New 4X4 owner. Question about 4Hi engagement.

these transfer cases have neutral, we just don't have the option to put them in neutral.

 

The Crawl Control cant be used on flat pavement because it may ruin the computer FYI. You can however get on a little dirt incline and try it out before you go somewhere and get stuck trying to figure out how to use it.

 

He's old, just ignore him.

 

I am very curious how the use of CC at all could ruin the ECU? 2020 folks have been testing it over pavement curbs and lumber for a bit now trying to figure out if it is even working.


There is no system on the Taco that can be hurt on pavement driving straight. Beyond that, OVT has at least 400mi in 4Hi on pavement testing the driveline with his TT kit.

 

IDK but the manual said it so Actually, IDK if it was the manual or the toyota app that the dealership recommended I download that said that. It said to not try CC on a flat even surface, like pavement, because you risk damaging the computer (not sure if it meant ECU or some other computer component).

 

Things kinda have to be lined up for it to engage. Sure you can be sitting still in N and engage it and if the stars are aligned it will work

 

That's an odd one. If all the wheels are moving at the same speed, I just cannot see a problem. Even if the electronic booster locked up some or all of the wheels while CC was appling a bit of throttle, it wouldn't me much different that holding your brakes at a stop? After all, it is just the ABS system on steroids.

Of course, it might just be a legalese warning for folks who want to head down to the store with CC / MTS engaged.

 

@Wixo

You have no idea about my age.

Although, I do believe people can help themselves with a little effort. Like reading the Owner's Manual..............or looking at the placard on the bottom side of the driver's sun visor.

 

Front wheels straight, and drive train under minimal loading makes a difference in how easily 4wd will engage. If it does not want to release back to 2wd, stopping and backing up a foot or two helps. I imagine this action allows gears to unmesh and disengage.

 

my placard just tells me which way to face a kid seat. i dont have any damn kids.

 

Correct, ECU is not going to be harmed.

 

It means the person driving has some responsibility too, meaning it is not as user friendly as an all wheel drive like a little crossover. With the Tacoma you actually have to learn and do things to make it work. BTW the instructions are on your sunvisor...

 

Maybe it's like VSC can't retard the throttle if you are not applying throttle?
Maybe if all four wheels are on hard level ground it has no "delta" like wheel spin or inclines so it just don't know what to do?
Just throwing it out there!

 

Didn't read the thread so not sure if this is being repetitive, but I noticed 4 hi engagement doesn't work when I'm on the gas/accelerating. I usually coast, flip it to 4, have it engage, then back on the gas.

 

So you need kids?

 

I can barely take care of my self never mind another human. No thanks ill pass.

 

Look up at the sticker on your sun visor.

 

That is certainly a scenario that the system will encounter, but I cannot see any harm being caused. In the corp vids, they show CC being used for ascent and descent control and other cases where it is basically no-slip off road cruise control. In those situations, even on the lowest setting, it is mainly keeping the wheels turning at the same rate.

I have witnessed CC / MTS in action. Zero personal dislike other than the transmission choice, for me. It is voodoo-like, and after being stuck in sand with other vehicles before, can see how it would be a killer app there. I just can't see HW or SW issues with its use on pavement with no steering input. With steering input, I can't see it being worse than an accidental dry pavement turn in 4Hi that most of us have done at some point.


My biggest 4wd fear? Hard throttle using the 2Lo Mod. Even there, I can see tire slip happening before any damage, but there is the 2.57x transient that might grenade something in the rear driveline?

Recently, I did have the 2LM accidentally engaged for a short step climb. I was wondering why I was scrabbling for traction, but the TRAC system got me up while I had the throttle pinned. As far as I could tell, the ABS was holding both rear wheels at just above idle and kept me moving.

 

On my visor it's a sleeve with a plastic laminated card that you can take out.

 

If you can, find a local 4x4 club. There is bound to be another Tacoma owner in the group who can guide you, and most of the basics have no brand allegiance so even the Jeep guys could help you. Nothing beats a hands-on session with an experienced person.