4wd is on but doesnt work

Hello, i have a 2019 tacoma trd off-road. It has a 6 inch lift with 35 inch tires. Where i live is snowy and icy. I engaged 4 high and on the dash the light turns on and i hear a click but only the back tire still spins. I have no idea why it shows it’s in 4wd but not actually in 4wd. Any ideas?

 

you got one of them nifty bluetooth driveshafts?

 

Hahaha unfortunately not.

 

Do you have the ability to put it up on jackstands and verify that the front wheels aren’t spinning? Depending on how icey your roads are it might just be a perception thing. You’re on 35s which typically aren’t dedicated snow tires, so it could just be that you’re feeling/hearing the tires spinning and assuming it’s just the back wheels only.

 

If you are on ice/snow with open differentials, it might look like your truck is in 2WD at times, even though it’s in 4WD. I experienced myself when I was stuck in about 2 feet of snow. I only saw 1 back tire spin when I opened the door to check wtf was happening.

 

Front is open diff too, you sure one wheel isn't spinning up front?

 

Quick easy check... with all wheels on the ground, in 2wd, the front driveshaft will spin freely. 4wd, the front drive shaft will not spin. Then while still in 4wd, jack up a single front wheel. The wheel should not spin freely.

 

An interesting observation.

I see what looks to be military base housing, so that combined with a first post and lifted late model Tacoma on 35s is for some reason screaming to me “help, my truck has four wheel drive and 35’s and the wheels are still spinning on the ice when I floor it”

I mean I could be wrong, but having once been in that situation myself back in the day, I suspect there’s a chance I’m spot on.

 

I got stuck in knee deep snow and when ingot out only the one back tire was spinning. It’s impossible for me to get moving when at a stop sign or red light. I feel like i should be able to see the front tires getting power when i hit the gas. This is my first 4x4 I’ve always had AWD.

 

Junkhead this is exactly my issue.

 

i don’t normally floor it but at red lights it seems almost impossible to get moving again from the ice but i feel like the 4x4 should help with that more than just me spinning in the same spot.

 

Tires are everything. You couldn't pick a worse snow/ice tire than what is on your truck.

 

Why? Wildpeaks AT3W got the 3 peak snowflake rating. 3W stands for winter, wet, wear performance. Ask anyone, wildpeaks do great in winter weather.

 

It’s normal since both of your diffs are open unless you lock the rear. With very little traction and open diffs, your truck basically becomes a 2WD.

 

4wd does not equal 4 wheel traction

 

Any tire will pretty much suck on ice. Studded tires really do make a difference.

 

Junkhead, yeah it just sucks that i cant get moving from red lights but the little prius is already down the block.

 

My Duratracs are great in the snow on takeoff. Lots of traction, while other vehicles are still spinning. On ice it's a different story....That's where a Michelin X-Ice tire would win hands down.

 

Have you actually checked yet to see if the front axle is engaging properly?

 

Might check to see if you blew up a front CV With the fat tires.