How often to engage 4WD to keep it lubricated?

Once in a while if I think of it off season.

 

I’ll kick it into 4 if it’s been a while since i went off road and think to myself “hmm i dont want the 4wd switch seizing up i should throw it in 4”

 

Thread reminded me to do it, so I was on a nice straight flat paved road and slipped to 4H for a small while.

Turned it off at a stop sign as I was about to hit some roundabouts into a city park.

The park has some nice straight roads so I stopped. Put truck in neutral, then to 4Hi and into 4Lo. Figured why not.
The indicator flashed like it was engaging but then a buzzing sound followed right away.

Hmmmm, took it out of 4Lo to 4Hi. Back to 4Lo and indicator light came on and it clunked into 4Lo. Has anyone had this buzzing sound going into 4Lo ?... shoulda took video but I didn't.

 

Whenever I remember

 

I use it as needed which is usually limited to several times in the winter and a couple of times off roading in the summer.

 

i usually use 4h when i need it , i didnt know that i need it to use regularly

 

I called Toyota engagement center about this today.
I told her where I live their are normally snow covered roads periodically from Nov to Feb. I asked her what to do the rest of the year and after putting me on hold to do some research she basically said I was overthinking it.
She told me to not drive it in 4wd on dry pavement.
Gravel roads are fine but go slow, didn't quantify what slow is. Don't get hung up on the 10 miles a month statement in the owner's manual. That if I wanted to engage 4wd occasionally on gravel for peace of mind go ahead but many owners go for years without using it and have no problem when they do.

Of course her follow up email was unclear; follow the manual but some don't wo issues.


Quote from follow up email she sent follows.
Please refer to pg 305 in Owner's Manual.
https://support.toyota.com/s/article/How-do-I-operate-the-7887?language=en_US

Some vehicle owners never use 4WD and do not experience any seizing or locking of the vehicle. Make sure the vehicle reduces speed (less than 62 mph) when switching from 2WD to 4H.

Sincerely,

Lily
Toyota Brand Engagement Center.
End quote.

So my question is has any gen 3 owner not engaged 4wd for a year or longer and found it was inoperable/frozen up?

 

Once a month...as a matter of fact...I'm due.

 

4WD drives both AXLES the same speed, not necessarily wheels.

 

I use these threads as reminders to exercise the 4wd.

 

It's more than fine, especially if your system is functioning properly. But even if not I'd rather be stuck in 4wd in harsh weather than 2wd.

 

whenever I need to back up to the barn with something, when I leave, I put it in 4 lo and cruise around the pasture a couple times before going back out on the road.

 

I just learned this now sadly, after owning the new truck since December 2023.

I had tested it back in the winter for the first time and everything worked (4 hi, 4 lo, and the locking diff). But I haven't engaged it since then. Today, I can throw into 4 hi, but it just beeps and beeps all day long trying to put it into 4 lo.

Guess it's time for a dealer visit.

#LessonsLearned

 

Fiddle with it more, 4L is tricky sometimes. I usually barely coast at walking speed, put in N, and then engage 4L when I am coasting to a stop. Make sure no throttle/load on drivetrain. Works every time.

 

Thanks. I'll try some more.

I remember it was finicky when I first engaged 4 Lo and the locker, but I got it done. This time it seems as through the truck is telling me, "Heh...good luck with that, bro".

 

It seems to shift better after everything is warmed up. My trick for 4low is to come to a complete stop, put it in neutral, shift, then let off the brake and let it slowly roll if it doesn't shift right away.

 

Appreciate this info! I know the truck wasn't warmed up when I just tried it. Will give it another shot!

 

Twice a week for me, but only in a straight line and a very short distance on a paved surface.
Just enough to exercise the solenoids and keep the lubricant moved a bit.

I'm not an off-roader, nor do I travel in snow.
If this bit of frequent exercise brings up a failure, I want it now, under warranty, rather than X years later when I actually need 4WD and it craps out.

My owner's manual states the exact procedure above, to enter 4-LO.

 

Here is the correct procedure try this before you go to the dealer.

While in drive sitting still not moving put it in 4Hi if the light is blinking it’s still not engaged if that happens shift to reverse foot firmly on brake then back to drive light should stop blinking and you are in 4Hi if not repeat till you are.

Next while in 4Hi foot on brake shift to neutral then to 4Lo and it will usually go right in lights are all solid no blinking no alarm.

Lastly set rear locker if equipped.

Reverse procedure to get back to 2Hi

This always works for me I’m sure someone will correct me if it’s not exactly correct.

 

With the truck fully warmed up after driving, I was successful on the first attempt for all drive modes using your procedure. Wow!

Thank you so much!

*Adds calendar reminder to repeat this once a month*