New 4Runner owner

Hello! Just bought a 2023 Toyota 4Runner SR5 with about 14,000 miles on it. I’ve put about 3K miles on it so far on mostly dry roads in H2. First time switching to H4 for the snowy and icy roads here and made it maybe 300 feet before some distinct grinding and almost “popping” sounds. Not sure if I wasn’t all the way engaged, or if this is a deeper issue with the electronic transfer case/ actuator. For reference I was in park when switching from H2 to H4.


First time 4Runner owner any info/tips help! Thanks!

 

Read your owner’s manual. You should have your automatic transmission in Drive and vehicle in motion at less than 62 MPH to get a successful engagement from High 2 to High 4.

To shift back to High 2 from High 4, vehicle should be in Drive, in motion, and rotate switch back to High 2.

When wanting to switch to Low 4, you should already be in High 4. Bring vehicle to a complete stop, hold foot brake, and shift automatic transmission to Neutral. Then you can move switch to Low 4.

To shift from Low 4 back to High 4, bring vehicle to a stop and hold foot brake. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral. Then you can move switch from Low 4 to High 4.

Again, to shift from High 4 to High 2, place automatic transmission in Drive, place vehicle in motion, and then move switch to High 2.

It’s all in your manual. Low 4 is for slower off road driving applications, not high speed driving.

If anyone else here can better explain, please feel free to add to / or critique me.

 

Thank you, just wasn’t sure if I was able to switch successfully while in park as the manual says “reduce speed to less than 62mph”. This could very well be the problem, appreciate the help!

 

Hi MNC’, welcome to 4Runner ownership. Ya, try shifting in to High 4 while in Drive, and in forward motion. Let us know if that works out. There should be a green indicator light on your dash that will blink at first, but then go to solid green if the 4 wheel drive engages fully and properly. You shouldn’t try to go in to High 4 though if your rear wheels are already spinning with no traction what so ever. Again, read up on your manual. The 4Runner is pretty tough, and has some built in protective features to protect its 4WD system, but mis-use, abuse, and damage is still possible.

 

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