How to use the Hi/low shifter?

[hulk311]

I just recently bought a 4runner but it did not come with a manual. My question is, how exactly do I use the 4wheel drive?

Do I have to turn OD off or not when I engage 4 wheel drive? And when do I use hi and low and how fast must I be going to engage it and what is the maximum speed in each shift position. Any other info would also help me out. Thanks.

 

[swimmer2361]

what year? my 04 V6 has a little switch on the dashboard I think the manual says that you can turn it on 4x4 under 60mph. To put it in low you must switch to neutral and then press the switch in and turn.The V8 models have full time 4x4. I usually use low 4x4 when I am going up a steep hill (off road) to give me more power, I never go above 10mph in low 4x4. I go into 4x4 high when the road is slippery, I have gone 80mph in 4x4 high and have no problems. But this info only will apply to 4th gen 4runner (03+). I think the older 4runners have a different 4x4 system.

 

[Uneek]

If you have a 4th gen (2003+), there's a card in the driver side visor that gives an explaination of the 4WD system and shifting. The 4WD system on the 4th gen is a full time system (with 2WD mode on V6) and can be operated on any surface. The V6 can be exactly like the V8 if left in 4H.

Anyhow on the V6, to shift from 2H to 4H, you need be going straight and under 62mph (100kmph). Accelerating or decelerating slightly can help engage 4H faster. If you're stopped, shifting into N and back to D can also help engage 4H faster. There are no requirements for going from 4H to 2H.

To go from 4H to 4L and vice versa, you need to be stopped and in N. If it beeps and the lights flash, you're not in 4L. (I believe this part is the same on the V8.)