Need Some Help: Issue with 4WD, 2018 SR

Just bought my new Tacoma a month ago. I love it but I’ve noticed a potential problem with it and I was wondering if someone w 4WD experience could help me out:

I havent used 4WD much to this point so the past couple days I’ve been trying to break it in. However, when 4WD High’s engaged and I’m at speeds near 0, more often than not, the rear wheels (I think) have a lot of resistance, similar feeling to having a bike in a really low gear, and the car almost jumps a bit when I hit the accelerator and slows quickly like there’s a lot of resistance. It’s been raining a bunch and I didn’t know if it had something to do with 4WD some sort of traction control sensor, but I haven’t noticed this problem previously (and this sensation was really noticable when I first felt it). No other sensors or lights, aside from 4WD, have turned on either on the dash.

If anyone could tell me what they think is going on, it’s greatly I would love to know if I’m jut a Tacoma rookie and this feeling’s normal or if this is something I should ask the dealership about, thanks!

 

Are you driving on pavement in 4WD? 4 High or 4 Low?

 

From your manual:

• “4H” (high speed position, four-wheel drive) Use this for driving only on tracks that permit the tires slide, like off-road, icy or snow-covered roads. This position provides greater traction than two-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive indicator will come on.
• For normal driving on dry and hard surface roads, use “2WD” position. Driving on dry and hard surface roads in “4H” or “4L” position may cause drive component oil leakage, seizure, or other problems resulting in an accident. Further, it may cause tire wear and increased fuel consumption.

What you're describing sounds like you're engaging 4WD when the tires don't have any ability to slip. Go find some gravel or dirt before you start playing around with 4WD. You might have occasion to use it on the road, but it would typically be when there is snow, ice etc and roads are really really slick. If you're turning sharply at low speeds in 4WD where the tires are unable to slip, it's perfectly normal to feel what you describe. You're binding up your transfer case which is not good to do.

 

Just to answer the next question you probably have. No, you probably didn't hurt anything.

Just quit using 4WD on the road.

 

Approximate conversation I had at a dealer while shopping for my 2017 OR:

Toyota salesman during one of my many testdrives: ok, now try putting it in low and lock the differential- that will get you out of anything.

Me: wont it hurt the truck doing it on pavement?

Salesguy: naw, its a Toyota, they can handle it. Its just a quick test to show you.

Me: have any trucks on the lot that you didnt testdrive yet?

Salesguy: I’m not sure, why?

 

Thanks, you explained exactly what I was experiencing. I thought a lot of rain would justify using 4H but I’ll avoid that. Manual said it’s good to use 4WD about 10 miles/month, but where I live, i dont think i’ll have that opportunity, at least not that distance w slick conditions (another reason i was using it) ... is that something i should go out of my way to make sure i do. Thanks a ton for the help!

 

I wouldn't sweat it too much. When going straight and it's raining you can flip it on, or find a scenic dirt road near you that you can hit every once in awhile. I've been driving 4x4s for a LONG time and I've never gone out of my way to make sure I get my 10 miles in every month. You just want to make sure you're sloshing the oil around every once in awhile to keep seals from drying out.

 

I'll just flip on 4HI every now and then, but ONLY when going straight on the HWY...... When I come to exit....flip her off.!