4x4 Won't Engage - Brand New Tacoma - Looking for answers - Please Help

Is no one else concerned with the fact, they replaced only 1 tire on a 4WD system? 4WD/AWD, should never have just 1 tire replaced, unless it's extremely low mileage when the damage happens. Having that much difference in tire size isn't good, at all.

Back to the original issue, tire size shouldn't make a difference at all with the 4WD system engaging/disengaging. You could have 4 different size tires, and it shouldn't be an issue (aside destroying your xfer case/CVs in the process). Tell dealer to go pound it, and go to a different dealer.

 

Yeah, I could see tire size being an issue if it was a significant difference like 2 different sizes entirely.. But when you are talking about 3/32 difference, that is crazy talk.

 

Coming from subarus, I am very aware of the all four tires thing for AWD. Tire rack offers this service for like $30. https://tires.tirerack.com/tires/Tire Shaving Service

 

Well OP has already posted a "Buyer Beware" video to YouTube before even knowing what is actually wrong.

 

Tacomas don't have AWD.

 

The ABS wheel speed sensors (which I’m assuming the truck has, most do) would be showing different speeds due to different diameter tires. If the computer was programmed to check those and only engage within a certain tolerance window it would not function. I’m not saying the Tacoma does or can do this, but it is easily possible with the electronics on most vehicles.

 

huh? well, ok. thanks for the news on Subarus then?

 

He wasn't giving us news on Subaru, he was saying he understands the different tire sizes due to experience on the Subaru AWD System. So, his meme is still valid. And yes, our Tacomas aren't AWD, they're 4WD, which still has the same Tire Size rules that are applicable.

 

he was recommend

gawd.

so which Tacoma owner here uses a tire shaving service? I'll wait.. sorry i dislike being sarcastic but no communication is happening so nevermind and no problem.

 

Honestly never heard of Tire Shaving services until just a few weeks ago. It's something I would never consider doing either. Either buy new, or take the highest depth tread tires, stick em on the back, and tear em up to wear em down.

 

Last year, my new 18OR just off the lot. Stopped in gravel, engaged 4lo, heard actuator make loud clunk switching to 4hi. Was blinking like yours, and would not disengage 4lo. Eventually I went into neutral and drifted downhill (steering wheel straight) while turning to 4hi and it worked. It’s also done it, and I’ve had to go in reverse, and then to neutral drift to get it to disengage from 4lo-4hi and from 4hi-2wd. And then restart vehicle to reset sensor.

That was only the first few days. Initially, I assumed it was the actuator, so I called the dealer I purchased from and they said they’ve noticed that on numerous new Tacoma’s and tundras, but they had no explanation. I didn’t push it with them bc, for now, the issue has stopped. At this point Ive chalked it up to the 4x4 system just needed circulated and lubed.

While I wouldn’t drive in 4wd for an extended period of time on different tread depths, your slight tread depth difference is obviously not what caused the problem you’re having. That’s absurd. If the neutral or reverse trick and restarting the truck to reset it doesn’t fix your problem, it’s absolutely your actuator, imho.

 

OP, I think you got your answer on the tire size. That isn't the issue, it's absolutely insane they even tried that claim.
Secondly, your video has proven your competence and reposnes to previous statements that you've both used the system and manipulated while driving and reversing etc.
Let me respond to the "claim" ofweak, unreliable truck for the other 2 issues. You're mad that you had a tire go flat with low mileage? Really? This side Toyota quality, it doesn't matter if you run bfgs, toyos, Cooper's etc, NY one of them can get a flat not a real "quality" issue. (though I think we'd all appreciate a more off-road friendly tire).
Next, you mentioned your sensor in your bumper getting scratched. Well these are sensitive items that measure sensitive space and simply can't be tough by design. Possible?maybe ,but unlikely and unnecessary for VAST majority of usages. That's one reason I opted to NOT getthat package.
They are reliable trucks, but with more technology comes more issues, not reliability.
Go smash the dealership for lies and good luck with the truck .the 4wd not engaging might be a legit issue that you DO deserve to have fixed .

 

IMO all 4x4s should have lock out hubs and a manual transfer shift. This push button shit is bound to fail...But hey...that's how it is these days. "Push button" this and "touchless" that...

 

Exactly. The only thing I love most on my T4R Pro vs my Tacoma Sport. The Level 4WD, vs this shit Turn Knob. Why they only added the lever to the Pro's on the Tacomas, upsets me dearly.

 

Not much more to add... I’m disappointed in some of the dealership experience stories on this forum. Yours is certainly worth telling to corporate. When the service manager started explaining issues that seem like an unusual situation (like your differing tire size causeing 4x4 failure), I would start a video of that explanation in real time and tell the representative I’m just documenting the explanation for corporate claim submission. They shouldn’t object to the documentation if what they’re saying is reasonable and more likely correct than not. I use my smartphone video all the time for such record keeping purposes... that action normally gets special attention to my issues.

 

Yuppie trucks

 

You are going through a lot of trouble without needing too. It’s already been said tire size is not the issue. Go back, have them put it in writing that the tires are causing your truck not to engage 4wd. If they won’t stand in front of them and call Toyota cooperate and file a claim. Also if they said it was fixed then why not make the tech/advisor go with you on a drive and prove it’s fixed. YouTube videos and this thread are not fixing your truck. If you have another Toyota dealer near I would see what they say.

 

Don't be dense. The comment was about tire shaving.