How does Toyota 4WD System works and why is it reliable?

How does Toyota 4WD system works and why is it reliable? A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician explains the basic components and their operation. also some diagnosis tips.
In this video I decided to make a more broad video of Toyota Trucks 4WD system. This is still part of the 4runner series but since the 4runner shares a similar 4WD system found in other Toyota and Lexus trucks like the Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia, FJ cruiser, Land Cruiser, Lexus GX and LX models.
I will cover the 2 basic designs which are full time AWD system and Part Time 4WD system. Locking differentials and Low range.
These systems are old and that's partly why they are reliable. Some updates happened over the years but the basic operating theory remains the same.
For my awesome viewers following the 4runner series, in the next episode I'll be covering brakes!
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0:00 Intro
1:24 4WD basic construction
3:30 Part Time 4WD
9:58 Locking Diffs
10:44 Low Range
12:36 Full Time AWD

[@TheCarCareNut]

Let’s clarify one thing that many have commented about. Center locking differential. There is models that have both 2Hi,4Hi free unlocked, 4HI locked ( center diff locked ) and then 4Lo. Many have mentioned that there is not such thing. I encourage you to research the 4th generation 4Runner VF4AM transfer case on the V6 models which is essentially a modified full time transfer case to have an option of 2WD driving. It does have a TORSEN center differential and can be shifted in 2WD as well. That was called multi mode 4WD system. So in my video when I included the center differential on the part time 4WD I was referring to this particular case. So YES there is a model with center differential and is technically speaking a part time 4WD. The terminology can be taken out of context here. Thank you.

[@DrDGr2]

Beside the Nightshade or Limited version, are you aware of CURRENT 2021 model that have a Torsen (Multi Mode 4WD)? Thanks

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! The multi mode is not available anymore as honestly it was overkill to begin with.

[@ArifShaikh-fn1rc]

Thanks brother

[@82dupont]

@@TheCarCareNut ...I love my overkilled 4th Generation V6. I can lock 4HI or let it roll as 4HI. I can leave it in 2WD, and I can use 4LO but I never needed to.

[@TheCarCareNut]

@Smoke Stack so it’s supposedly made to help with gas mileage so you can drive on dry pavement with 2WD. Do you notice a difference?

[@Anywherewego1987]

Keep doing toyota reviews and make us knowledgeable..as a toyota owner your video is far informative than other.. you being a master on toyota helps keep it up

[@RoyFJ65]

The only thing to do is to engage it once a month and give a thorough workout once a year and it keeps running for good as long as you keep it lubed.

[@coloradoboo1071]

Yes but I've been advised to only engage my 4x4 in my Tundra on snow/grave and to avoid using it on dry pavement, especially when making turns.

[@RoyFJ65]

@@coloradoboo1071 any loose pavement will do, dirt, gravel included.

[@DeCSSData]

@@coloradoboo1071 Because in that car the 4WD is only part-time and therefore it is locked diffs from the begin of engaging it. And if you drive with locked differentials on ground where the tires have a lot of grip all arround you will wind up the driveshafts and gears because something has to take the power of the differences while turning if the tires didn't let it go. If the ground is loose or slippery somewhat so that the tires can spin trough a little it evens out itself. If you do drive on very good hard ground with 4WD you can literally lock up the drivetrain to an halt where every little gear and shaft is fastend up by force and the car just wouldn't move any more. Then you have to lift the wheels of the ground one after another or if you can both on one axle at the same time to let the forces out. After that it will work again in most cases.

[@whelennut]

Can I order a 4 Runner with a Manual transmission?

[@RoyFJ65]

@@whelennut I may be wrong but I don't think they have come with manual transmissions for a long while.

[@mikekellokoski9745]

Keep the videos coming! They're all invaluable!

[@Carlos_Jzx]

Yes they are! I had no idea mine had a return fuel line I thought they all got remove at the beginning of the 2000.🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Mako2-1]

Yes they are!

[@TheCarCareNut]

Catch up on the rest of the series here! kzbin.info/aero/PLeFzfl0Q8rQWEfqiaOGG3wzXKNughcpzi

[@nathanshiba6866]

I've watched the 4Runner videos four or five times and learn something new each time. You're such a patient, humble guy, AMD. You make learning fun!

[@cesargomez3481]

I keep learning more about my 4runner with each video of yours that I watch. Keep up the great work!!

[@LikeOnATree]

How have I not seen this channel before?!? What an amazing job of explaining how the 4WD system works! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise!! Great videos!!

[@stevenlefebvre2991]

This was an excellent video in the fantastic series I am already looking forward to your next video in the series. I have a 4runner and a tundra so this information is priceless. Thank you so much for your immense wisdom and willing to share.

