hope I didn't break anything in 4LO

[blueshirts0819]

Finally I get to use the 4L function of my 4runner after a big snow storm here in jersey last night. The problem is when I put the truck in neutral, push then turn the knob from 4H to 4L and shift to D, the truck made some grinding sound. Scared the hell out of me and I shift it back to neutral. Studied the Manual alittle more, it said if 4LO is brinking, turn the knob back to 4H and contiune the process until is not blinking and 4LO stays on.

Just want to ask if I break anything in the 4 wheel chasis after hearing the sound and did anything experience this before?? thanks

 

[Jed]

Sounds like you just had a little grinding....no big deal. You should be stopped completely (and in neutral) before engaging 4LO. Were you trying to engage it while you were moving?

 

[blueshirts0819]

I make sure the SUV was completely stop with my foot on the break, put it in neutal and turn the knob to 4LO, as instructed by the manual. Since this is the first time I ever put the suv in 4LO, not sure if this cause the problem. I actually did the grind a few times trying to figure out the system. I know now if the 4LO is blinking, don't put in D since I don't think the system engage in 4LO. I switch the knob back to 4H and to 4LO again until the 4Lo stays on. I just worry the grinding noise beforehand, sounded kind of bad.
But the truck still drives fine.

 

[Maz]

I never had any grinding, but did have some difficulty getting into 4 LO the first time after purchase (new vehicle). I just kept driving a little bit then switching back to 4 HI, then to 4 LO and repeating the cycle. Pretty soon the shift into and out of 4 LO was quick, beepless, and seamless.

I'm not a mechanic, but we are talking about a mechanical device that can get the oil dried out some, and be sticky. Make sure you've stopped completely and then don't just put it in 4LO and move on. Using the 4LO procedure a few times and giving it a chance to get worked in and lubricated only seems logical.

 

[blueshirts0819]

Your reason sound logical since I never use the 4LO after 14000 miles driving it. Maybe the system just not lubed enough so it needs to be engage and disengage few times before is working right. thanks everyone.

 

[bulldogtaxi]

try letting off the brake to relieve tension in the drivetrain. my t4r did this one time and once i let the brake off and let the drivetrain relax it stopped flashing and went right into low

 

[T4R402]

Evidently I did a similar thing this AM. Used 4lo to get up driveway a bit more, the light was still blinking and beeping but it dug in and climbed right up. Lesson learned.

 

[unixadm]

I had grinding on my 2001 Toyota Tundra 4wd TRD the first time I tried 4LO. It sounded like hell and I was like WTF? Truck had like 3,500 miles on it. However after I pressed the button for 4H, and then went back to 4L, it worked fine and I never had another issue. I wouldn't worry about it unless it repeats itself.

 

[K.C.]

The 4Runner does have a nasty clunk when engaging into 4LO.

It's normal...nothing to worry about.

 

[Scoobs]

You should use it ( 4LO ) regularly and the grinding will go away. The grinding is usually a sign that 4LO has not been used for a loooooong time. Also sometimes backing up slightly before shifting into neutral and turning the knob will eliminate the grinding.

 

[THEROK]

You should use it ( 4LO ) regularly and the grinding will go away. The grinding is usually a sign that 4LO has not been used for a loooooong time. Also sometimes backing up slightly before shifting into neutral and turning the knob will eliminate the grinding.

Should I avoid turning when driving in 4Lo? I've never used it in well over 25K miles.

 

[TechWrench]

Should I avoid turning when driving in 4Lo? I've never used it in well over 25K miles.

When in 4LO, you should not be on dry pavement, or any other hard surface with good traction when making any prolonged turns. It should only be used in very slippery conditions or on a loose surface like sand/gravel/dirt. I believe there are warnings on its use in the owners manual.

 

[Jed]

When in 4LO, you should not be on dry pavement, or any other hard surface with good traction when making any prolonged turns. It should only be used in very slippery conditions or on a loose surface like sand/gravel/dirt. I believe there are warnings on its use in the owners manual.

That's true, but I use mine occasionally during the summer months on a big paved parking lot just to keep everything lubricated. I engage 4LO and the differential lock and drive straight ahead and the backwards along the same tracks. This is a good way to keep everything lubricated without worrying about causing any damage to the drivetrain.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

That's true, but I use mine occasionally during the summer months on a big paved parking lot just to keep everything lubricated. I engage 4LO and the differential lock and drive straight ahead and the backwards along the same tracks. This is a good way to keep everything lubricated without worrying about causing any damage to the drivetrain.

There's very few weaknesses in the 4th gen T4R. The t-cases "needing exercise" is one of them. I agree with Jed 100%!

 

[blueshirts0819]

That's true, but I use mine occasionally during the summer months on a big paved parking lot just to keep everything lubricated. I engage 4LO and the differential lock and drive straight ahead and the backwards along the same tracks. This is a good way to keep everything lubricated without worrying about causing any damage to the drivetrain.

Sounds like a good idea also. Thanks everyone on helping me on this.