New Owner - Questions

Hi Everyone, I am a new 4 Runner owner. Just got the 2021 Venture.

I am definitely a noob.

I have manual 4wd. It is snowing today in northeast.

I have a few questions because this is my first time using 4wd

1. Should I be using H4 for for driving in snow? While driving slowly I sometimes hear clicking noise when sliding.
3. Should I be using the multi terain select option?
4. What about the buttons at top - TRAC - Rear Differntial Lock? Do I use those.

I went through manuel but seems confusing (to me)

THANKS - I am so excited about truck - but just driving in snow today was doing worse then my subaru legacy

 

Welcome! I'm just about in the same boat as you—2021 Venture, but auto—coming from a Subaru Legacy. I've found that putting it in 4HI for unplowed roads and where I anticipate slick conditions works for me. I go back to 2HI once the road conditions seem to have improved. My understanding is that the multi terrain options are for very slow, 4LO operation. I wouldn't use ATRAC or rear lockers unless actually off-roading. The clicking is the traction control working to keep you pointing straight ahead.

I would be happy to be corrected by others with more experience if my snowy weather use isn't the recommended standard method!

Enjoy your new 4Runner!

 

New owner here as well. What TXK said! H4 will get you through the snowy stuff. But you want to avoid staying in H4 when the road is dry and has normal traction. Otherwise you will get binding in the drivetrain whenever you are making any significant turns.

And I’ve heard the clicking in back as well, especially when in 2wd and slipping. Those sounds are the brakes being quickly cycled to keep you pointed straight. The Stability control system may also blunt out throttle input to keep the tires from spinning.

 

I hate it when that happens. On the neighborhood streets, I turn it off. It feels more controllable with a little spin and no random cutting out of the throttle.

 

Not to mention, sweet sweet lurid snow donuts are perfectly possible with stability control off. .

 

The first mode in multi-terrain select will work in 4H, but the book says it’s only for off-road. No other modes will work in 4H. I have used the sand, mud, snow mode at our cabin off road in 4H for the ice and snow. It works great at controlling slip, I’m still on stock tires by the way.

 

ATRAC, and the rear locker can only be activated in 4 low. Also all of the multi terrain select modes work in 4 low.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

This video does not specifically address snow, but is a good primary on the progression of 4WD controls on your 4R.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELw7xhWHNnY&list=PLdCJykua2pAKTOD49cmYgpH5UzE5mwqNC

 

Welcome!