Tacoma is parked in snow and won't shift into 4H.

I tried getting my Tacoma out of my driveway and the tires just spin in the snow. So I tried putting it into 4H. But the 4H button just blinks on the dashboard. Normally I switch into 4H when the truck is moving slowly and the light blinks a few times and then stays on. In this case I can't put it into 4H because the truck isn't moving.

Can I put it into 4Low without getting it in 4H? If not... is the 4H / 4L pretty much useless when the truck is snowed in? Thanks!

 

Are you on an incline? Ive known people to have an issue engaging 4wd if it isn't level.

 

Yes, my driveway is on an incline.

 

Try reverse

 

Sometimes it will not shift into 4 stationary. Try forward reverse small movements should go right in.

Had to do with t case front and rear drive shafts lining up.

 

Not aligned for engagement? May try and get moving in 2WD? Shouldn't take much.

 

My kingdom for a 3rd gen transfer case shift lever. My kingdom plus $100 for a 3rd gen transfer case with twin stick shift levers.

 

I put it in reverse and just let go of the brake causing the truck to rock back a little and it worked Thanks everyone!

What is this my kingdom transfer case?

 

I'd be finding out why it won't go into 4wd like that. My truck was sitting in snow today. It went into 4wd instantly just like it does on the fly. Doesn't matter if an incline or not, or under power. This is a super slick system compared to the clunky tundra one i had.

 

In order to lock into 4wd you have to line up the cogs in the transfercase. Putting it in gear and easing off the brake to engage the transfercase is the safest way to get it to engage in this situation. Don't try revving up and then engage it. That could break something.

 

It will make a spectacular sound when it happens as well lol.

 

My driveway is downhill so I always reverse into the spot. So this leaves my truck facing uphill. Obviously if I put the truck in drive and let off of the brake, it won't go forward. Should I put it in reverse instead and let off the brake to engage the 4h?

 

The older 4wd were easier to put in 4x4 going in reverse

 

I think you’ll find that the more you engage 4wd, the easier it will be to engage; it’s like it needs to ‘wear in’ for lack of a better term. Plus in very low temps the oil in your Transfer Case will be thicker then on a warm day and that can also effect how it engages.

 

I’d trade mine for manual-locking hubs and a TC lever.

 

Put in drive, switch to 4high and give it a lil gas to spin the back tires slowly, stuff will align and the tcase and front diff will clunk into place.

No you can not shift directly to 4L. You need to be fully in 4h first. And I can guarantee it will work by doing above.

 

Yeah, not sure why but sometimes these trucks won't shift without motion. Never had this issue in my GMC. It also shifted faster. But I still love my Taco and it works.

 

As long as you move a bit, you should be able to lock it in.

 

Should be able to engage 4wd easily by turning the knob while in park at idle. Mine clicks right in every time and i'm on a slight incline.

 

Yes. It is called meshed. Go back and forth. Check the book.