4x4 PSA: Use it or lose it monthly reminder

[eternalsoil]

Just keep trying dg, mine wouldn't do it for the longest time. Finally one day it engaged.

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[Snarf]

I'm pretty good about engaging the 4Lo and center locker on a semi regular basis, but recently the actuator has been MUCH louder when engaging into 4LO. Im wondering if i can grease it or is the answer to change the transfer case fluid?

 

[dsieber]

Just wanted to say 'thanks' for this thread. My 4th gen is new to the family, and this got me to actually put a monthly reminder in my phone. Did my bit on the first and drove around a bit in 4Lo, and with the diff lock on.
Definitely know these problems happen because the dealership I bought the truck from a couple of months ago had to replace the actuator hardware due to it being seized right before before I picked it up - seems the PO never used it.

 

[dg0503]

Just wanted to say 'thanks' for this thread. My 4th gen is new to the family, and this got me to actually put a monthly reminder in my phone. Did my bit on the first and drove around a bit in 4Lo, and with the diff lock on.
Definitely know these problems happen because the dealership I bought the truck from a couple of months ago had to replace the actuator hardware due to it being seized right before before I picked it up - seems the PO never used it.

I wish I had thought to check 4 low before buying my 4Runner. The dealer I bought it from did not test and did not replace the actuator. So now I'm going to have to deal with it myself. Luckily I did buy a 3 year bumper to bumper Warrenty.

 

[dsieber]

I wish I had thought to check 4 low before buying my 4Runner. The dealer I bought it from did not test and did not replace the actuator. So now I'm going to have to deal with it myself. Luckily I did buy a 3 year bumper to bumper Warrenty.

I can tell you that they weren't amused to have to replace it. I made sure to check 4Lo & the diff lock before signing off on it when I went to pick it up - thanks to this site for cluing me in on that! Good that you have the warranty at least!

 

[MaddenT4R]

Thanks for the reminder I will put mine in 4lo tomorrow.

 

[orangelion]

thanks for the reminder

 

[acronin2]

Use it or lose it July bump

 

[mavrick1903]

Thanks!


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[asdfman7]

Got my wife's 08 to go into 4low after hitting the actuator with a hammer a few times. First time I've been able to get it to shift since we bought it a year ago, I feel a lot better knowing that it's not stuck anymore.

 

[ZebRuaj]

This was the first thing I tested when we were looking at 4Runner's. All the salesmen thought I was crazy. Walked away from a few that just kept beeping and wouldn't engage.

 

[wadle5]

Did mine and drove to work with it on. Got home and just messing with it and impressed that I don't HAVE to be moving anymore to kick it into 4wd, and it does it in under 10 secs. Also quick to go into 4Lo as well. Explained it to my wife why I was doing it, and she says "Why are you telling me this, do you want me to keep this after you die?!"
Um yes

 

[DK327]

Thanks for this, I'm afraid to put mine in 4X4 mode because I've tried it a few times but the thing kept blinking, not to mention it clunks when in mode which gets me nervous! I did change all the differential fluids since then, not too long ago and I know I'm supposed to try them out to get all the internals lubed up! I'm also afraid to push that RR DIFF LOCK button on dry pavement! I've never had a 4x4 vehicle so I don't wanna break it! I HAVE been pushing the button to put it in 4WD mode though and that's been working awesome...I think... How do I tell aside from all 4 wheels on dash lighting up green??

 

[wadle5]

How do I tell aside from all 4 wheels on dash lighting up green??

Well the redneck way, would be to go to a gravel road, do a small brakestand(foot on brakes foot gradually increasing gas) and you will see all 4 tires hop, jump, and spin. While you may not see it you could do it, let off gas, then gently move forward and you should have evidence of all 4 tires moving gravel. Good to see another Midwestern here :yo:

 

[DK327]

Well the redneck way, would be to go to a gravel road, do a small brakestand(foot on brakes foot gradually increasing gas) and you will see all 4 tires hop, jump, and spin. While you may not see it you could do it, let off gas, then gently move forward and you should have evidence of all 4 tires moving gravel. Good to see another Midwestern here :yo:

Thanks, I'll definitely give that a go! Also, I've tested putting it 4 Low on my way to work this AM and it came on with no issues, no blinking, no nonsense, just worked. When I put it back on 4 Hi and pushed the 4WD button on the side, it did blink a few times but eventually turned off. I also noticed the 4WD shifter was much more smooth since I've done the diff fluids drain and refill.

 

[wadle5]

Thanks, I'll definitely give that a go! Also, I've tested putting it 4 Low on my way to work this AM and it came on with no issues, no blinking, no nonsense, just worked. When I put it back on 4 Hi and pushed the 4WD button on the side, it did blink a few times but eventually turned off. I also noticed the 4WD shifter was much more smooth since I've done the diff fluids drain and refill.

Also judging by your signature if accurate, you are in the wrong area for 4wd? It finally made sense when you kept mentioning a push button 4wd. Either way the method to test 4wd works. But good luck out there in the 3rd gen!!

 

[Inv4drZm]

How do I tell aside from all 4 wheels on dash lighting up green??

If its 4 low, you'll easily be able to tell by the changed shift points and slower feel and a louder front diff sound.

4hi would be a little harder to discern from 2 hi.

 

[acronin2]

August :bump:

 

[4Rnr4Evr]

4hi would be a little harder to discern from 2 hi.

Not hard, in 4hi your steering feels noticeably heavier.

Btw if anybody really needs a reminder, just do like me - drive in 4hi every time when it rains hard. Not to mention you'll be safer.

 

[acronin2]

Better late than never....September :bump: