Just purchased 1st T4R (2006 V6) somewhat confused about 4x4

[ctw_680]

Just purchased my first 4 runner f(2006 v6) from a individual. I'm a little confused about how to use the 4x4. Can I just move it from 2H to 4H? When I do that I get a green image and a yellow image with an x in the middle that both flash. The manual said something about turning the VCS Off and I am totally confused.
When do I push the button on the left side of the steering well that has the image (I'm assuming that has to do with the differential) or do I.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[macgyver_ga]

The button to the left of your steering wheel is the center-differential lock. Engaging that will lock the front and rear together to spin at the same rate just like a traditional part time 4wd system.

If you just put the vehicle in 4HI without locking the center differential, it will allow the front and rear axles to spin at different rates. Essentially working like an AWD vehicle.

 

[verman84]

Check out the opposite side of your driver side visor. There should be a description of how to operate the 4wd.

You can pretty much switch to 4hi whenever you want as long as it's under 55mph when you do. 4 hi is pretty good for just about anything especially just daily driving in inclement weather. 4lo is for when you're really stuck and need maximum grip. You have to switch to neural when you go into 4lo and neural again to get back into 4 hi/2 hi

 

[ebg18t]

Since you just bought it test out 4L and see if it works. If you follow the instructions for engaging 4L and get a bunch of beeping you got issues.

 

[Mudyrunner]

Issues. Meaning something as simple as the slip actuator for the 4x4 engaging needs a simple greasing to engage. Or the process of how you engaged wasn't right. Normally small fixes. Nothing to big to be concerned about. Once you've figured out how to engage drive around slowly in a figure 8 and you should feel resistance in the turning and a sort of hopping of the tires. Not smooth like your driving straight forward and that is a sign that all is well. Then go find mud or snow and confirm. Not sure why people just characterize "issues" and potentially scare a person. Hope this helps.

 

[mrpurplepenguin]

Issues. Meaning something as simple as the slip actuator for the 4x4 engaging needs a simple greasing to engage. Or the process of how you engaged wasn't right. Normally small fixes. Nothing to big to be concerned about. Once you've figured out how to engage drive around slowly in a figure 8 and you should feel resistance in the turning and a sort of hopping of the tires. Not smooth like your driving straight forward and that is a sign that all is well. Then go find mud or snow and confirm. Not sure why people just characterize "issues" and potentially scare a person. Hope this helps.

I think people cite 4WD / center diff lock not engaging as "issues" because it's been fairly well documented that the actuators controlling those features have a tendency to seize up due to non-use and enough time, resulting in a potentially costly fix. I've heard sometimes cycling it on-off-on-off-on-off-etc frees them up, or tapping on the transfer case could work, but worst case it's a several hundred dollar repair. When I was looking at 4Rs for sale, I passed over one that wouldn't engage 4LO in a timely fashion. Might have been a cheap 5 minute fix, but I wasn't willing to make that gamble.

Also, just to clarify: while 4WD HI or LO is fine for use on dry roads, I'd caution against locking the center diff (the button to the left of the steering wheel with the X) and making turns on pavement. The wheel hopping you'll feel is the front and rear drivetrains fighting each other, and it puts a lot of stress on everything. Probably won't break anything, but still not the wisest decision. Loose surfaces (like dirt or snow) let the tires slide and skip a bit, which doesn't stress the drive components as much.