Switching to 4-Hi while turning

Hello TacomaWorld. First time Tacoma owner and poster.

Had a bit of a concerning situation with my 2023 Tacoma TRD Off Road that I thought I would bring to the forum.

While driving up a canyon in snowy conditions, I decided to switch to 4-Hi since the road was getting slick. Unfortunately the road had a pretty steep incline and a lot of curves, and I noticed it took the truck 30 or so seconds, maybe even up to a minute, to engage the front tires. Then, when we made it to our destination about 5-10 min later, I got out and noticed a burning smell, similar to the smell you would expect if you wore out your brakes. I immediately thought of the 4WD, checked underneath, but didn't see any leaks beneath the truck.

Having owned other vehicles with similar 4-Hi switching capabilities, I guess I took the ease of 2WD-to-4WD switching a bit for granted, assuming that you were good to switch to 4-Hi while moving (not 4-Lo) as long as you weren't going too fast. I later consulted the Tacoma manual where I read you should not switch to 4-Hi while turning (or slipping for that matter, tho I wasn't slipping when I switched, just turning).

Should I be concerned of serious or troubling damage to the transfer case or something else mechanical? If so, what can I check/do to be sure?

My hope is that I can chalk it up to a first-time owner's mistake and move on, lesson learned, without stewing about possible issues with the truck.

 

If it still engages I wouldn't worry about it. Definitely don't do it again. It's not good. Try to engage when you're going straight or before you need it.

People are going to recommend you change your fluids. Do that if you want, check for metal, but you should be fine.

 

The smell could have little or nothing to do with 4x4, rather you were working the engine and transmission. I monitor my transmission temperatures and getting to 200F+ is easy.

 

If 4WD is working probably nothing to do. Looks like a new truck, so ask dealer. I use my 4Hi in out as needed in winter while moving on curves and straights in all kinds of mixed conditions with no issues. Maybe your brakes still new and you are smelling them?

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome!

 

I knew I came to the right place. The World of Tacoma knows all.

Thanks for the info. Much obliged.

 

Ah…. Lots of comments and opinions, some ideas may be good, others not so. But lots of toilet reads.

 

Don't over think it These trucks are tough.

 

The reason it took so long to engage 4-hi is it can't while under load. Yes, you should be moving, but on a fairly level surface.