[@cakalackybilly1286]

Thank you for doing what you do for us. My better sense has just been confirmed with your corporate knowledge on the 4Runner. I plan on purchasing one and you just solidified it. My research has already proved to me there is no competition for this vehicle. I've been watching you for three hours now because the gasoline supply is short here in NC due to a pipeline hack. Oh well, maybe next week things will be back to normal. Keep up the good work AMD !!!

[@drrussdc]

This series is getting me so excited. I have a brand new Forerunner that is getting off the boat in 2 days and I will pick up in about a month. This series gives me confidence that I made a very good decision in getting this vehicle.

[@46miles]

Love your videos, sir! I just bought a 2021 4 Runner approx. 4 weeks ago! I love it, and now I have all sorts of reliable, great info on it! Thank you so much!

[@martinlugus7242]

Absolutely the best and the most interesting content on You Tube regarding motor vehicles. You know your stuff and explain it clearly enough so the most mechanically challenged can understand. Also, good reminder to actuate the full range of 4wd components once a month. I have been remiss. Thank you.

[@gutadin5]

I understand more this gentleman than scotty.

[@coztod]

Very grateful for your channel. I’ve owned my ‘08 tundra since 2010 and just bought a 2013 4Runner with 100k miles. Definitely benefiting from your knowledge

[@jimren5638]

Great series, thank you. It helps me better understand my 4Runner and how it works.

[@AllThingsFabrication]

You always have great explanations of the Toyota systems and operations. Keep this gold flowing! Thanks!

[@JamesJonesTech]

Another great video! Thanks again 🙂 really appreciate you breaking things down so smoothly in an easy to understand way

[@FloridaSunMitochondria]

Excellent continuation of this series! Outstanding channel you have here been following for some time. I would love to know common things to look out for in this system. For example, fixes for the actuator when not working correctly. I’ve seen some fascinating DIY fixes to get it to work again without spending big money to replace it. Some advice to others it doesn’t hurt to change out your breather valves even placing a newer OEM breather valve esp in the rear diff is important maintenance and they are dirt cheap to buy. If you don’t over time they become corroded and don’t freely move up and down to allow the release of pressure. If this happens rear diff axle seals start blowing!!

[@numbr17]

The point about shutting the truck off in the middle of a 4WD shift is very interesting! I did not know that could happen. This is a really informative, and well-produced video. Very much appreciated!

[@GoBearstyJpyn]

Great video, great information. You are a good communicator, able to take complicated system and explain it to average guy. Good teacher. Thanks.

[@jeffwilliams6374]

Great explanation, I bought my 4x4 Tundra a couple of months ago. I will start monthly cycling the truck through 4H and 4L to keep things operating as they should be. Thx!

[@LChow-xq3xm]

Great video, thank you for all that time that you put into making these videos!!!

[@mustangfred2006]

Learned so much today. Engage 4wd once a month and don't ever turn off the 4Runner while engaging 4wd. Thanks

[@stevearita3267]

Very informative and helpful. I did not know that if one doesn't use the 4WD system, it can seize up...that in of itself is golden information! Thank you for doing these videos, really appreciate it!

[@weebay007]

I have learned so much from you about my 4Runner!

[@Kittycat822]

Love this thank you! Very good information on what not to do and what to do correctly.

[@moose354]

Another great video. My 2004 Tundra is the last of the "old school" models which is how I like it. My Tundra has the 5VZ-FE engine, five-speed manual transmission and manual xfer case. This is a bullet-proof setup. My wife's 2016 4Runner is the SR5 premium because it was the highest trim level with part-time 4WD. You can call me "old school".

[@user-si8jt1qe4x]

What a tundra with a manual??? That's awesome.

[@moose354]

@@user-si8jt1qe4x Yes, 2004 was the last year of the Tundra with the 3.4L (5VZ-FE) engine and the five-speed manual transmission. Only automatic transmissions after 2004

[@dannoquin7322]

Thank you, great tutorial, simple but complicated.

[@coloradoboo1071]

Excellent explanation!! Now I can picture in my head what my Tundra is doing when I put her in 4High...and the “thud” is normal, I will say, “Life is good!!”

[@manuelvasquez6903]

You are a really good teacher. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@vb7913]

Great 4runner series! Good job and keep it up!

[@dionsreviews5906]

Thank you. Best video on 4x4s I have seen. Just subscribed to your channel! Thanks again

[@drwisdom1]

This is a very good video to learn about Toyota 4wd. I would have liked to have seen it before I had to diagnose why my Toyota T100 pickup didn't go into 4wd when I shifted. I hadn't gone into 4wd over the Summer, so Mr. Car Care Nut is right that you need to shift your Toyota into 4wd at least once a month to prevent this problem. On my older Toyota pickup the ADD in the front is run by two vacuum hoses rather than an electric motor. I disconnected the activate hose and provided a strong vacuum to get it unstuck and it has been working fine since.

