Truck stuck in 4 Lo

California has one of the best department of consumer protection in the country . New vehicle warranties are almost always strictly regulated and dealers often bear the burden of proof when denying claims. Open a case with them as well as what others have suggested.

One neat trick.....send a letter to the CEO so you can then include him as your contact at Toyota on the official form.

The way it goes is someone from AG office calls Toyota and asks for their general counsel, they ask for counsel to turn over evidence supporting their denial.

 

That isn't a California thing... that's a federal thing.
A complete explanation, in writing, is definitely required wherever OP happens to be.
The explanation given will be necessary for the owner to decide what the next step must be. If the tow truck driver caused serious damage, then neither Toyota nor the dealer will be liable for the damages, but the towing company and driver *will* be.

 

California has a specific program that OP can use to get documentation.

https://bar.ca.gov/Consumer/Complaints/index.html

If he goes to arbitration, it can save him tons of discovery fees. Also, if a dealer withholds info, or fails to meet the States requirements, the Arbitrator can rule in his favor.

A good rule of thumb is that as a dealer you need to be able to provide reasonable evidence of abuse. From what OP States they have not done that, and may not be able to do so.

 

I drove it normal into parking spot, when I left I put it in drive and my truck was in 4 Lo somehow. So, i tried to put in 4 HI and 4Lo to get it to disengage. It was clicking and clanking trying to get into gear. My truck moved when I put it in drive but it was in 4 Lo (when my knob hadn't moved off of 2 wheel drive). So you cant drive above 5 mph in 4 Lo so had to get it towed.... I had it towed on a flat bed no wheels dragged

 

Update: Opened case with Toyota Corporate, they are looking into the case. I am suppose to get call from them today or latest tomorrow. Dealership told me it would be $900 for them to crack my transfer case so they can get it all appraised to see if they can fix it after they already told me I needed a new one???........

 

Still not real clear, but I'll run with that.
Sounds to me like an actuator problem. Possibly the sensor reading was invalid (the sensors are built into the actuator), so it tried to force it beyond its normal operating range.

5mph? What happens when you try to go over 5? Should be able to go 55 before it hits the redline. Probably more for a 6-cyl. The only thing that should actually *limit* your speed to 5 MPH is rear differential lock.

 

I don't know if you have ever been wheeling or not, but you cant drive 55 mph in 4 Lo......

 

This is significant. That means they did not act in good faith when they told you it was not covered. It means they had no diagnostic information to indicate any action on your part that invalidated the warranty.

Also, if it turns out to be the actuator, it will be difficult if not impossible for them to prove you damaged actuator through abuse.

Remember they have to prove abuse, you do not have to prove you did not abuse the part

 

So you're telling me they added a retard mode to low range? That's pretty hilarious.

Can anybody confirm that 2016+ have a 5 mph governor in low?


I wonder if you're making assumptions about how slow it seems to go in 1st gear low range?
This time of year, I'm pushing a snow plow every few days. 2nd gear low is the sweet spot for plowing. Its a (2.54 * 2.06 =) 5.23:1 ratio, which gives me a speed range of 0-23 mph. Easier on engagement than 1st high (3.95:1), and enough speed to do the job. In general, the tight gear spacing in low makes it much better for maximizing torque at whatever speed you need.

 

Dont have to drive around in 4L, I was recommending periodically switch in and out of 4L for move the low range gear and work the actuator.

 

no way to go fast in 4Lo...It's geared real low...!! Try it man...

The truck redlines real quick....I don't like it. About 5 mph or less is OK.

It's for getting OUT of trouble real slow with lots of torque on the wheels.

 

You need to try it. Put it in 5th gear low range and see how fast it can go. Mine will go 90 kph at redline. I've done it. Unless they put a governor on the 2016+ models, yours should be able to also.

 

I use 2nd and 3rd in 4L all the time at the beach. Usually driving around at 10-20mph. 2017 OR.

 

Thank you. Confirmed that the 5mph claim is bogus and there is no governor.

 

Put the truck back to stock and take it to another dealer . Make sure it is clean underneath too .

 

I cruise in 4th gear and 4lo ~20mph all the time on some trails, where the majority of it is spent crawling but you occasionally hit easy stretches. Not gonna switch in/out of 4hi-4lo all the time so just go faster in 4lo. Not going to hurt anything except maybe your gas mileage, as long as you aren't redlining it.

 

OK, I'm NOT an expert and have never tried driving fast in 4Lo... Had no reason. I apologise for my lack of knowledge.

My use of 4Lo has been in muddy or tight spots and speed was not required, but traction was...

I'm gonna try that the next time our road has a foot or 2 on it..!!

Thanx for the edgemucation….

 

Guess I don't have that issue in So Cal........ Thanks for the google tips

 

Sure dont let them charge you a dime to crack that open, especially before you are sure it is the case at all. (Still thinking it is almost infinitely more likely electrical, but just armchairing here)

 

Wait sooo you parked the truck in 2WD then randomly it went into 4LO?

So the transfer case add shifted itself into 4LO putting the tcase into 4lo, then the actuator on the front diff got the signal and locked it into that..

Interesting. I mean mine is f'd up too but I caused it.