Engaging 4Hi takes a bit...

[jwheelwr]

During the past few weeks in Utah, it has snowed quite a bit and I've found myself needing to use 4-wheel drive. I've noticed that once I flip the switch to 4Hi that it takes anywhere from 5-30 seconds to engage.

Anyone else notice this as well? Any ideas for the discrepancy in the time it takes to actually engage 4-wheel drive?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Normal. There's a good 'sticky' in problems and warranty. This may help too: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=42645

:cheers:

 

[jharris2]

Any ideas for the discrepancy in the time it takes to actually engage 4-wheel drive?

More specifics would help: What are the conditions -- how are you making the change? Are you changing while standing still or while moving? What speeds? Under load or coasting? What is different when it takes 5 seconds and when it takes 30 seconds?

Mine will change in 4 seconds if coasting in a straight line at about 30 mph. Faster speeds and curves lengthen the time while the system synchronizes to engage.

 

[jwheelwr]

Thanks for the prompt reply.

As far as the conditions are concerned, I suppose I've switched over under several conditions.

1 - Coasing, as you've describled, is perhaps the shortest.

2 - While driving under a load up a straight hill (moderate incline) at about 25mph seems to take longer. ~ 30 seconds.

3 - Slow speeds ~ 5mph is about 10 - 15 seconds.

I'm not worried about it. I always gets into 4hi, I just wondered if anyone experiences the same thing.

I've recently changed the transfer case and differential fluids over to Amsoil Severe Gear. This was probably less than 1000 miles ago.

Sometimes, there is that eerie clunk when it dis-engages, but I suppose it is normal as well.

 

[r32]

I've been using 4WD lately in the snow. I switch from 2H to 4H going about 40-50mph before I get in the snow areas. I make sure I am on a straight road and it takes about 10 seconds to engage each time.

 

[riverider]

Like all the new great make it easy for people stuff, it comes with prices.

Sometimes things just don't work, and many times they don't work as quick. But some new stuff is good.

I like the tried and true old style manual 4wd transfer cases like on my 82 Ford Bronco, when you shift it into 4wd high or low it's in gear. Now

I must confess I ordered mine with auto locking front hubs. Caught a lot of flack back then from the people who had the standard, you get out and with your little fingers lock each hub.

Well my auto locking hubs have never failed since 82,so I guess some new stuff is good.:

I am still glad I went with a 2wd 4Runner it's what I needed not the extra weight that gos with 4wds.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Sometimes, there is that eerie clunk when it dis-engages, but I suppose it is normal as well.

The fine point that is often missed is that for the engagement and disengagement cycle the center diff is locked. Just as when center-diff lock is selected on dry pavement binding can/does occur. When the lock

 

[cmb]

Old fart as I am, I'll get off the gas every time I want a bunch of ''stuff'' to mesh with just a turn of a dial.Either getting out or going in to 4x4 I hear less clanging and grunting when under no-throttle or coasting.When the time comes I'll finish off everything with Amsoil too, got it in the engine from 1500 miles.

 

[morphius909]

We keep our V6 in 4wd from October to snow melt in the spring so we never have any issues. back to 2Hi come spring.

You can always just keep it Full Time 4WD until Spring. No harm. Your gas mileage will definitely take a hit though.

 

[jharris2]

Thanks for the prompt reply.

As far as the conditions are concerned, I suppose I've switched over under several conditions.

1 - Coasing, as you've describled, is perhaps the shortest.

2 - While driving under a load up a straight hill (moderate incline) at about 25mph seems to take longer. ~ 30 seconds.

3 - Slow speeds ~ 5mph is about 10 - 15 seconds.

I'm not worried about it. I always gets into 4hi, I just wondered if anyone experiences the same thing.

I've recently changed the transfer case and differential fluids over to Amsoil Severe Gear. This was probably less than 1000 miles ago.

Sometimes, there is that eerie clunk when it dis-engages, but I suppose it is normal as well.

What you're observing is normal. Personally, I prefer to shift when coasting a striaight line because it changes quickly.

Changing the transfer case oil to synthetic also made it faster for me.

 

[Mike07SE]

We keep our V6 in 4wd from October to snow melt in the spring so we never have any issues. back to 2Hi come spring.

You can always just keep it Full Time 4WD until Spring. No harm. Your gas mileage will definitely take a hit though.

Somewhat the same here. Not that it snows a whole lot here, or even close to what you guys get, but if I anticipate inclement weather around here, I'll go ahead and switch 4Hi ahead of time. Last year I came out to fresh snow/ice in the morning, switched to 4Hi, and it wouldn't engage. Took some some rocking in 2Hi (plus a VSC harness disconnect if I remember right) to get it out of place and moving just enough to engage.