Are there disadvantages to the multi-mode?

[Woodsie8]

can someone list the disadvantages or con's, to having the multi-mode option?
thanks,

 

[bikerjosh]

Only a disadvantage if it breaks. One more piece of electronics.
I was looking for a 99 or 00 with a multimode and an e-locker for a long time, but they were tough to find in good condition at the time I was looking.
Sorry not much help likely.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I have seen quite a few threads where people say the electric 4wd actuator has failed on them on both the 4runner and the Tacoma (which does not have multi-mode but some models did have the electric-button 4wd selector.)

If I understand the 99-2000 Multimode T-case was a modified J-shifter with a 4wd button on the shifter. From 2wd with the shifter in the top-left position, pushing the button engages the 4wd with the center differential operating (i.e. unlocked.) This is the AWD mode. Then, pulling the J-shifter down to the Low-Left position locks the center diff and keeps the front axle engaged for "conventional" 4wd. Moving the J-shifter to the right and up then puts it into N and continuing up to the top-right position puts it in 4wd LO.

On this t-case if the electric actuator fails, you lose AWD capability but can always run it in "conventional" 4wd mode by pulling the J-shifter down to the low-left position (I think!)

However, the 01-02 models did away with the J-shifter and have a simpler, 3-position shifter with the 4wd button on the side of the shifter knob and the center-diff lock button on the dashboard (where the rear diff lock button on a 96-2000 would be.) In that one, the button selects 2wd or 4wd and if the electric actuator is inoperative, the only way you can get 4wd is to pull the shifter straight down into low (and I don't even know if that would work or if it would just put the vehicle into 2wd Lo-range - anybody know?)

 

[Singtoe]

I have seen quite a few threads where people say the electric 4wd actuator has failed on them on both the 4runner and the Tacoma (which does not have multi-mode but some models did have the electric-button 4wd selector.)

If I understand the 99-2000 Multimode T-case was a modified J-shifter with a 4wd button on the shifter. From 2wd with the shifter in the top-left position, pushing the button engages the 4wd with the center differential operating (i.e. unlocked.) This is the AWD mode. Then, pulling the J-shifter down to the Low-Left position locks the center diff and keeps the front axle engaged for "conventional" 4wd. Moving the J-shifter to the right and up then puts it into N and continuing up to the top-right position puts it in 4wd LO.

On this t-case if the electric actuator fails, you lose AWD capability but can always run it in "conventional" 4wd mode by pulling the J-shifter down to the low-left position (I think!)

However, the 01-02 models did away with the J-shifter and have a simpler, 3-position shifter with the 4wd button on the side of the shifter knob and the center-diff lock button on the dashboard (where the rear diff lock button on a 96-2000 would be.) In that one, the button selects 2wd or 4wd and if the electric actuator is inoperative, the only way you can get 4wd is to pull the shifter straight down into low (and I don't even know if that would work or if it would just put the vehicle into 2wd Lo-range - anybody know?)

I the electrics went out, the only thing that would happen is that you would go into rear wheel drive low, the 99-00 J-shifter AWD Transfer case will let you go into 4wd if the electrics crapped out.

 

[KAILUAZ]

I really like being able to hit the button and put it in "4wd unlocked" when it rains etc, then hit it and put it back in "2wd".

From what I understand the 99-00 is actually full time 4wd (trans case unlocked) with the option of driving normally in 2wd. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Also glad to hear you can still go in 4wd if the electronics crap out.

 

[Gerdo]

I will tell you that my fully manual J shift will go into 4wd the second I pull the lever and come out quickly too. (it may take a little if you are on dry to disengage) I have driven other electronic transfer case type vehicles and they can take a little time to E/D. I have no experience with the 4runner multimode.

 

[KAILUAZ]

I will tell you that my fully manual J shift will go into 4wd the second I pull the lever and come out quickly too. (it may take a little if you are on dry to disengage) I have driven other electronic transfer case type vehicles and they can take a little time to E/D. I have no experience with the 4runner multimode.

Yes, it sometimes takes a few seconds to disengage and its a bit finicky with the lights flashing on and off.

 

[skier46er]

I thought it you were in 4wd when you press the button and awd when you shift to the lower position. I live in a snowy area and always just pressed the button thinking it was 4wd and shifting down was awd. Can someone please explain more?

 

[jeremyc74]

I think, as others have mentioned, the only disadvantage is the complexity.

 

[D Farms]

The only disadvantage is if you didn't know you had to push the little button to get more traction, my dad bottomed out one time in Sedona. Granted he had it in what he though was 4wd, but the center diff was not locked. Also it had the horrendously tiny 225/75r15 tires. I bet it drove great with that setup though.

 

[jmsdad]

I thought it you were in 4wd when you press the button and awd when you shift to the lower position. I live in a snowy area and always just pressed the button thinking it was 4wd and shifting down was awd. Can someone please explain more?

AWD---press 4WD button on T-case shifter

4WD high---press 4WD button on T-case shifter + center diff lock button on dash left of steering wheel

4WD low---shift T-case lever to low position

 

[kolelt]

So the only difference is AWD , that's it ?

 

[MandAtaco]

Its physically longer than the J-shift case which will make it harder to install my crawler box. But I have a regular J shift case sitting around I may swap in...

 

[jgue467]

"So the only difference is AWD , that's it ?"

So yeah just depends if a U value awd, 4wd or both - i choose both obviously for different reasons but we all know those right? :cowboy:

 

[snivilous]

Old ass thread being bumped :bravo:

I have a 2001 multi mode, the biggest pain in the ass is when it won't shift into AWD/lock the transfer case or vice versa. Usually not a big deal, especially if you can pop it into neutral/reverse then it goes through the paces super fast but if you're driving and the truck isn't happy and doesn't think everything is synced it won't shift.

I like the AWD capability, especially since I live in very snowy places where it can go from completely dry to inches of ice during a corner. Each transfer case has its goods and bads.

 

[Ol'Blue]

X2 on the AWD Mode. I call it the easy button. That is what I run in heavy rain and snow. 4x4 is for wheeling and when $hit gets real harry it's locker time when I wheel hard.

Oh and PS- Toyota still has all the 4 electronic sensors for the set up and you can still get them, with that being said I'm not sure how much longer this is going to be true for. I'm actually thinking about getting a full set for back up. Granted they are about 80 buck each.

Blue

 

[7echo]

This feature is one of the reasons I got my truck. In a couple of years my son will be driving. We plan for him to use the T4R mostly. Gotta get the sliders installed soon(AKA side impact bumpers, LOL).

 

[Bandit Runner]

I love the multi-mode functionality! I use AWD in the winter a lot. Its great for icy/snowy roads.

 

[4-Ripcord]

One of the many reasons I wanted an '02 on my second 4runner. Multi-mode is awesome

 

[absalom]

Another satisfied multi-mode customer here. I use AWD for 95% of my wheeling, and then 4wd when it's gets more difficult. Our A-Trac is also pretty handy!