How to use 4wd feature on 1997 4runner?
- Thread starter longeeMAC
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Maybe my 96 is a bit different.
Unless you are in either 4WH or 4WL you wont go anywhere because you'll be in neutral.
So with the truck in 4WH just push the 4WD button on the left side of the shift nob. You'll hear an audible click from under the truck and that lets you know you are in Four Wheel Drive, along with the green indicator light on the instrument pannel.
When shifting between H and L4, I always put the trany in neutral.
When you want to go back to 2WD, put the 4WD shifter to H and then put the transmision in gear.
You might have to drive forward a bit to get the 4WD to disengauge. Another trick when it won't disengauge it doing in reverse.
Unless you are in either 4WH or 4WL you wont go anywhere because you'll be in neutral.
So with the truck in 4WH just push the 4WD button on the left side of the shift nob. You'll hear an audible click from under the truck and that lets you know you are in Four Wheel Drive, along with the green indicator light on the instrument pannel.
When shifting between H and L4, I always put the trany in neutral.
When you want to go back to 2WD, put the 4WD shifter to H and then put the transmision in gear.
You might have to drive forward a bit to get the 4WD to disengauge. Another trick when it won't disengauge it doing in reverse.
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what about shifting from 2H to 4H with an AUTOMATIC tranny?
I have just purchased a 97 4 runner limited edition 1997. Loving it but I don't know if the 4H is turning on because there is no light on the dashboard.
I am simply putting the engine in neutral, then pushing the 4wd button on the left side of the shifter. I then hear a clicking noise. I am also pushing in the ECT button because I still am not climbing the dirt road all that well. I am worried that I ****ed something up!
How do I know the 4wd is working? any way to check? Do I have to put the 4wd shifter in neutral, push the 4H button, then put it back down to activate the 4wd?
Thank you for any help you may offer, greatly appreciated. Please also help alleviate my worries that I have broken anything by shifting from high to neutral with the button pushed etc.
Thank you Toyota family! Glad to join!
I have just purchased a 97 4 runner limited edition 1997. Loving it but I don't know if the 4H is turning on because there is no light on the dashboard.
I am simply putting the engine in neutral, then pushing the 4wd button on the left side of the shifter. I then hear a clicking noise. I am also pushing in the ECT button because I still am not climbing the dirt road all that well. I am worried that I ****ed something up!
How do I know the 4wd is working? any way to check? Do I have to put the 4wd shifter in neutral, push the 4H button, then put it back down to activate the 4wd?
Thank you for any help you may offer, greatly appreciated. Please also help alleviate my worries that I have broken anything by shifting from high to neutral with the button pushed etc.
Thank you Toyota family! Glad to join!
4runnerdummy
New member
If your 97 is like my 2000, you should be in 2h until you move the 4wd shifter down one gear. Just straight down towards you. No need to put in neutral, you can shift into 4hi anytime while driving. Wouldn't do it anywhere near highway speed though
Mine also has a green light that turns on the dash. You should feel the difference in the 'grab' too while driving
Mine also has a green light that turns on the dash. You should feel the difference in the 'grab' too while driving
rkntoy
New member
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...rs-3rd-gens-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode.html
First picture should be the shift pattern for your transfer case shifter.
First picture should be the shift pattern for your transfer case shifter.
JayRolla
New member
The 96-97 limited have a push button 4x4 hi button on the 4x4 lever. You just push the button while driving and your in 4x4 hi. You only use the 4x4 shifter for going into 4lo. I believe this is only a feature of 96-97 limiteds.
atalarico
Senior Member
Yes, this! I have a 97 limited as well. Just to confirm, you do not need to be in neutral to hit the side button to get into 4hi. If you are going faster than 60 something MPH and try to hit it, it will yell at you and flash the 4wd light on the dashboard.
Speaking of which, you will be able to tell you're in 4wd mode when a green light comes on the dashboard (lower right corner I believe). You usually have to drive for a little bit after you push the button for it to engage too, so don't hit it while you're at a standstill and expect it to come on right away.
If you're not getting that light after driving for a bit, then you may have other issues. Try cornering tightly at low speeds. If you feel weird popping and stuttering, then you're in 4wd and the 4wd light maybe burnt out, so stop taking corners at low speeds!
Let's start there before I pummel you with the next steps to take if you can't get it to engage in 4wd.
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