4x4 flash

I used my 4hi the other night to go up a hill in the snow. Switched to N and hit 4H, light came on steady and up I went. Today, I was in N switching from 2WD to 4H. If I stayed in N it just continued to flash. If I waited a few seconds and then went from N to D, the 4x4 went solid. There wasn’t any inclement weather so I did not know if the 4x4 was actually engaged. Same thing with turning it down from 4H to 2WD. Owners manual makes it sound like its okay, but its making me uneasy to think that it will just always blink. It was the first time I used the 4x4, I’ve had the truck a month.

And yes, I am new to truck gang and 4x4ing (last car was AWD). Just looking for reassurance that the blinking is okay, or if there is something obvious I am missing. Or any help lol. Thanks

 

4x4 has always been funky on my tacomas 2nd gens, 3 gens, autos, 6 speeds. Its wonky youll feel it engage/disengage.

 

You can go in and out of 2hi / 4hi without stopping under 60mph. The engagement may take a second and once it is solid green, you are good to go. You should be moving tho, and I recommend not doing it under load or while spinning.

 

Yeah I came to a stop before I switched. Do you think the blinking light is a concern? All videos (and the first time I used it) make it seem like it should go solid pretty quick.

 

and like stated above it is very difficult to engage 4low/high once you are stuck so make sure you are engaged before anything rough or sugar sand

 

Not a concern at all. Sometimes mine takes longer to engage/disengage (blinking) than others. It really has to do with the alignment of the system. Always roll while doing it.

Some helpful info:
https://www.tacomahq.com/4546/toyota-tacoma-4-wheel-drive-explained/

 

The blinking light is the system telling you that it is in transition and not fully locked in yet. Sometimes, turning a bit or wiggling the steering for 4Lo will get it done. Once it is solidly lit, you are fully it.

 

so always be moving forward when switching 2 and 4H? I know 4L has to go to park then N. Sorry for the dumb questions but I appreciate the patience and feedback. Will definitely check that link.

 

I should add that for switching form 4hi to 4lo and vice versa, you MUST be in neutral and (for AT) absolutely wait for everything to be done before going back to D. If it beeps, just switch back to 4hi, roll a little, try again.

Yep! But 4L does not need P then N, just D to N

 

This is very true, but . . .

This is somewhat not true. Driving straight on dry pavement is just fine. Turns and corners will start to bind things though.

 

Yep. You got it.

 

100%. "Not driving on pavement" is about differentials binding (namely the front LSD) when turning.

Edit: in case folks come here later, please note the correction by @tonered below:

 

I hear you. But, folks gotta learn at some point.

Besides that, I think we all took a corner while accidentally in 4Hi once or twice. Hahaha!

 

Just saying, but we don't have LSDs. The binding is caused by the T case and the front and rear axles following two different arcs through a corner.

No big deal though. Just that part time 4wd is very different than AWD.

 

Has anyone hitt the diff lock switch instead of the fog light switch lol i have

 

So another dumb one...switch back to 2wd before making a turn?

 

Yep! If on pavement. If on dirt, you don't have to.

 

My thought is better to be in 4hi and not need it vs the alternative.