Newbie Question - Ran my new 4Runner SR4 on H4 for 60 miles on Highway

I just bought the 2022 SR5 and mistakenly ran the car on H4 for about 60 miles, mostly highway, some local streets with sharp turns (city driving). I have now switched it back to H2. Did I cause permanent damage to my new car? I did some google research and I am getting mixed information. Some said it's okay so long I didn't lock the differential, some said I should not have exceeded 55 miles per hour, and it could have caused damages. Just wanted to have reliable answer. Thank you all.

 

I can't say for sure, but assuming it is the under warranty, you could take it to the dealer and have them check it.

 

No thing. I cruised 80mph in 4h forgetting I had turned it on

 

As long as you didn’t feel the drivetrain binding I personally wouldn’t worry much, but that’s just my opinion.

 

I would agree with this. If you want to preempt issues, maybe change out the differential and transfer case fluids in case they got hot. Otherwise, if you didn't bind up, you shouldn't have broken or weakened any gear teeth.

 

I absolutely would not tell the dealer what you did and ask them to check it out, because you might risk getting your warranty voided! I personally wouldn't worry about it. Highly doubtful any damage was done.

 

Looks like its not only me who do this by mistake. The newer 4Runners have a tiny green 4wd indicator closer to the green head light indicator that does not stand out vs pre-2020 4Runners have slightly bigger 4wd indicator away from headlight indicator that stand out IMO.

 

Your fine, carry on.

 

Ahhh it is totaled my not be good anymore... Just Bring it on over here and Leave me the Keys and in about a Year or So I'll let you know how it is...

 

I’ll give you $500 for it. That’s about scrap rate these days.

 

Seriously though. I’m sure you are fine. If you hurt it too badly you’d already hear or feel it when driving

 

It's a 4R. No worries.
I did the same in my '96 Silverado. 70 mph on the interstate for 30-ish miles. It now has 272,xxx miles. Did it 15-20 yrs ago.

I guarantee you will never do it again.

 

I have just over 15k miles on my 2019 4runner, about five miles of which were in H4. What I noticed immediately was the restricted turning radius while in H4, is that the way it is normally?

 

yup, you got power trying to move your front wheels

 

Yes, that is normal. The steering feels that it is binding up/ stiffer. It's the 4WD mechanical forces and gears clashing together instead of the free wheeling 2WD. It's the nature of the beast. You'll get used to it. It's what 4WD does.

You're trying to steer the front axel while engaged, and the rear axel is trying to push you straight ahead, at the same time. Those forces are fighting each other when you turn.

That's an convoluted explanation, but I hope it helps.

 

It will be fine. Generally you don't want to make sharp turns in 4wd.

 

I drove at least 30 miles in H4 on the way home after buying it at the dealer. It was because I got caught in a big snow storm. I never even thought this could be a bad thing….but is it???

I have forgotten to disengage it on dry pavement for a bit, and even done a couple of u turns like that. Thats not good, but nothing blew up. It does seem like these systems have a bit of gear lash built in, not that i shhould rely on that to protect me from dumb mistakes…

 

You are totally fine. Living in Alaska, I have been putting my Toyota trucks into 4x4 for 6 months a year for 25 years (97 and 01 Tacomas / 01, 10, and 18 Tundras, and 2020 4R Pro). Several hundred thousand miles in 4x4, much of which above posted speed of 65mph.

You will see your manual says NOTHING about max speed while in 4x4. Just might say a max speed for shifting in/out, depending on model.

 

Another vote for "don't tell dealer".

If you have an unrelated drivetrain issue in 3 years they're gonna summon up your documentation from now and fuck you with it.

It's fine, just be more diligent from now on. No need to change fluids or anything.

 

That's funny.. I bought mine on a Friday and ut started snowing while we did the paperwork. They were nice enough to let me move my things from the Taco into the 4Runner in the service area!

I believe I used 4wd right away as well. The stock tires were pretty useless without it. I don't see any harm, especially in snow.

It must be able to handle some binding. Even off-road, we usually have some traction.

 

Good to hear. This is what I thought initially. But sometimes the internet makes you worry about things you never worried about before lol.

 

Literally nothing happened. It will be fine.

I have regularly driven in high range on icy and snowy highways at 50 to 60 mph.

 

It's fine. I left 4WD Hi on once and forgot, drove a solid day in town. I honestly have no idea how I was so dumb.

Anyways that was 60k miles ago....vehicle currently at 80k and never an issue.

 

Absolutely not a problem. Folks are way too concerned around here about binding the drivetrain on dry pavement.

 

I am confused. You're not supposed to drive it on H4?

I ask because I recently drove 3/4 of a 300+ miles road trip at 70-80 mph. It drove smooth as butter.

 

Cliff notes: use 2wd on dry paved surfaces. 4H on loose surfaces or on slippery roads.

If you are worried about what happens if you do use 4H on paved roads, this thread is the one for you ! Lol

Unless you have unlimited trim, which is a full-time 4wd system. Then you can do whatever you want.

 

Great, thanks!

 

Part time 4wd is not full time 4wd or AWD. Only the limited has full time 4WD.

You can drive in part time 4wd on straight roads to exercise the system but it isn't recommended because most people forget they have it locked in or use it incorrectly.