disengaging 4w to 2w noise heard?

hello,

I was wondering if this is normal or not, on my 09 Taco Dbl cab, when I'm going slow and go from 4w to 2w drive, I hear it disengage, and feel like a small bump? I've only noticed it, when going less 15-20 mph. I will probably call the dealer for their insight, but I would rather get the no BS answer from the forum. Thank you.

 

Normal!

 

Thank you, so have you noticed this noise of dis-engagement before? So actually pushing in the 2w-4w-4-lo switch itself for 5 seconds turns off the traction control, and other safety related gear off?

Dumb question but, Toyota recommends at least 10 miles a month of 4 x 4 driving, if I'm on a straight dry road is it okay to use the 4 x 4?

I wish they had a 4 auto function, so I wouldn't need to worry about when it was okay to put it in 4 wheel drive.

For example today a lot of the roads had sections of snow covered areas where it was drifted by the wind. So you would drive, dry/wet to snow covered section then a section of either dry or wet, (wet is from the salt that is applied to melt snow and ice). It was only about 24° F today also.

Oh, I should state that my Tacoma is a double cab TRD off road as well (2009).
So is your truck part of the recall for engine management/sticky throttle, I think mine is for floor mats.

Thanks again.

 

I believe all the Tacoma's have good pedals but might get trimmed shorter due to the floor mat issues. When you shift back into 2wd from 4hi, take your foot off the gas so there is no strain on the drive-line...it will go in smoother without the clunk noise. Also, the more you use 4wd the smoother it gets. I wouldn't recommend driving while in 4wd on pavement, but if you do make dam sure you're only going in a straight line. The minute you turn you'll experiance binding issues and take a change of screwing up your truck. Your really alot better off finding some dirt, sand, or snow to engage the 4wd system.

 

No, pushing the VSC Off switch does the traction control functions... That's the button with a car and swervy lines below. A quick push of it in 2WD engages AUTO LSD, a 3-5 second hold down of it while stopped in H2 or H4 turns off TRAC/VSC and gives you open differentials if you want to let your tires spin.

L4 is normally open differentials and a push of the A-TRAC button makes them LSD or almost like lockers front and rear.

In wet conditions you can use H4 on pavement, if dry but want to lube the parts per the manual just drive straight in H4... as turning slow will be a sterain if in 4WD.

 

Thank you again. I'm new to 4x4 trucks, my last car was a VW passat with all-wheel drive. I was hoping that the 4 x4 switch had a fast override of the safety stuff, other than pushing the appropriate button for the right length of time, which I have experimented with. Does your switch (4x4) light up on the 2010 model?

 

Hi Monk,

Happy to help! This is my third Tacoma 4WD Off Road, but the first with TRAC/ A-TRACK limited slip system. The manual is not very helpful in explaining the various mechanical functions... why my signature (9 modes) is so big... and I am still learning!

The Truck should be fine for you in the 'normal' modes without you doing anything (except L4, see below)... As soon as things get slippery or you loose traction, rotate the dial into H4, at any speed (up to 60 mph). It is normally in TRAC mode and that will get you most anywhere!

No, the dial does not light up... one of my few complaints with my 2005. I was surprised they didn't illuminate it by 2010!

Now when you drop into L4, press the A-Trac button (once) so that every time you go into L4, your A-Trac will be on. I think this is the smart mode if you have to go down to Low Range 4WD.

Now, L4 is rarely used by the majority... It is for real hard core rock climbing/ steep 'Jeep' trails, up or down... It gives you all the torque power to SLOWLY climb or descend steep trails, so you don't break anything... the advantage of 4WD over 2WD.

All wheel drive is great on the highway or gravel roads... but now with over 9 inches of stock min. ground clearance and the strength of a TRUCK... you can go Four Wheeling, off the highway... Enjoy America (incl. Mexico and Canada) and all the beautiful places now within your reach!

 

Thanks Dave, You are correct the operation manual stinks.

 

And almost completely useless compared to part time 4wd in anything else. Just thought I should point that out.

 

Welcome aboard!