VSC light comes on shifting into 4H - Front end feels like it dragging/binding up

Help! No Codes and truck is perfect in 2WD. Truck seems to fully engage in 4 wheel drive both H and L. (no flashing 4 wheel light) but VSC light comes on immediately shifting into H (after turning dial to 4H and before flashing 4wd light goes solid) and when driving it feels like the front end is all bound up/dragging and stiffer as I go especially if turning at all. I have tried disabling the VSC, TRAC and auto LSD. This also seems to all work in 2WD but in 4H I don’t seem able to disable the Auto LSD. One more clue, to disengage 4wd I have to stop and back up a ways and then go forward again to complete the shift to 2WD and then no more VSC light. Any thoughts are welcome! Dealer had no ideas. Thanks in advance!

 

you will experience dragging/binding at times in 4wd on hard pavement, and badly in turns. Test it in gavel or loose soil so the wheels can slip some when in 4wd. Driving around and turning on hard pavement in 4wd should not be done unless you are driving in a straight line, such as to do the 10 min a month driving in 4wd to keep everything lubed. It can cause binding and breaking of components. Find a place to test that will allow the wheels to slip some. You may or may not have a problem.

 

Hi, thanks. I understand exactly what you are saying but this is very different than it was before and with my 2013. Very stiff and the VSC light is not normal.

 

On my 2008 the VSC is automatically turned off when you select 4HI. So, the light comes on. I am not sure if that changes for different year models. You can look in the owners manual and it will tell you for sure. That is where I found it when I first bought my truck.

 

Hey guys do someone fix the problem above? I have exactly the same problem (Help! No Codes and truck is perfect in 2WD. Truck seems to fully engage in 4 wheel drive both H and L. (no flashing 4 wheel light) but VSC light comes on immediately shifting into H (after turning dial to 4H and before flashing 4wd light goes solid) and when driving it feels like the front end is all bound up/dragging and stiffer as I go especially if turning at all. I have tried disabling the VSC, TRAC and auto LSD. This also seems to all work in 2WD but in 4H I don’t seem able to disable the Auto LSD. One more clue, to disengage 4wd I have to stop and back up a ways and then go forward again to complete the shift to 2WD and then no more VSC light. Any thoughts are welcome! Dealer had no ideas. Thanks in advance!

 

I’d start by changing your front diff fluid

 

Thanks. Do Is that complicated or is like rear differential? What kind of oil??

 

I used Mobil 1

$39 75w-90 GL-5 Limited Slip, Ultra Long Drain 500k Miles, Manual Transmission, Gear/Differential Lubricant (1 Gallon)

75w-90. The hardest part is getting a funnel extension tube into the diff. Easy job.

 

Do you thinks that should work?? Is my first tundra and my firs pure 4x4 I have no idea what’s going on. Lol

 

What's the maintenance history on it? How many miles? It certainly can't hurt and it'll cost you two quarts of fluid and a 1/2 hour of your time.

 

Thanks man for advice

 

Handy for several jobs. $6 at Walmart, in the boating section

 

Sir I just checked the oil and is in really good shape no smell and very very clean.

 

Are all tires the same size and tread depth? Very inflation pressure too.

 

Is your alignment good?

Honestly it’s hard to answer this. If you’ve never had a full time 4wd it may feel weird. I’d go find a dirt road and do about 20 miles, shifting in and out and see if things loosen up as far as the actuator goes.

 

Well I have to put it in correct tires pressure but I think I haven’t tire sensors . Could be the problem??

 

Check manual to confirm if vsc light is normal in 4wd.

My first thoughts are:

Check oil level in front differential.

Check oil level in transfer case.

Check front drive shaft. In 2wd, you should be able to spin it by hand. Grease ujoints on it if it has fittings.

Visually check cv axles for twisted or torn boots or leaking grease.

 

If the circumference of the tires on either axle set is different for any reason (including low pressure), it will cause binding as the the rolling distance per revolution would have them at different distances if the axles are trying to rotate the same RPM.

This will cause binding. Yes by the book tire markings for section area, sidewall height, and wheel diameter may be identical. Throw in a different tire maker and the tires physical circumference may be different. Hence the importance of replacing tires as a set.

My old ford's with gear drive transfer cases New Process NP-205, they purposely fitted the front axle with 4.10:1 ratio and the rear with 4.11:1. The reason, on corners the front has to travel further and this minimizes binding.
On wet roads the front is pulling (travels small amount further per axle RPM) vs the rear pushing so the front stays up front during say icing conditions.

Inflation pressure, tread depth, tire size, and tire manufacturers should all match for reduced drag in 4WD.

 

I just checked mine. It’s an 08 and the VSC off light comes on when I shift into 4hi.

 

Thanks everyone for advices. I just find where is the noise and is transfer case. I didn’t check the oil level yet.

 

But still hard to go 4hi to 2wd