4x4 PSA: Use it or lose it monthly reminder

[metramm]

Northern Illinois got some snow last night so finally was able to use 4x4 on my drive home. Engaged quickly as I exercise it monthly and easy driving home afterwards!

 

[trey99ek]

I was surprised mine worked. A few months ago I couldn't get it to engage. Yesterday I went skiing and needed 4wd to get going. Dropped it into 4lo for the hell of it and it locked right in.

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

 

[brettmc]

i bought my 06 limited v8 fulltime 4wd in 2010 with 68k miles. it now has a bit over 122k and i have never tried 4lo. if i try it and it doesn't lock into 4lo will it go back into 4hi?

 

[Abe_Froman]

i bought my 06 limited v8 fulltime 4wd in 2010 with 68k miles. it now has a bit over 122k and i have never tried 4lo. if i try it and it doesn't lock into 4lo will it go back into 4hi?

I’ve got an 08 V8, bought it at 40k in August 15 and she’s at 85k. From the day I bought it, it wouldn’t switch into 4lo. I hit the case with a hammer a couple times last summer, don’t think that helped much.lol. I tried it once a month or every other if I forgot, I especially tried on really hot or cold days to see if it made any difference. I just tried it this morning and for the first time it just ka-chunked into 4lo and back out again. Rolled back and forth and worked it a few more times. Keep trying to work it. There is hope, folks!

 

[dsieber]

Just thought I'd mention I'm still happy this thread is here - I exercise 4lo in mine every month, even if I've used it otherwise.

To add yet another datapoint - when I bought my '07 ~2 years ago from the dealer, I got a copy of the service history from the dealership. One of the things repaired was the 4lo actuator system before they put it up for sale...

 

[sport2004]

One of the things repaired was the 4lo actuator system

I'd be interested to know exactly what they did, if possible.

 

[dsieber]

I'd be interested to know exactly what they did, if possible.

I don’t think it went into a lot of details, unfortunately - more just a “repaired system” type of note. I’ll see if I can find out.

 

[sport2004]

I don’t think it went into a lot of details, unfortunately - more just a “repaired system” type of note. I’ll see if I can find out.

Thanks...if you can.

 

[Kmvreter]

March (almost spring) reminder.

 

[RUNTHAT]

March (almost spring) reminder.

Thanks! Just went through the system yesterday. Also, put some load on it by yanking out a few large bushes in the front yard. :clap2:

 

[ran]

Rain and snow tomorrow, back on today.
___________________
2007 SE V6

 

[Johns06yota]

My 4HI works great but I don't think my 4LOW has ever been engaged. I'm at roughly 149,000 miles. Should I try to engage it or just leave it be?

 

[LIRunner03]

Engage it. I engage mine once a month to make sure all is good.

 

[CollinJ]

Engage it. I engage mine once a month to make sure all is good.

Hey, I’m new to the 4Runner platform but not 4wd. Is this system ok to use on dry roads to engage once a month? Some of my old trucks it was a “never do it” type thing.

I’ll assume just a couple miles in 4H and 4L will do the trick?

Thanks!

 

[YetiX]

Hey, I’m new to the 4Runner platform but not 4wd. Is this system ok to use on dry roads to engage once a month? Some of my old trucks it was a “never do it” type thing.

I’ll assume just a couple miles in 4H and 4L will do the trick?

Thanks!

No problem on dry roads. Just do not engage any lockers.The manual recommends driving 15(?) miles per month in 4H to keep things lubricated. My office is 13 miles from my house, so I just put it in 4H and drive to work on the first of the month. I put it in 4L when I get in the parking lot, cruise around for a minute and then back to 2H.

 

[CollinJ]

No problem on dry roads. Just do not engage any lockers.The manual recommends driving 15(?) miles per month in 4H to keep things lubricated. My office is 13 miles from my house, so I just put it in 4H and drive to work on the first of the month. I put it in 4L when I get in the parking lot, cruise around for a minute and then back to 2H.

Perfect thank you! My office is right about 15 miles from home as well so that’s a great plan! Appreciate the help!

 

[Kmvreter]

(Late) April reminder.

 

[Berty_K]

Reminder!

 

[empty403]

Hey, I’m new to the 4Runner platform but not 4wd. Is this system ok to use on dry roads to engage once a month? Some of my old trucks it was a “never do it” type thing.

I’ll assume just a couple miles in 4H and 4L will do the trick?

Thanks!

If you don’t have a 4th gen, it is NOT ok to drive on dry roads. 5th Gens automatically lock the center differential when put into 4H or 4L except the Limited. If you only drive straight it’ll be fine but you never know if you need to make a turn. You can exercise the actuators while stopped. If you listen carefully, you’ll hear them engage then just disable right after.

 

[empty403]

No problem on dry roads. Just do not engage any lockers.The manual recommends driving 15(?) miles per month in 4H to keep things lubricated. My office is 13 miles from my house, so I just put it in 4H and drive to work on the first of the month. I put it in 4L when I get in the parking lot, cruise around for a minute and then back to 2H.

In a 4th Gen, you can drive in 4H all the time (full-time 4WD like the V8 or Land Cruisers) if you wanted to because it has a separate button to lock the center differential. It’s best to do that even in minor weather changes because you never know.