V6 transmission question

[4Runner168]

For those owners who have a V6 4x4, when you go from 2HI to 4HI how long does it take before the system engages to 4x4?

My 4Runner seems to take a bit of time before it engages (maybe 30 seconds or more unless it is parked), there was one occasion on the way home from the supermarket (3-4 miles) where it didn't engage at all (the light just kept blinking all the way). I was only driving around 40mph (below the limit according to the manual) so I don't think it was my driving speed, is this normal?

 

[AlphaQup]

I found it engages best at lower speeds (~10-20mph) and while your off the throttle. From 2HI to 4HI takes a little longer then switching back from 4HI to 2HI. Also you must be traveling in a straight line.

Try this and see if it works. If not, a visit to your local stealer may be in store for you.

Good luck.

 

[jharris2]

When I switched to synthetic, the system will change to 4WD in about 4 seconds if I'm traveling without load. The time really improved when I changed the oil.

 

[Camprunner]

I just put mine into 4hi today as a matter of fact (I drop it into 4hi about once a month just to keep everything moving) I was at 40 mph and it took about 6 seconds. I think the longest I have had to wait for the switch is maybe 10 seconds.

I did get a slight "Thunk" this time though? That's rare I usually get no noise at all.

As far as going into 4x4 I find if I switch it then remove my foot off the gas then go back on the gas it goes right in. (My old jeep was the same way)

 

[97hb]

As long as I do not have a load on the tranny and am coasting it changes pretty quick regardless of speed.

 

[Paul2660]

John,

Are you using syn trans fluid? or motor oil or both. If trany fuild, what brand?

Paul C

 

[jharris2]

John,

Are you using syn trans fluid? or motor oil or both. If trany fuild, what brand?

Paul C

Mobil 1 in the motor, differentials, and transfer case. Did the differentials and transfer case last Christmas -- very easy to do.

Have not considered synthetic transmission fluid since the truck has just 32K miles on it.

 

[Neil]

Mine takes about 5-6 seconds but I if get impatient and I am stopped then I just move the shifter from drive to nuetral and back. It engages immeadeately once I have done that. I haven't tried it when I am driving but as long as you are below 50 I think it might be ok to move from drive to neutral? Any other opinions?

 

[4Runner168]

Thanks for everyone's response, I'll give your suggestions a try and see what happens. If not I'll schedule time with the dealer to have them take a look at it.

 

[TheBlueWave]

I found that slowing down, foot on break or not, going STRAIGHT ONLY, will make the shift happen in a couple of seconds. Then I stop and shift to neutral to engage 4lo or lock the diff.
On the contrary, when I try to do it while accelerating, it works but takes a bit longer. Don't do it when anticipating turing the wheel, as this makes it take much longer and can produce that awesome gear grinding sound when it does engage.

 

[jharris2]

I found that slowing down, foot on break or not, going STRAIGHT ONLY, will make the shift happen in a couple of seconds.

Agreed - that seems to be the magic. But even then, it started changing faster after switching to Mobil 1. YMMV.

 

[4Runner168]

I found that slowing down, foot on break or not, going STRAIGHT ONLY, will make the shift happen in a couple of seconds. Then I stop and shift to neutral to engage 4lo or lock the diff.
On the contrary, when I try to do it while accelerating, it works but takes a bit longer. Don't do it when anticipating turing the wheel, as this makes it take much longer and can produce that awesome gear grinding sound when it does engage.

Switching from drive to neutral back to drive engages the system in a snap.....thanks for the tip.