New Toyota Owner - 2001 4Runner SR5

[The_Poker]

Hi Folks,

I'm getting ready to purchase a used 2001 4runner. It's a good looking vehicle, seems solid, runs good & I'm buying it from the mechanic who does most of my maintenance. So, I don't feel like I'm about to get burned, I'm just looking for a few pointers.

This is the first Toyota for me. A couple of questions:

The 4x4 shift has H - N - L. Seems that it stays in H all of the time? There is a button on the side of the shifter to engage the 4x4. Coming from a Wrangler, where I was able to shift in to 4 wheel high on the fly......is the 4runner the same way? Will I be able to shift in to 4x4 on the fly. (assuming that I'm not running down the interstate at 65mph)

What about going to Low range? Any particular steps to follow? I'm guessing shifting to neutral with the transmission, then going to L on the 4x4 shifter? Do you also have to engage the button? Probably so, again, I'm guessing.

This vehicle doesn't have an owners manual with it, this is where my questions are coming from.

Any other 'gotchas' that I should look out for?

Thanks in advance.

 

[4Runnin Tahoe]

There should be a note explaining all of this on the driver side sunvisor.

Heres a site that will answer a lot of questions:
Toyota 4Runner History 2001

..."Toyota's 4WDemand shift-on-the-fly engagement system comes standard on all four-wheel drive 4Runner models, enabling the four-wheel drive system to be engaged at speeds up to 62 mph. The One-Touch Hi-4 switch, now standard, makes shifting into high-4WD as easy as a touch of a button. All four-wheel drive 4Runners are equipped with a two-speed transfer case.

Toyota's Multi-Mode 4WD system, introduced in 1999, is now standard on all four-wheel drive models. The Multi-Mode 4WD feature is actually an open center differential with locking capability that provides a full-time all-wheel-drive system with the ability to select 2WD mode. The all-wheel 4WD mode may be used in normal driving conditions on all types of roads from dry, hard surface roads, such as pavement, to wet or snow-covered roads. Driving with the Multi-Mode's all-wheel drive system engaged provides the driver with a more sure-footed feel because power is applied evenly to all four wheels which improves traction."...

 

[4-Ripcord]

You want this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...rs-3rd-gens-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode.html