Did I Damage Something? Accidentally switched to 4WD for 5 days

Hi there,

I accidentally adjusted to 4H while trying to adjust the AC knob and I didn’t realize it. It’s a 2019 TRD Off Road.

I’ve been driving in 4H for 5 days unknowingly. A couple days ago I made a sharp turn and the truck stopped and made a grinding noise for a moment, there were cars behind me so I had to move quick and didn’t think much of it.

Today, the truck completely stopped driving when I parked in a parking lot and the rear differential warning light was flashing. That grinding noise happened again twice. I quickly realized that the truck was in 4H and I set it back to 2WD and the light stopped blinking and the truck is driving fine.

My question is, have I damaged the vehicle by driving in 4WD (4H) for the past 5 days? I would say I drove a total of 80 miles. Please let me know as this is my first truck and I am quite concerned.

Thank you.

 

The light on the dash didn't give you any indication you were in 4wd?

 

You didn't notice the four wheel drive indicator on the dash?

 

were the roads wet or dry?

 

Only thing that matters is did something go bang, pop, or start leaking.


If the answer is no, you’re fine.

 

How was parking? It's a bitch in 4HI.

You're fine, dont think too much about it. If you drove 1000miles at 90mph it would be a concern.

 

You could it a few days and see how it feels.

 

Wow, I sure hope you didn't destroy your rear diff, front diff, transfer case, drive shafts or something else. Welcome to TW. Hope it all works out. Wow.

 

Not necessarily, there could be a lot of damage inside the case that just hasn't reacehed critical mass yet.

I had a 76' cherokee that was making some odd noises, but not "bang or pop".
Pulled over and unfortunately put it in reverse and the shredded chain bunched up and blew a hole in the case.

 

The stress you put your drivetrain under is only a minute fraction of the stress encountered when traversing difficult terrain in 4Hi, and when wheels are spinning in low traction environments. If you had broken anything, or caused serious damage, you would have known about it right away.

If you are really paranoid, pull your drain plugs. A blobby smear of metallic particles is normal on the rear dif magnet. The transfer case oil should be clear.

 

I’m not sure if the 4WD symbol came up and flashed, or if the lock rear diff symbol came up and flashed. They are almost identical symbols.

Should I spend money and have the vehicle inspected?

 

Diff lock should only come on with 4Lo and going very slow, so it was probably just 4Hi for you. Also, the diff lock is a button, not the knob.

 

Pmd

 

Just tell them the light randomly came on and made a grinding noise? Don't tell them about the 4hi part.

 

I’m pretty certain that the 4WD symbol was flashing, rather than the rear lock diff symbol.

Is it possible to accidentally turn on the rear lock diff? I read somewhere that you have to follow steps to turn it on, so it’s impossible to do it by accident. Can anyone confirm this?

Another question...

As far as I can tell, because the knob was set to 4HI, the issue here was probably that the truck was in 4WD while parked, and then when i tried to do sharp turns in the parking lot that is what caused the grinding noise and the truck stopping.

The only thing is, I don’t remember seeing the 4WD symbol on the past 5 days. I only saw it when it flashed. Is it possible for the knob to be set to 4HI and not show the 4WD light?

If I drove on pavement for 80 miles with 4HI turned on, and heard brief grinding 3 times on sharp turns, do you that I broke something? I thought I saw something drop from under the front of the car earlier today, but that could be anything, right?

Thank you so much for all the help.

 

Yeah.....there’s nothing more sensible than sending a well-meaning technician on a wild goose chase based on lies and bullshit.

How ‘bout complain bitterly when they don’t find anything, and demand a new truck?

Terrible advice.

What’s wrong with people.

 

Diff lock will only come on in 4lo