Shifter grinds engaging 4lo

So whenever I engage 4lo, I’m at a complete stop, in neutral. I then use the 4wd shifter to shift into neutral and then engage 4lo.. when I shift from neutral to 4lo the shifter grinds, I can feel it grinding and hear it.

That isn’t normal is it?

Also, in my Steps listed above is the sequence correct for shifting into 4lo?

 

Try and be a little more forceful with the engagement. If you try to slip it in slowly it will grind like that. An sequence is correct.

An keep using it, it will get smoother.

 

Thank you sir!

 

you have to operate the vehicle in 4wd high every month when the road is wet or on non paved surface for a mile .
I have had this when new and after I did the exercise of the 4wd it does pop in quicker..
when the engine is very cold temps ,then I have had delay in the engagement of 4wd.. in warm weather it does pop in quick..

my driveway has a slope and when the snow hits and I have to move it to do the snow removal vehicle is cold and it takes a few times to engage .. when the vehicle is at normal engine temp then it pops in quick ..

transfer case Toyota lube is a special formula so be careful on the fluid... expensive stuff. requires fluid changes 30-40K miles..

 

Thanks for the advice

 

New trail owner here. I have the same problem where it grinds, I didn't know if it's normal or needs to be looked at. I bought mine used so I do not know how much abuse it went through before. Bought it from the dealership and those sales guys have no idea how to operate the stuff their selling. This same problem happened to me at the dealership before purchasing the trail.

To my experience, if I leave the transfercase to the N position, gears or something starts to spin under the car. The grinding sounds like trying to force a manual transmission into gear without a clutch. This is while having the transmission in N with the foot on the brake. The worst part, the car will not engage to D, R or P since the transfercase is stuck on N, with gears spinning freely. It will also grind if you force the car on P if the transfercase is on N. The only way to put everything back to 2H is by turning the car off, which is a bad idea if your in an obstacle I believe so I practice learning on flat ground.

I learned that do not sit on the N of the transfercase. It has to move fast without hesitation from 4H to 4L and vice versa. Just like the switch knobs on the SR5 and limited, there's no N on the transfercase knob, it has to go directly on either 4H or 4L.

Am I correct?

Raising an old thread so I don't start the same question.

 

You are correct. Pretend there is no 'N' on the T case. Rip that lever from 4h to 4lo like a beast, and vice versa. Faster and more angrily you do it, the smoother it is.

I always tell people it's like a pump shotgun. There needs to be a deliberate violence in the way you rack a shotty.

 

If it grinds a bit it’s no big deal. As others have said, be decisive and don’t sweat it. You’re doing it correctly. Try to move the transfer case when there’s no tension on the driveline, and it might be easier. Also, you should be shifting into 4x4 hi once a month, according to Toyota. Try including 4 lo in that as well, and get some practice.

 

He's not joking, the best way to do it like you hate it.

 

Mine slips into 4lo smooth as silk. Vehicle stopped, already engaged in 4hi, tranny in neutral, steady light push and it should just snick in with no noise or drama.

 

put the shifter in neutral , stopped then turn the 4WD knob quickly not slowly, then it will make little noise.. makes a clunk sound ..
check the transfer case fluid use the Toyota 75 wt transfer case fluid.. has a load of friction modifiers in it NOT other gear oils .. no additives that reduce the friction .. expensive Toyota trans case oil $80 ..

 

is it bad to put it in 4high when you dont have loose gravel, wet road? i live in bayarea california. There isnt this type of weather or surface for miles and miles away.

 

Run a mile or two on a back road with your right tires on the dirt where convenient.

 

This thread is for ORs with the lever

No knob

 

Alternatively you could actually get out and use / need 4wd....

 

To anybody wanting to "excecise" their 4wd, just drive in a straight line. You don't need to be offroad or on dirt to engage 4wd, just don't engage it and go do a bunch of low speed turns on pavement.