4Runner Off-Road Controls Quick Reference Guide Final Version

[Lexington]

Hi All

During the holidays I had a lot of downtime due to Illness but I’m fine now. So I spent some of that time going through my manual to get a better understanding on how to use my off-road controls. Even after reading the manual I was still a little confused as to which control was best to use under what condition, especially between the A-TRAC and Multi Terrain Select. I also wanted to understand how they worked mechanically. So I did a lot of research, read a lot of articles, watch videos, talk to dealers, and Toyota customer service and of course asked many questions on this forum. The most difficult one to understand was how the Multi Terrain Select worked. I was shocked that even the dealers and Toyota customer service center couldn't even properly explain how MTS works mechanically. Finally someone on this forum was able to explain it to me. Last I felt it wasn't easy to go back and forth through the manual to read all the function. So I originally decided to create a 4Runner Off-Road Quick Reference Guide for myself and some friends and realized that maybe other new 4Runner owners and novice off-roaders would find this info useful and help give them a basic understanding on how and when to use their off-road controls

I want to thank everyone who took the time to answer my question. I'd like to give a special thanks to [MENTION=670545]bigdaddy2021[/MENTION] who provided the graphics, to [MENTION=50362]jayhat[/MENTION] who let me borrow the front page graphics and to [MENTION=594423]CajunMikeR[/MENTION] who was so patient with me in explaining to me how the throttle controls control the MTS.

I also created a previous thread on this but I wanted to create a new once so the manual would be on top.

Below is the final version. For best printing quality I strongly recommend downloading the PFD files below the photos. The photos aren't as sharp and are just there for easy viewing. If you don't see all the photos right away tap/click on the screen on the bottom of the page to see more. One file is 4.5 x 6.5 inch. It's design to fits in the center console where the tissue goes, your owner's manual case or glove compartment. I also made a slightly bigger 5.5 x 7.5 as well. Keep in mind when you print some printers will automatically try to make it fit a 8-1/2x11 sheet of paper. So if you want the smaller size you may need to turn off/uncheck the "size to fit".

The card is color coded. Blue for info, Green for how to use your controls and Yellow/Orange for Cautions and Warnings.

Also on the bottom of each page there is a slot for you to write down the page where you can find more information in your manual.

If anyone finds any discrepancies let me know and I will correct it.

The 4Runner Quick Reference Guide was updated on 2/7/22 fix some spelling errors and make minor modifications such as increase font size for easier reading. There are now two PDF file. The "f" file is 4.8 x 6.5 inch and the "x" file is 5.5 x 7.5

 

[Lexington]

Saving for future post.

 

[Saker]

[MENTION=352938]Lexington[/MENTION],

I see 6 pages total on the pdf. Is this correct?


Thanks for all of your hard work putting this together for the community.
Hope you get back to 100% after the coco.

 

[Sempre Nissart]

This is definitely going to help some people, whether they are new to 4WD/off roading, or new simply to the Toyota platform.

I havent read through everything yet but I noticed a typo on page 1, at the top, under "H2" it says "4runners have 2 types of front Wheel Drive (4wd) controls", it should be "four wheel drive" not "front wheel drive"

 

[Ryance39]

This is great. Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

I also noticed a type-o.
Page 2, line 1 of the A-Trac section. It should read "brake pressure", not break presser.

 

[Lost in trees]

Wow! Nicely done. I had a bunch of cut and paste’s that i wanted to reformat in something more concise. You have done a much better (and color coded) job than what I was hoping for. If I find anything worth adding I will let you know. Thanks for all your efforts, I’m sure many will appreciate knowing what all those dials and buttons are for!

 

[Lexington]

[MENTION=352938]Lexington[/MENTION],

I see 6 pages total on the pdf. Is this correct?


Thanks for all of your hard work putting this together for the community.
Hope you get back to 100% after the coco.

It’s 6 pages but I see where I said 7. Correction made.

And the cooties weren’t bad at all for me. It was like a mild flu. I was uncomfortable for a few days but not miserable. I’m back to normal now. Thanks

 

[catchx46]

Can you shift from H2 to H4 while driving <50mph or do you have to be stationary in neutral/park?

Should you shift back to H2 from when you get into a dry parking garage to park? I remember reading somewhere you shouldnt stay in H4 if you are turning on dry pavement.

 

[Lexington]

This is definitely going to help some people, whether they are new to 4WD/off roading, or new simply to the Toyota platform.

I havent read through everything yet but I noticed a typo on page 1, at the top, under "H2" it says "4runners have 2 types of front Wheel Drive (4wd) controls", it should be "four wheel drive" not "front wheel drive"

The wording is correct but I understand why you think it’s not. In the manual Toyota calls them “front wheel drive” and not 4WD. I guess because they assume the rear wheels are used all the time where the front wheels are used part time. So when you are using the control you are turning on your front wheels so to speak to give you 4WD. I know it’s a bit confusing. I debated on just using the term 4WD only. This is a universal term everyone understands, front wheel drive is not but I decided to use the term because thats what it’s called in the manual. I put (4WD) in parentheses next to it hoping it would reduce this confusion. Maybe I should say the following.

4Runner has 2 types of 4WD controls
(In the manual they are called “front wheel drive controls)

Would this be better?

