My Tacoma is 'jumpy' when turning in a tight circle....

I just noticed it this weekend. My Tacoma gets really sluggish and jumpy when turning in a tight circle (steering wheel all the way in either direction). It almost stalls out and feels like it has some kind of internal resistance somewhere... I live in Vermont and I don't think ice or snow build up could do this. I can't think of anything that would be causing this, I am not a mechanic.


Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Axian
(2009 4 cyl, reg cab 4x4 Manual)

 

Are you in 4WD?

Turning circles on high-traction surfaces in 4WD will make it feel exactly like that. Plus, it puts an enormous amount of stress on the truck.

You'll still feel it to an extent even on snow and ice, but it's not so bad there because the wheels will slip more easily to make up for it.

 

That ^^^???

 

Yeah, it is in 4WD... That could be it. I haven't turned off the 4WD for a while... constant snowy roads and slushy conditions. I hope this is just it. I'd hate to have a huge repair bill in my future.

Thanks! =)

 

Yeah man, 4WD and pavement hate each other.

Make sure roads are completely covered or you're on dirt. Don't make hard turn when in 4WD

 

This explains why you don't want to do tight turns in 4WD, especially on dry pavement: http://www.tacomahq.com/4546/toyota-tacoma-4-wheel-drive-explained/

It's very hard on the truck. Use 2 HI for driving on dry pavement, 4 HI only if you're on snow, ice, dirt, mud, etc.

 

Yeah, the roads have been covered by snow and slush constantly for the past few weeks here in VT

 

Here too, I still use 2WD unless absolutely needed, like when I drive home through 12" unplowed