Stuck in 4hi 2018 Tacoma OR 4x4 DCSB

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I don’t think rain makes a difference. Sometimes it’s better to not listen to Manuel, because things like this happen

 

I agree the rain shouldn’t have done this. The units are supposed to be sealed. But In a way I think IMO it’s good to thoroughly do a functions check on all new items to ensure reliability and proper function. So warranty can fix it before it expires and fix faulty items from factory.

 

No sense talking about it here. It's under warranty, so bring it to the dealer. They'll make it right.

Sometimes the actuator gets stuck like you suggested. The manual specifically indicates you should regularly put it in 4hi to prevent this, so I'd start toggling it on every couple of weeks or so on a straightaway.

 

I'm new to 4x4...so we should just place the truck in 4Hi every once in a while to keep things lubricated? And its ok to put it in 4Hi while driving? Thanks and excuse my ignorance on the subject.

 

Good to exercise it every month, I think Toyota recommends 10 miles in 4hi but its pretty hard to do that without going out of your way to find forest service roads. Keep it offroad when you're in 4wd

 

Yes. Every other month or so will keep things lubricated and functioning. For 4hi it can be engaged up to 60 mph I believe. 4Lo should always be done while stopped.

 

Thanks guys. When I first got it about 3 weeks ago I placed it in both 4Hi/Lo to ensure everything was working. I'll set a reminder on my phone to do it at least once a month.

 

Unless I go on a trip during the month, mine usually only gets ~2-3 miles a month tops. Anything is better than nothing!

 

Next time it gets stuck, try alternating between going in reverse, stopping in neutral, and going forward for at least 30 ft each way and repeat if its stuck in 4H or 4L, that helps.

 

You can engage/disengage 4HI while driving up to 60mph according to Toyota. You CAN drive at ANY speed once it IS ENGAGED.

I have found that sometimes when switching on/off while the engine is accelerating/decelerating can cause engagement to be rough/loud so I've started making the habit of even if I'm moving, taking my foot off the gas for a second or two before switching in/out of 4HI just to be safe.

As far as 4LO, the car will not let you go into 4LO until you are fully stopped and in either P or N, so it's not like you can really engage it on accident.

4LO of course holds first and second gear pretty long so general rule is to not exceed 10mph or so while in 4LO.

 

I had the same thing happen to me in my 16. Had to take cover off acctuator and pull solenoid shaft out of 4wd. Not a bad job on the trails but just a little annoying. Was able to get it replaced under warranty thought. They did have to pull the transfer case in my situation so keep that in mind too for yours. Good luck.

 

Bring back manual shift levers!

 

When the indicator flashes the truck is detecting a condition that is not safe to make the shift change. This doesn’t mean it wasn’t stuck though. As stated above try slowing, stopping, backing or something different that traveling in the same direction at the same speed. These can be a little finicky and unfortunately it’s not perfect. Routinely excersising the actuator is absolutely recommended! I drive mine on paved surface without any issues- obviously not in 4L. I don’t make any sharp turns, don’t engage rear locker and don’t go above 35 mph when cycling mine.

 

With shift on the fly there is a transfer case motor that must match the timing between the transfer case and transmission speed.

It’s quite possible that the transfer case motor was struggling to match the speed. You can easily test this by switching into 4wd from a stop and rolling forward and also switch during acceleration and deceleration.

 

thanks for the comment. Was it the transfer case actuator... or the front diff actuator? I tried doing all of the above and no dice. Made a appointment for 0800 at the dealer.

 

This video is a really good explanation of how our 4wd system works. (it's actually a Tundra drivetrain in the video, but our trucks a almost exactly the same setup)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47m7QAPrpsI

 

rock it back and forth from rev to drive fairly easy on DIRT when turning wheel back and forth. It can get in a bind and not release. My 14 has done the same. Engage dial to 4wd then try to go to 2wd.

Other 4wds do the same. You do not need to just back 15 feet in reverse as some say since it isnt 1975 anymore.

 

On my FJ, I usually gotta reverse making a left turn to get it out of 4 Hi. Sometimes these systems have a funny way of doing things.

 

So I went to the dealer and by the time I had got there the 4hi had disengaged and went back to 2hi. They could not replicate the problem and said it’s fine... I brought the truck home and 4x4 worked fine. It wouldn’t get stuck anymore. What a a coincidence
I can’t help but to wonder maybe the rain had something to do with it since it was the FIRST time the truck has seen rain.. since day 1.... And now the (actutator) dried and fixed itself perhaps a hiccup?. But I thought these trucks were designed to be driven on harsh wet environments.