 

[Lexington]

Can you shift from H2 to H4 while driving <50mph or do you have to be stationary in neutral/park?

Should you shift back to H2 from when you get into a dry parking garage to park? I remember reading somewhere you shouldnt stay in H4 if you are turning on dry pavement.

Yes you can shift from H2 to H4 while driving. First thing it says under “H2 to H4” “Reduced speed to 50 mph or less”. H4 to L4 it’s says “Bring vehicle to complete stop.

Yes you should never drive in H4 and L4 on pavement. It’s ok to drive a little bit on pavement in H4 and L4 as long as you don’t make any turns! For example, if you are driving on a snow covered road with patches of pavement that’s fine as long as you are driving straight on the pavement sections. If you try to make turns on pavement while in H4 and L4 you will cause “binding”. This can damage and break your drive shaft and differentials. Watch some videos on 4WD binding to get a better understanding of this.

 

[Lexington]

This is great. Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

I also noticed a type-o.
Page 2, line 1 of the A-Trac section. It should read "brake pressure", not break presser.

Thanks! I will correct this tonight.

 

[catchx46]

Is it ok to turn while in H4 if you are in snow?

Yes you can shift from H2 to H4 while driving. First thing it says under “H2 to H4” “Reduced speed to 50 mph or less”. H4 to L4 it’s says “Bring vehicle to complete stop.

Yes you should never drive in H4 and L4 on pavement. It’s ok to drive a little bit on pavement in H4 and L4 as long as you don’t make any turns! For example, if you are driving on a snow covered road with patches of pavement that’s fine as long as you are driving straight on the pavement sections. If you try to make turns on pavement while in H4 and L4 you will cause “binding”. This can damage and break your drive shaft and differentials. Watch some videos on 4WD binding to get a better understanding of this.

 

[KiwiKurt]

Cool.

Can someone explain to me what “mogul” is in this context though??? Haha

 

[Lexington]

Is it ok to turn while in H4 if you are in snow?

Yes it’s fine to turn on snow, dirt, sand and mud but you will find that you can’t turn as sharp as you normally can. These road conditions will allow your wheel to slip which releases tension on the gears.

Here is a short British video that explains binding or as they call it “Transmission Wind Up”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhTVQh7bFtw&feature=youtu.be

This video goes into explaining Binding “Transmission Wind Up” in great detail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EHcrjIlkHk&feature=youtu.be

Here is a good video that explains all the different type of gear functions.
Note: The 4Runner doesn’t have center differential lock, only rear differential lock. It doesn’t have LDS either.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18YNpG7IAQ8&feature=youtu.be

 

[Lexington]

Cool.

Can someone explain to me what “mogul” is in this context though??? Haha

Mogul is for driving over lumpy and uneven surfaces such as a worn out trail with a bunch of dirt pot holes so to speak. Think of it as driving on African dirt roads or just search Mogul Terrain and look at pictures. Most are pictures of a ski mogul course but you get the basic idea.

 

[KiwiKurt]

Mogul is for driving over lumpy and uneven surfaces such as a worn out trail with a bunch of dirt pot holes so to speak. Search Mogul Terrain and look at pictures. Most are pictures of a ski mogul course but you get the basic idea.

I was kidding…i just always found the term “mogul” to be an odd description here, but i guess “rutted out crap road” doesnt fit next to the dial. Lol

Great guide. People new to the toyota systems will get a lot of use of out it!

 

[Lexington]

I was kidding…mogul “rutted out crap road” doesnt fit next to the dial. Lol

Great guide. People new to the toyota systems will get a lot of use of out it!

And thanks!

 

[Salvo Jimmy]

Note: The 4Runner doesn’t have center differential lock, only rear differential lock. It doesn’t have LDS either.

The full time 4WD on the limited has a center diff lock and a limited slip diff, as I recall.

So this only covers the part time 4WD

Might want to mention that to avoid confusing Limited owners who are not fully conversed in 4WD.

 

[Lexington]

The full time 4WD on the limited has a center diff lock and a limited slip diff, as I recall.

So this only covers the part time 4WD

Might want to mention that to avoid confusing Limited owners who are not fully conversed in 4WD.

Good point. I keep forgetting about the Limited. I’ll correct it. Thanks

 

[Lexington]

Yes it’s fine to turn on snow, dirt, sand and mud but you will find that you can’t turn as sharp as you normally can. These road conditions will allow your wheel to slip which releases tension on the gears.

Here is a short British video that explains binding or as they call it “Transmission wind up”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhTVQh7bFtw&feature=youtu.be

This video goes into explaining wind up in great detail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EHcrjIlkHk&feature=youtu.be

Here is a good video that explains all the different type of gear functions.
Note: The 4Runner doesn’t have center differential lock, only rear differential lock. It doesn’t have LDS either.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18YNpG7IAQ8&feature=youtu.be

Catchx46, Salvo Jimmy brought up an error in my statement. All the 4Runners variants do not have a center differential and LDS “EXCEPT” the Limited” which does. When the Limited engages its H4 and L4 gears it essentially become a AWD. A AWD provides power to all 4 wheels but still allows you to drive normally even on pavement. You don’t have to worry about binding problems in a Limited.

Not sure which 4Runner you have but my Quick Reference Guide is for the part time 4WD.