Need to "exercise" the 4wd system?

[Berty_K]

Dang! I have a lot of "exercising" to do....although the last time I put it 4LO, I heard some crunching...normal?

I've had this happen once or twice. I got a big BANG one time I switched into 4hi.

If it keeps happening, I'd be concerned. But if it's a once off, I'd say you're fine.

Sometimes I'll switch into 4LO while I'm waiting in line to fill up at Costco.

 

[nm_alien]

Interesting.....

Totally unrelated to original post, but I had a 2000 LX470 that did have the button to lock and unlock the center diff.

There is a center diff lock button and you can turn it on/off in high range. You just don't get to choose in low range. It's automatically engaged, switch or no switch, when you shift into low range.

 

[PharRunner]

To go into 4L (and to go back to 4H) you must be in neutral and stopped when you shift (by shifting, I mean turning the knob)

You can lock the center differential by pushing the button while driving. I tend to let off the gas when I do it.

On mine, which is full time, the 4LO light is steady when 4L is engaged. Same with the Center Differential Disconnect...the light is steady, not blinking.

Blinking lights means you are not in 4L or the center diff isn't locked.

You can have one work but not the other. In mine, I had no issues going into 4L, but the center diff lock would not engage.

Good tip man, helps

 

[hinmo24t]

to those wondering or having issues with blinking 4l...go find some soft sand try engaging it there instead of hard pack. thats where mine grabbed.

 

[MaddT4R]

I replaced my actuator when i first bought my
‘04 on my own dime. I know exercise it every month.

 

[cooper30]

There is a center diff lock button and you can turn it on/off in high range. You just don't get to choose in low range. It's automatically engaged, switch or no switch, when you shift into low range.

Gotcha.

Misunderstood, sorry

 

[eleven14]

There is a center diff lock button and you can turn it on/off in high range. You just don't get to choose in low range. It's automatically engaged, switch or no switch, when you shift into low range.

Just to clarify, on the 4Runner you can lock the center diff in 4LO. Tons of confusion around this, but just a heads up.

 

[Inv4drZm]

True story.

Years ago when the FJ Cruisers first came out, I was pretty enamored with them and went to the local dealer for a test drive.

As we cruised along, the salesman told me (while going about 35) "ok, if you want to see something cool, shift it down into 4Lo and we can really see what kind of traction that gives the tires." Um, no.

Then he tried to explain to me that the differential locker was part of the security system -- it locks the axles so nobody can tow your truck away.

This makes my stomach hurt. :shocked:

 

[cooper30]

Just to clarify, on the 4Runner you can lock the center diff in 4LO. Tons of confusion around this, but just a heads up.

My fault for going off on a tangent on 100 series Land Cruisers and LX470s

 

[rwh963]

yes, it can be locked on the move in 4H and 4L. however, i read here that it is recommended not to turn while it is locked. so, what is the main use/purpose of locking it; to just get out of a sticky situation?

 

[Habitant]

Big update: doing searches on reasons for center diff. not to be engaging, and getting worried about lack of use and $2500 actuator replacements, i recalled someone mentioning to check to make sure the locking button was plugged in.

at midnight, i went out to move the 4runner around to try and engage the differential. nothing happened. so i took the fuse cover off and saw an unplugged line. i reached up an popped the differential plug out. no connection!
plugged it in (perfect fit) and went out for a short drive. into 4H and press the button, and it goes on. ran it through some paces, and no issues that i can tell.
didn't really notice anything different driving, but the lights all worked fine.

this is with a 2007 V6 w/200k in MA. as far as i know, neither the 4L or diff. lock had ever been engaged (known it since new).

i can sleep much more soundly tonite. i'll check the actuator breather tube later.

Will it only work at midnight? I’m usually not up that late.

 

[rwh963]

the night is young at midnight! i was stressed out about the diff lock light not even going on, the truck being 11 years old, and stories of $2500 repairs. i'm hoping i avoided that.

 

[mjotrainbrain]

yes, it can be locked on the move in 4H and 4L. however, i read here that it is recommended not to turn while it is locked. so, what is the main use/purpose of locking it; to just get out of a sticky situation?

Yup, just forces more wheels to turn when you're doing offroad stuff so you don't get stuck. Also, on 4th gen models that don't have a separate traction control off switch, locking the center diff is the only way to disable traction control. If you're ever offroading in sand or mud, you'll immediately see why traction control is useless offroad; it totally cuts engine power and makes it impossible to drive anytime the wheels slip.