Low range question

I've got a dumb question for y'all. I have a 15 Tacoma, with an automatic. I seldom need 4wd here in the south, but this winter, our road was snow covered, so I decided to try low range on the way up the hill. When I shift into 4 low, I get a beeping, and a flashing light. Driving doesn't feel at all like low range should. Also, my wife has a 14 Fourrunner automatic that does the same thing. When I shift, I am stopped, in neutral. Am I doing something wrong, or is low range so close to hi range you can't tell the difference?

I'm used to hi and lo range from the snow plowing trucks I used to drive, and I don't think either Toyota is shifting into low.
If this is some really stupid owner defecit, feel free to laugh at me, but explain also.
Thanks

 

Put it in neutral with foot on the brake and shift to 4 low.

 

I did that. I think! Does the brake need to be on? I may have to go fire it up and try again. I'm really gonna feel stupid if I just didn't have the brake on! And on two vehicles too.

 

Must be at a full stop, in neutral. You also have to push the selector "in" while turning it.

Low is not the best for snow though. Generally, but not always, you are better off in 4 high for snow/ice.

 

OK, I just tried again. The 4LO light blinks, the beeper beeps, and no low range. The manual says try it again. Four more tries, and no low range. Time for a dealer visit?

 

Engage 4hi, make sure light is solid, complete stop, neutral, then switch to 4lo, wait for light to turn solid.

 

You will know you're in 4WD low, it's obvious. Your transmission will be in high gear at 35 MPH.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transfer-case-transfer-cases-in-first-and-2nd-gen-trucks.345652/

 

Texas comes through again! It wants to move a bit in 4HI, then neutral, 4LO, and wait a second or two for the solid light. Now I'll probably never need it again. Many thanks to all for the help.

 

Silly me. I searched for "Low Range", not the transfer case. I shall educate myself tonight!

 

4 Low on plain ole snow covered roads ? #6 reply hit it dead on......

I think you'll find High just right for slick snowy roads

 

Normally, I agree. However, our private road has a 38 degree stretch of pavement with two curves. Most residents leave a vehicle at the bottom of the hill, and walk to their houses in snowy weather. 38 degrees is like walking up steps. I wanted to try lo range to see how it would work, but decided I needed the exercise when I was outsmarted by the transfer case.
Actually getting up is the easy part. Coming down, miss the turn, and you are in George's livingroom!

 

did you read the card on your visor on how to operate your truck?

 

Yes, as a matter of fact, I did. When I switch to 4 HI, it engages right now. The card doesn't say to shift into 4 HI, move a bit so that the transfer case knows you want 4WD, then shift to neutral, and turn the switch to 4LO, and give the transfer case a while to reaalise that you really wanted 4LO instead and then decide that maybe it will engage 4 LO for you, unless you acted in haste, and the transfer doesn't respond well to being hurried like that. I kind of expected that when I turned the switch, that 4 low would be engaged as fast as 4 high is. Silly me. Now I know better.