Putting it in 4wd regularly to keep the system working

I’m told I really need to put the truck in 4wd regularly — i.e., monthly — to keep the system working etc.

I do put find need to use 4 high a couple times a month, so it’s not like my system is going without use.

But is it necessary to also put it in 4 low? Much fewer opportunities/need for that around here day to day. A few times a year on longer range trips, sure. But on a regular basis near the house or work…no.

 

Pretty sure everything gets lubricated adequately from running it in 4-Hi, but I also just shift it into 4-Lo a few times every now and then in the driveway if I haven't used it recently just to work the actuator.

 

It's more the actuator that you're exercising, not the gears. You can just shift it into 4LO and back to HI a few times and that serves the same purpose too if you can't drive it in LO.

 

I think owner's manual states engage 4wd about 10 miles a month if I remember correctly. I am lazy and do not follow it. In the rain when I remember it I switch to 4HI. That's all.

 

What's the procedure to switch in 4Lo.
2018 CM
thank you

 

You have had the truck for 6 years and do not know how to switch to 4LO?

Here is a copy of the manual which has that and lots of other helpful information.

https://assets.sia.toyota.com/publi...*MTcxMjc2MjY3OS40LjEuMTcxMjc2MjY5My40Ni4wLjA.

 

thank you

 

Flip to 4hi - wait for it to fully engage. Put the vehicle in neutral while stopped then flip to 4Lo. Wait for it to fully engage before putting transmission in gear.

 

My RV trailer storage is a gravel lot. Every time I go to the lot to check the trailer I engage 4WD and drive a few laps around the place. Not 10 miles but better than zero.

 

I live in the city (San Diego) so you kinda' have to make a point to go find dirt to play in.

Fortunately there's a patch of sand at Fiesta Island down on Mission Bay not far from me, so I'll go down there every so often just to drive in the sand and put it in 4WD.

Sometimes it's because we're expecting a deluge of rain and I need to fill sandbags so my garage doesn't get water coming in the doors.



Otherwise, whenever I find myself on dirt I'll engage it just to actuate and lube everything.