2018 TRD ORD stuck in 4Lo - any advice for interactions with dealer

Hi Everyone,

Like the title says, my 2018 TRD ORD is stuck in 4lo. I was in Anza Borrego this past weekend on some trails when I came across some mud. I tried to cross but quickly realized that was a bad choice. I put it in 4lo and backed my way out. When i got out of the mud I tried to put it back in 4hi. It looks like it engaged but when I would go from N to Drive or Reverse I only heard grinding. I was able to take trails back to where I was camping. Yesterday I waited 8 hours for Toyota RoadSide Assistance to send a tow truck and pick it up. Currently the truck is at the dealer and they are diagnosing the issue.

My question, is this any way my problem because I was actually using the truck as designed?
The day before I hit a mud puddle and truck is now covered in mud. Any thing I can do if they try to place blame on me. Thanks in advance.

 

Saw pretty much this same post the other day, that guy said dealer denied warranty due to use and they were trying to get him for like 7 grand for a new transfer case. Good luck and keep us posted

 

oh...great...
thanks, I will let you guys know.

 

I'm not saying this is your fault, but this certainly is a leading question.

I'd hope toyota does the right thing here, but there are lots of ways you can accidentally fuck your truck up using it as intended that wouldn't be covered.

 

You bought a truck, not an amphibious assault vehicle. How in the world can you even conceive the notion that sinking it in the mud was what it was designed for? Warranties are to cover manufacturer defects not abuse. Unless it was some amazing coincidence that a part failed at the exact time your were trying to play Joseph Hazelwood this is on your.

 

There it is. The stupidest thing I will read all day.

Thank you.

 

Should have had a tow truck tow it thru a car wash before calling Toyota... you might have had better luck. Sorry OP unless Jesus intervenes, you'll be paying OOP

 

lol, I was not sinking in the mud. I still have the stock tires on, as soon as i hit the mud i started spinning. I never sunk in. I switched to 4lo and got the f out of there. when i got out, i switched to 4hi, the 4lo lights went out but I couldnt go anywhere.

 

I wasnt trying to ask a leading question, just hoping for the best I guess.

 

This is why mud just plain sucks....water, snow, ice, sand, dirt, rocks...all fun and fine to play in. Mud is asking for trouble.

I had issues with my clutch slipping for awhile after doing a muddy trail once, finally resolved itself after a few days but I avoid sticky mud like the plague now.

 

the thought did cross my mind, he just seemed a little busy.

 

there normally isnt mud in the desert. Ive used 4lo before and had no problem. oh well, thanks for the comments guys. I will keep you updated

 

Problem with mud is that it gets into places it shouldn't, much like water can but water can at least dry out or drain out assuming it isn't trapped. Mud leaves a mess behind and causes problems if it gets into things it shouldn't. Alternators, fans, radiators, brakes, clutches, electronics, etc.

 

Yikes. Good luck OP.

 

Were you in neutral when trying to switch out of 4lo?

 

Yes, i was. I stopped, switched to N and then turned the dial to 4hi. The 4lo lights went out but when I tried to put it in D or R it would just grind. Then when going back to 4lo it would not engage. I then shut the truck offwith the dial in 4lo and when the truck started, 4lo was already engaged.

If I was doing something to tear my stuff up I could understand the comments Sungod, but driving on a muddy trail road that shows up on the Tacoma GPS is not tearing up equipment.

 

What was the sequence of events you used to put it in and take it out of 4lo/4hi? I'm just curious because my dealership gave me special instructions that contradicted the owner's manual but has seemed to work.

 

What are the special instructions?

 

Here you go. Hand written on the manual by the master tech.

The reason I have this, is my rear locker was giving me a ton of issues not locking and not unlocking. I was told the manual is incorrect.

 

Well, if it’s stated in the manual incorrectly and not amended at time of purchase, that’s on Toyota, not the owner.