4WD + Reverse + Snow Question

[MikeinCincy]

The snow is falling here in Cincy and I just took the 4Runner out for a spin. It handled the task beautifuly I must say. However, I have a couple of questions. When I was done playing around, I went to pull into my driveway and decided to back in this time (I usually just pull straight in). I was in 4HI and put it in reverse and backed into the driveway, which is a small incline. When I was backing up in reverse, was I also in 4 wheel drive or does it take it out of 4 wheel when in reverse? Here's my next question. I decided to go back out to drive around, so I pulled out of my driveway and gunned it a little bit once I got onto the road. It said it was still in 4 wheel drive, but my 4Runner fishtailed like no other and I didn't feel VSC or traction control kick in. Any comments about this? Thanks a lot in advance for the help guys.

Mike

 

[Thai]

Once you're in 4wd, it works both forward and reverse.

If the dial is still in 4wd, then you will still be in 4wd even when you turn off and on your engine.

When you fisttailed, did you see any blinking VSC/TRAC lights?? BTW, did you lock your center diff??

 

[p nut]

Sometimes, the VSC system has a hard time telling that you're sliding when on ice/snow. I've had that happen numerous times. And when the VSC doesn't kick in, your 4Runner will act like any other 4WD without traction control--it will start to fishtail. You just have to learn how to power through it and control it with your throttle.

Just watch F&F: Tokyo Drift.

 

[jacal]

VSC not active under 9km/h.

You can definately get a good fishtail from a low speed.


J

 

[MikeinCincy]

Once you're in 4wd, it works both forward and reverse.

If the dial is still in 4wd, then you will still be in 4wd even when you turn off and on your engine.

When you fisttailed, did you see any blinking VSC/TRAC lights?? BTW, did you lock your center diff??

I don't remember seeing any lights at all or hearing any beeping or shuttering noises. The diff was unlocked.