How do I put it in 4WD?

[sofonisba]

I know, I know.... dumb question.

I have a '97 4 Runner, and I don't know how to put it in 4WD. There is the little shifter, with the button on the side, but when I click the button and try to shift the 4WD on, it sounds like I'm grinding the gears. Do I need to be in neutral? park? drive? What am I doing wrong?

Thanks.
(wow i feel silly)

 

[Limited2K]

Your owners manual will tell you specifically how.

 

[sofonisba]

Your owners manual will tell you specifically how.

It's not that I don't appreciate your reply, but unfortunately it just doesn't help me.

Thank you anyway though.

 

[sportscarfan]

This thread might help explain things better than the manual:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/75963-alaskan-winter-4x4-speeds.html

 

[ironhippy]

have you used the 4wd before? How long have you had the truck?

If you've owned the truck for a while and this is the first time you're trying out 4wd, you may have a problem. The 4wd should be used every month to ensure everything stays lubed up properly.

If your 4wd is working properly, you should be able to shift into 4wd hi while driving less < 50 mph with no issues.

Test this:
Put the car in neutral
Shift into 4wd
Put the car in drive
Step on the gas (don't floor it, just start moving forward)
- If you experience grinding, then there is something wrong with your 4wd.
It probably won't be a quick fix either.

 

[Sig220]

I know, I know.... dumb question.

I have a '97 4 Runner, and I don't know how to put it in 4WD. There is the little shifter, with the button on the side, but when I click the button and try to shift the 4WD on, it sounds like I'm grinding the gears. Do I need to be in neutral? park? drive? What am I doing wrong?

Thanks.
(wow i feel silly)

Not a lot of info to go on, but will give it a try...............


1. "Little shifter" should most likely be in 4HI already. You don't have to move the " little shifter" to get in 4WD, you use it to change your transfer cases range low-neutral-high. If you want to change your range, stop put the transmission in neutral and shift the transfer case is the safest way.

BTW, is you have the transfer case in Neutral, you won't be able to go anywhere.

2. If you were pushing the button on the side and then trying to shift while going down the road (driving) you WERE grinding gears!!

 

[Clemsonfan15]

As long as you are going under ~60 and straight, press the button. You should see an indicator come on. If you want to shift to another 4x4 setting then you need to stop and put it in neutral. Once in neutral you can more the 4x4 shifter to 4H, N, or 4L. The shifter will grab a little bit, but that is normal.

 

[sofonisba]

Haha! Got it!

I was trying to shift the shifter, and all I had to do was click the button. Over thinking it i guess.

Now I'll be able to make it to work today (even though I really don't want to).

Thanks again all.