Within the past few days I purchased a 2012 AWD 4X4 4Runner Limited and have some questions about towing a 3500# TT and the use of the 4X4 options that only those here would be able to answer. The salesman I worked with didn’t know a thing about the 4Runner - - really - -, so I don’t feel comfortable asking him anything.

First question: When towing should I use the “D” drive mode or the "S" sport mode? My initial thought is to use the “S” mode when towing up hills, (mountain passes), and going down the other side but while on flat terrain the “D” mode would be okay.

Question two: When should I/could I use the “Down Hill Assist” feature? Can it be used only when the transmission is in the “S” mode?

Last question for today: My 4Runner has H4F, H4L and L4L selections for the transfer case, H4F being AWD; both H4L and L4L show the transfer case is locked and my assumption is use H4L and L4L only in sandy, muddy and snow conditions. Would this be correct or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Any help and suggestions will be appreciated so I don’t tear up this new to me 4Runner.

I think towing in D should be fine unless it is shifting up and down, i which case i would use S, and select 4th or 3rd gear to keep it from "hunting" for gears. D should be fine for using DAC. Your owner's manual might elaborate more on proper use of DAC though.

You are correct on the Transfer Case operation. L4L is for extreme 4x4 conditions, when you need lower gearing to gain traction or to keep yourself from getting stuck.

In my 4R my visor has a index card that explains transfer case operation and what each mode does. Perhaps read yours over to help familiarize yourself. There is also a thread around here that discusses the 5th Generation 4WD operation. Search for that for a good read as well..

Welcome on board and enjoy your new to you 4Runner!

If the DAC on the 5th gen is like the one on the 4th gen it will only work when you are in low range and 1st gear.

Modern automatics have grade logic (That's what Honda calls it, I can't remember what Toyota calls it, maybe just "with intelligence") that can guess if you are on a hill or towing and hold low gears longer. It will also automatically downshift for you if you press the brake for a second or so on a long downhill. I assume the 5th gen still does this, and it's not perfect, but it's a good start if you don't want to/need to shift it manually with sport mode. Be sure to downshift on long downhills if it doesn't do it automatically to save your brakes. The computer won't let you over-rev the engine, so go as low as you need to.

The center differential should always be unlocked on dry pavement. Locked is better for low traction situations, and the low range is good for getting unstuck or very slowly crawling over rocks or obstacles on a trail. DAC is for difficult off-road driving, and it will apply the brakes loudly to keep your speed around 2-4mph.