Stupid 4WD knob right next to the AC knobs

I love my knob. Does that make me a knob lover?

 

Only a knob would ask such a question

 

I’m concerned about all the people that say “look before you adjust the knob.” Do you look at every knob, switch, and button in your truck before you operate it? That’s time your eyes aren’t on the road and if I take your position seriously, all that time adds up. I’m worried about driving next to you...

I expect to be able to operate most functions in a vehicle without looking away from the road. Toyota fucked up with the 4WD knob by making it identical to the HVAC knobs. Form over function. Looks pretty.

I’m also upset with the placement of the hazard button. I’ve brushed it several times with my hand, very lightly, while reaching for the HVAC controls and that’s enough to turn it on. That button should require more pressure to engage. It’s also possible to confuse it when reaching for the heated mirror control, which is similar in shape and located just beneath it.

 

Ok, now bear with me (<----see what i did, there?)... No need to be afraid. We are talking about a quick glance in the direction of the controls as your hand is reaching towards them for adjustment. Basically, the amount of time that it takes an average person to blink. The concept is relatively simple & takes the minimum amount of brain function for a normal human being to accomplish... I seriously doubt, and hope, that no one is staring at these control knobs for an extended period of time while driving. If so, they probably shouldn't be walking anywhere alone, much less driving any kind of vehicle. There are special places for these people.

Now, I do realize that I used words and/or phrases such as "average", "normal" and "these people". With that being said, this is TW, so... As a disclaimer, I sincerely apologize to anyone if you feel that you fall outside of "average" and "normal" as categorized within this post, and feel offended. If you are one of "these people", that sucks... for you.

 

How does anyone even manage to operate these new-fangled vehicles these days??? I do declare!

 

I got used to where mine were within the first few months. Also you should be able to see all those controls with your peripheral vision, unless you don't have any. I don't look down, but I can see where my hand is out of the corner of my eye. Don't know what to say when people keep doing it over and over again. Just my couple of cents.

You pushy a thingy and move that other thingy, stomp feet and vroom vroom.

 

So today I'm driving home and the county graded my dirt road in the rain--stupid, just makes it a mudhole. I get stuck in a low spot ~1/2 mile from the house. Reach over and turn on the 4WD and shower down on the go pedal...NOTHING happens. Still stuck only now my eyes are getting dry and I'm getting hot. Sounds like air moving around the cab--maybe from the tires spinning?

Shower down on it again and...NOTHING. Now I'm stuck even deeper and my eyes are REALLY getting dry. WTH Toyota? Get out and walk the rest of the way home in the mud. So now I'm really pissed and my eyes are really dry. What a POS!

 

never once gotten the 2 confused

 

I wouldn’t say that it “keeps happening to me,” but it does happen periodically. It would never happen if Toyota used a different, size, shape, texture, or placement for the 4WD knob. I don’t think I’m asking for a lot here.

Also, for the record, the knob is not in my peripheral vision when I’m driving. It’s occluded by the steering wheel and I can’t see it without leaning to the side.

 

I agree they could have done it differently and made it better and easier for people to use without mistaking it for another one. Just put in my opinion.

 

Just put a cock ring on it and get over it already

 

First world problems.

 

This logic could be applied to around 99% of the things we complain about on a daily basis, but it doesn't mean you're not allowed to have issues or complaints.

 

Oh come on I’m just giving him a little guff it’s not like I don’t understand. Mastering the two switch set up takes time.

 

There is a dry eye epidemic with these Tacoma's! Something needs to be done about this!

 

My motor scooter has the dang ole horn right by the turn signal...

 

I’ve created a completely different problem for myself. Often when I hop in the truck I reach down to start the truck and I jam my finger because the start button (4WD knob) won’t depress. FML!!!

 

Judging by the responses, it will come as a surprise to many that some drivers get so used to the controls in their vehicle that they don't have to look/glance at the controls before operating them.

This is not advisable with the 4WD knob in a Tacoma. You have to at least glance before engaging.

Is it the end of the world? No! It's a first world problem. But so are 95% of the posts on this entire forum.

Want to hear another one? The indicator on the vent position is a tiny white spot, especially hard to "read" when switching between windshield and feet.

Again, another first world problem. That doesn't mean though that those are not stupid design decisions. The two are not mutually exclusive.

 

There's a TSB coming that adds a humidifier to the truck that should've come from the factory, due to the overwhelming complaints of dry eyes