Stuck in 4 low then weird engine sound

So yesterday I went off-roading and got stuck in 4 low, I go off-roading quite a bit and haven't run into any problems like this. I was in 4H went to neutral then went to 4L (No beeping that it normally does) so I drove for like 2 minutes then tried to go back to 4H (wouldn't do it. both 2H & 4H were stuck in L4) when I went back to 4H the normal low gear beeping thing started and it also beeped in 2wd. Had to drive home in the dirt on the side of the road at 10mph but finally got it to switch back as soon as I got back. Anyone else have this problem?

Now for the engine. 9 months ago water splashed up to the intake hose in the fender and I got water in my engine, I made it to flat dry ground on limp mode with smoke coming out of my exhaust. The check engine light was flashing and engine sounded like a tractors, I let it idle giving it a little gas every few seconds to keep it from dying, the smoke was disappearing and after about 5 minutes there was no smoke and the check engine light went off, truck came out of limp mode and was fine. A week later I changed the oil and filter to make sure it was all good. Now go forward 9 months, Yesterday I had the problem above. Today it struggled to start, now the engine is ticking louder than normal and kind of sounds like a vacuum.

I don't know what to do about either of these problems, I have no money to have it checked on. Today 2H 4H 4L were all working normally, But I don't want this problem to happen again. Now I don't know if the engine sounds broken or if it's just me being paranoid. Anyone have any advice on what I should look for or what to do?

 

Having trouble shifting out of 4lo is common, with most all 4X4's. It isn't just a Tacoma issue. If it gives you trouble shift back to 4lo, put the truck in reverse and back up 15-20', then try 4hi again. You may have to repeat several times.

 

How much water was a 'splash' that went into the intake hose? Tiny bit of water wont hurt the motor, and I'm talking tiny. Too much water and it will damage. Its called hydrolock. Liquid water wont compress so the internal engine parts give and bend.

 

Have you ever seen a engine with seafoom being ran through it? It was like that but with a little bit less smoke

 

What color was your smoke? Bluish, white, or black? Ever get the check engine light code?

 

It was white and the check engine light came on for about 2 minutes while it was smoking, once the smoke starred clearing the light went away. Haven't seen it since.

 

The truck will store the code even if the light is off. I would get the code pulled.

As for white smoke, that is indicative of water or coolant burning. I would also perform a compression test.