power loss when in 4x4

[Challenger44]

I have a 2001 4R and when I engage the 4 wheel drive I sometimes lose power when taking off from a stop. This morning it was snowing, I stopped at a stop light and when I tried to go I hit the gas and the slippery road light flashed. As it often does, the pedal does not respond then all of a sudden it must get traction and start to move. Shouldn't the wheels move regardless so long as I am applying throttle? If I am trying to pull out and go from a stop this sometimes create a dangerous situation when I cannot get speed up quickly. Any ideas as to why this is happening?

 

[gamefreakgc]

How are you on maintenance? Have you greased the driveline in the recent past (both the front and rear driveshalf) and have replaced or know how long the differential oil has been in there?

Might first thought is a lubrication issue.

 

[Justin727]

I have a 2001 4R and when I engage the 4 wheel drive I sometimes lose power when taking off from a stop. This morning it was snowing, I stopped at a stop light and when I tried to go I hit the gas and the slippery road light flashed. As it often does, the pedal does not respond then all of a sudden it must get traction and start to move. Shouldn't the wheels move regardless so long as I am applying throttle? If I am trying to pull out and go from a stop this sometimes create a dangerous situation when I cannot get speed up quickly. Any ideas as to why this is happening?

Sounds normal to me. VSC ABS working against you. 01-02's come with it and it sucks. I think on yotatech there was the "Andy Mod" where you could wire a switch up to disable it.

I need to do this as well as it's almost gotten me killed twice now.

 

[4x4runner2002]

ya its deff the vsc cutting the engine power.
andy mod 2.0. basically cut 1 wire and hook it up to a switch. or just cut the wire and not worry other than the lights on the dash.

try locking the center diff and taking off. locking the center diff turns off the vsc. so itll be like that when you cut that wire.

 

[Challenger44]

I keep up all the maintenance so I'm inclined to believe its the VSC. Isn't this feature intended for off road situation where the power is basically governed so the wheels don't slip? I would think Toyota would have an on/off for that for on-road safety. Thanks for the replies!

 

[jgue467]

... Isn't this feature intended for off road situation where the power is basically governed so the wheels don't slip? I would think Toyota would have an on/off for that for on-road safety. Thanks for the replies!

Well its intended for any slippery situation, on or off road.

They do have an on/off for that, while in 4wd, hit ur dash mounted 4x4lock, it will disable vsc and traction control. Or you can do the "Andy Mod 2.0" and control it yourself in both 2 and 4wd. Luck! :cowboy:

 

[Challenger44]

Would you have a link to the andy mod? I'm not sure what that is.

 

[Challenger44]

I'll try the dash version first, thanks again!

 

[4x4runner2002]

Would you have a link to the andy mod? I'm not sure what that is.

just google andy mod and you will get lots of info.

 

[Justin727]

AndyMod 2.0. ABS Remains Active. - YotaTech Forums

 

[jgue467]

I'll try the dash version first, thanks again!

Ok - I should have warned ya' - only use the dash button on non-solid ground, meaning not on asphalt or concrete. Use it only on loose dirt, mud, loose rocks, ect. Using it on solid ground will cause binding if your try to turn too tightly because the center diff is now locked against the front and rear axles, no problem as long as you only go straight on solid ground.

 

[D Farms]

yeah its meant to keep you from just spinning out on slippery stuff, if you know you are stopped on a patch of ice just ease the throttle so the tires dont slip, unless you want to drift, but then youll need a limited slip.

i added a switch to mine too, but i leave it on when the road is icey or if im going down a dirt road at high speed, the handling on 4runner once it loses traction is not exactly the easiest to control, it understeers hardcore, and the vsc system keeps it inline. the otherthing is the trac system can help you out when you lift a tire by stopping it from spinning, so dont disable it add a switch.