We had our first dusting of snow in our area (2-3") and this is the first time I have had my 2014 TEP out in the snow it was freaking fantastic. I was a bit concerned about the part time 4wd but it was no issue at all shifting in and out of 4wd as needed. The traction control system worked great in 2wd as well. Very impressed!!!
2014 TEP in first snow....
- Thread starter Rushca01
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Yeah this is the best time of year to own a 4Runner with 4X4. While I love it the other 3/4 of the year too, it really shines when the snow hits. The snow started here in Chicago on Sunday, and my wife wanted to run to IKEA and some other places, and the 4Runner didn't skip a beat. Just got us where we wanted to go...
Ron4RNevada
New member
Most snow we've had here so far this year is about 4 inches (N. Nevada). Hoping for a deeper challenge soon. Might have to head a bit farther west for a good challenge: Donner Pass or Quincy/Portola area - -
BobsTrail
Senior Member
:worthless
Had to send this. I wish I could find some snow to run my TE without driving 90 miles to the local mountains.
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Engineer
New member
I miss my awd, and no traction control of my 2nd gen Explorer.
Everytime I think I'm about to have a little fun in the T4R, the traction control steps in.out:
There is a button to solve that :lookout:
JayceeP
New member
I drove 60 miles in our first snow storm of the year on Sunday. It was on a 4 lane divided highway. There was no pavement, just driving down a white strip and hoping you're in the middle. Some cars were only going 20mph and I passed a couple cars and had to drive in the left lane (snowbank) which was covered by at least 8" of snow. Last year I was really underwhelmed by how my full-time 4wd LE performed in the snow. I didn't like how it grabbed for traction. Once I learned that locking the centre diff was more or less the same as how your TE behaves in 4wd I finally got to use it this weekend. What a difference and overly impressed. All 3 of my hungover passengers also commented on how solid the ride felt in the snow.
Question on that. I turned the traction control off while in 2wd to kick the rear out and the brakes kicked in?
Engineer
New member
What [MENTION=85467]BobsTrail[/MENTION] said, hold longer and nanny controls will be gone.
Hadelson
New member
Got my 14 TE a few weeks before last winters Polar Vortex in PA. Wait to you get into 18" range of snow......very impressive. Its a rock and will go through just about anything. When others are stuck or sliding, you are just rolling along!
Kennyr44
New member
Ive been driving my sr5 in the snow all week. At first I was surprised at the binding on tight turns in 4wd. I didnt expect that. My wife doesnt like it also. You have to use it to get in and out of our garage and driveway and to parallel park in ice and snow. Even though I dont want any of the limited amenities the All wheel drive would be nice. Other than that it is amazing in the snow as expected.
i am currently waiting for my sr5 to arrive and can't wait, but must admit, a little worried about when/when NOT to run in 4Hi. This morning in Toronto there was a thin layer of very slippery snow, but also some dry patches along the way, should I be constantly be switching between 2 and 4 or just keep it in 4 for situations like these.
PS... also very worried about how to educate other family members on the use of part-time 4wd.
Engineer
New member
Keep it in 4 won't hurt anything, you will know if you are turning sharply (parking lot, 90 degree turns etc) when it binds and if it happens don't feel like you destroyed anything just learn that "yupp thats a condition to avoid in 4x4"
MattAK
New member
How is the highway this time of year? I've driven it several times in early spring/late fall but never in January. Might be fun to do someday.
Whiplash Willy
New member
You have to be completely stopped when holding the Trac button to get both Trac and VSC off. If moving only the Trac will go off when holding down the button.
I find it weird that you can't disable VSC and leave Trac on. In certain situations, it seems it would be good to have the VSC off, so power doesn't get cut to your wheels, and have Trac on so it limits wheel slip.
fatbacks
New member
Luckily it was cold and clear which makes the snow and ice a lot less slick. Not too bad at all. Looked a lot like the attached photo most of the way. Even though I didn't have snow tires for the drive, I went and got studded tires today - peace of mind on the really slick days.
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MattAK
New member
Dangit, I miss that road and that country up there. Spent 4 summers working in Fairbanks and Anchorage. Glad to hear the T4R was a champ! Can't wait 'till I get into a TEP later this year!
