Concerned about 4wd, not sure if all of the issues are user error

[minimalist]

So I started testing out the 4wd on the street, just around the block, to make sure it works on my used 2015 trail premium. I've realized that putting it in park to switch between h2 h4 and l4 was probably causing some frustration (especially when trying to go from N to H4 which just didnt work). However, after going back to the manual I'm still not sure things are functioning as they should. I understand that I should be in neutral now however....

When in h4 I'm hearing a light screech from the tires when breaking and coming to a stop. It's almost like there's too much power going to them and they want to go when I want to stop. When in L4 I went to make a slow K-turn and when driving forward the 4runner about just came to stop without me hitting the break.

I realize I have a lot to learn, I've read the manual, perhaps I should read it again, but any advice/help would be appreciated. I don't know if I've now broke the 4runner, it's been broken, or if it's not broken and I'm going to break it by continuing on doing what I did already.

Oh and did I do damage when I put it in park, put in neutral thinking it was in l4 but it didn't go in fully, then put it drive, went nowhere, put it back in park and heard a whole bunch of grinding.

I feel bad about what I've done to my new car!


Go easy on me.

 

[MyanRagahis]

From what I understand, I don't think you're even supposed to be using 4wd while turning on the streets since it's a part time system. Straight lines may be alright. But that's just what I've read.
Sorry I'm of no help to the issues you're having, but this is my first 4wd and I'm still learning.

 

[Saker]

Seems you need to re-read the manual several times (from what you are trying to do), understand what you are reading before trying this again.

You should not be making any "K" turns on dry pavement in 4Lo.

EMPHASIS on re-read manual!

Sounds like ALL issues are USER ERROR!

 

[Bumbo]

Threads like this is why I recently told one of my family members who was considering a lightly used AWD Limited 5th Gen to buy a brand new model with 0 miles on it...

OP, you are binding the shit out of your drive train... dont use any of your 4WD modes on high traction surfaces like pavement.

Ur probably ok... test it somewhere else, but those K turns in low range... bad bad bad

Unlike the 4th Gens and the 5th Gen limited, you cant unlock the t-case, consider yours a 2WD truck in the city, and dont forget to turn off 4WD when getting off a trail and back onto a road.

Happy reading...
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/def_turnpart.html
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/axle-wind-up.html

 

[Bumbo]

From what I understand, I don't think you're even supposed to be using 4wd while turning on the streets since it's a part time system. Straight lines may be alright. But that's just what I've read.
Sorry I'm of no help to the issues you're having, but this is my first 4wd and I'm still learning.

...you should resist the temptation, even if it is to go straight...

This is why every 4x4 owner should have a couple secret dirt spots for testing and to play around...

For those concrete jungle guys... your only option might be to hot lap it though the neighborhood park at 2AM if you really need to get it out of your system.

 

[Salvo Jimmy]

Threads like this is why I recently told one of my family members who was considering a lightly used 5th Gen to buy a brand new model with 0 miles on it...

You got that one right on.

 

[Antman]

You didn't damage anything, the 4wd system is extremely robust.

All of your perceived problems are due to ignorance regarding the system. Read up and look through the numerous threads on here regarding how to use the 4wd on your 4runnr.

Once you understand how it works it'll be super easy!

 

[Bossman]

This video may help with your understanding of the 4WD system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN6-gCxI60g

 

[meltdown]

When shifting between 2H and 4H there's no need to stop or put the transmission in neutral. Definitely don't put it in park and it does work best while your moving. When shifting into low range (4L), come to a complete stop and put the transmission in neutral. Anytime you shift the transfer case, do it with purpose. Being timid with the transfer case lever will cause shifting problems.

Sounds like you need a little more education on 4WD. There are plenty of resources available on web if you don't have a friend to help you.

ETA: I recommend you not use the rear locker or crawl control until you are comfortable with the regular 4WD operations.

 

[minimalist]

Thanks guys. Last 4wd car I had was a Jeep Grand Cherokee which was clearly different than this. Lesson learned. Should I take it to Toyota to make sure everything with the 4wd is okay and I didn't ruin anything? It only has 11,000 miles in it so I'm sure it's okay but I'd hate for issues to arise down the road

 

[1engineer]

Thanks guys. Last 4wd car I had was a Jeep Grand Cherokee which was clearly different than this. Lesson learned. Should I take it to Toyota to make sure everything with the 4wd is okay and I didn't ruin anything? It only has 11,000 miles in it so I'm sure it's okay but I'd hate for issues to arise down the road

You're fine. What are they going to do? They are going to engage 4WD, make sure the light lights up on the dash, move forward 20 feet and make sure there is no noise and that's it. Just because of you I just wrote this http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/225872-did-you-break-4wd.html#post2478324. You are like the 5th person this month to come here telling their tales and describing their woes of engaging 4WD. The link is for you guys.

 

[catrains]

the only time I engage 4WD on solid dry pavement [concrete / asphalt ] is when I do my tire rotations. keeps the vehicle from moving much safer.

 

[e60ral]

It sounds like your problem is too much friction

 

[MTN4RNR]

It sounds like your problem is too much friction

That guy.....

 

[minimalist]

You're fine. What are they going to do? They are going to engage 4WD, make sure the light lights up on the dash, move forward 20 feet and make sure there is no noise and that's it. Just because of you I just wrote this http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/225872-did-you-break-4wd.html#post2478324. You are like the 5th person this month to come here telling their tales and describing their woes of engaging 4WD. The link is for you guys.

I saw that a while ago, lol, thanks. Honestly, I wish that was there already and stickied. It would have saved me from much anxiety.

 

[nb rob]

Watch some videos of guys chirping and bouncing up rocks in moab, and you'll find some comfort in your new rugged drivetrain.

Wheel scrub is awful when you don't know what's happening.

And don't take any of these posts personally, there's been a lot of these threads lately.
You learned a lesson about 4x4 and dry pavement. It happens to most people.

Have fun offroad!

 

[MTN4RNR]

I saw that a while ago, lol, thanks. Honestly, I wish that was there already and stickied. It would have saved me from much anxiety.

But if he just wrote it, does that make you a Jedi or something?

 

[minimalist]

But if he just wrote it, does that make you a Jedi or something?

Lol yes...and no. I read it but never replied until a while later. But I'll take being a Jedi.

 

[minimalist]

Here's something I'm confused with. If I'm going down a trail in 4wd and there's a hard turn, do I have to leave 4wd?

 

[e60ral]

yeah