came so load in fact. After that sound im kinda worried i got reversed back off the mountain in drived in normal H2 and back home.
my question is im kinda worried about car got internally damaged? or its ok or not what should i do?
Is it still making grinding sounds when you're driving normally? If not, that might have just been the ATRAC system kicking in when it was trying to find traction. Try engaging the different 4WD settings in a gravel parking lot and see if it still makes loud noises - if it doesn't, you're probably fine
Its ok it seems nothing happend after that car is fine @@CanadianGearhead Thank you UR THE BEST
Curious on your rig do you run a 10 ply tire?
Mine are load range D, so I guess they'd be 8 ply
I just test drove my first 4th gen(this was a v6). Unfortunately, I didn't watch this video before I went. I left the transmission in Park and then tried to engage 4hi and lo. It just kept blinking and beeping. Do I need to be in neutral and not park, or is the actuator seized?
4hi should engage while you're driving but sometimes it'll take a few seconds. 4lo needs to be in neutral I believe
Hey, gearhead what are the 2 drives one goes left an one goes right on your gear shift panel
One is Drive (4th gear) and one is Overdrive (5th gear)
@@CanadianGearhead Which is which
Question, when should you use 4, 3, 2, 1 vs 4 Low?
Mainly when you want to travel at higher speed than 4 Low but you likely won't use them much
So I can't drive 4L on dry road condition, but how about I switch to 4H and center diff locked? Is it safe to drive on dry road or not?
You can't drive on dry roads with the center diff locked
Can the center diff button be looked if I’m 4hi?or just 4low?
You can lock it in both
So if you engage 4lo, without the center diff lock, does that just act as a low geared AWD? And then once you lock the center diff, it’s a true 4lo, just like with 4hi?
Yup!
Why is your gauge cluster in kph? Your not in a hilux surf, did you swap them?
Canada is in kph
What if it doesn’t make that grinding noise but still seems to go into 4lo?
If it engages, it must be working fine
What do the "Set" 1 and 2 buttons do just right of the dimmer dial? I have an 08 4Runner but those are absent
they might be the option for driver chair setting for two different driver; i believe it i available on the limited model, if I am not mistaking
Grace is right, those are for the memory seat function on the Limited models
2006 Toyota 4Runner sr5 V6- when I put it in 4 lo the engine makes a louder sound but no check engine lights, is that normal? Also what is the safe speed limit on 4 lo? I just got the vehicle and still learning how to mod it. Thanks.
Hmmm, it shouldn't change the sound at all. Maybe you have an exhaust leak or a bad motor mount or something that changes with a different load on the engine? 4lo is just for crawling so it isn't really useful over 10 kmh or so in my opinion
@@CanadianGearhead my sound probably was because I pushed it to 40 mph. I’ll keep it to 10 mph only when stuck in snow which should be rare. Thanks!
So would it cause problems if I was driving at 70-80mph in high 4? Without locking the dif?
If the conditions are safe enough to drive that fast there's no need for 4WD
So my 4lo is not engaging. How can I replace it or fix it? Continually beeps at me. Also I don’t think my DAC works unless that only works in 4lo
I did a video explaining the DAC function, it should help you. If your 4WD isn't engaging, it'll need the actuator fixed which requires taking apart the transfer case.