[@FlatFifties]

I am very happy to learn that the shifters are controlled by a simple computer separate from other computers in the car. Previous to owning our 4Runner we had a 2015 Nissan Xterra that we bought new. The very first time that I truly needed the 4wd to work on the Xterra was when I was pulled down onto a river gravel bar to retrieve a canoe. I spun and sunk. The car would not shift into 4wd because, as it turned out, there was a poor connection to one wheel sensor related to the ABS. I think it was really stupid of Nissan to make the 4wd dependent on other systems. When I need 4wd, I need 4wd no matter what else is happening. That is the point that I was 95% of the way to making the decision to get rid of the Xterra and trade it for a 4Runner.

[@Verzula]

You should've. Nissan sucks ass. Unfortunately I've got a g37 and I know i made a mistake not going for Toyota or Lexus

[@rabs2020]

@@Verzula Nissan don’t sucks it mostly operator error lol love my 1st gen xterra built like a tank

[@GOLD_FEVER]

@@Verzula It depends on what you look for in a car! I have driven the G35 and it is FUN to drive, very responsive! It isn't ALL that awfully unreliable either... at least before 100k So i would say you won't really ever have as much fun in a toyota (unless it is a supra or a supercharged version ). They are just work horses, reliable and get you there ... maybe not in style, but they get you there.

[@vladd5291]

Amazing video series! Been learning so much about the 4Runner. Could you please do a video where you explain the difference between the various off-road modes that are offered on the TRD Off-road models? Where you can select mogul, sand, etc - I’ve never been able to figure out what the truck is actually doing

[@maximusbzg]

Awesome video learned so much bro. Keep your videos coming

[@one-mmog2214]

Great series

[@p6102zrfxe]

It's is good to know how that system works. Thank you AMD. 😊

[@AlexBAlixir98]

Toyota's 4WD system is a great system. Thanks for explaining how any why it works so well.

[@alvinmathews7293]

Thank you AMD for helping us understand our trucks! May the Lord bless you and keep you!

[@JI-sg5uy]

My work truck is a 2012 Tundra 4X4/with 4.6 has 335,820 on it. I drive 9000 miles a month. I got this truck in October of 2018 with 82,000 on it. The absolute best trucks are Toyota. I had a 2008 F150 before that. Went through 3 transmissions and cam phasers went out at 341,000 miles. I don’t have time for breakdowns. I run the piss out of this truck and never lets me down. I pull a 4500 tow book with it also.

[@daved7024]

Thank you very much for the informative videos on the Toyota 4-Runner. 👍🙂 I love my TRD off road😊

[@FishermanATX]

Great video man. A lot of great information. I now know that I better not shut off my truck right after engaging or disengaging the 4wd system 👍

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video, much information said and explained.

[@HawaiiGirlAdventures]

I had a 2008 Tacoma with the knob and now I have a 2021 4Runner with shifter. Great info to help understand the differences. Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@danielburkey2394]

What do you like better? The manual knob or the electric switch?

[@HawaiiGirlAdventures]

@@danielburkey2394 manual knob is ok, but honestly, the electric switch was more convenient

[@AB1DE]

Hello! I just had a TSB and they have to make a repair to my actuator! I had a noise on the front end of my 2023 OR. Thought it was the tires, and Michelin was ready to replace on a goodwill deal, hats off to them!! Great video, as always!

[@tonybe4726]

Enjoy all your videos so much appreciated!

[@genarov160]

Another quality video!

[@user-cu4nc6dw6y]

I have watched your GREAT videos to help determine what 4 Runner trim to buy. Thank you.

[@robertplatero3981]

Thank you for the video, very informative!

[@SistahRev]

Had to pause the video to say THANK YOU!! I’m a new 4Runner owner who has never before had a 4WD vehicle- just AWD, which I understand is a “cheap imitation” of 4WD. I had also heard (from YOU, I think!) that I should give the 4WD a little exercise each month so it wouldn’t seize up. What was still bothering me, and making me think my 2020 SR5 Premium might need to be serviced, was the vehicle’s poor manageability when I needed to make sharp- or even almost-sharp- turns when in 4WD! I appreciate so much your simplifying things so that the info is incredibly digestible, and your covering so many details and nuances (like it being normal for the 4WD to inhibit sharp turns) so we can be knowledgeable owners & drivers. You’re the BEST!!!!!! 💐🌺💐🌺💐

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! Thank you so much for watching my video. This video I tried to cover as much models as possible but On your model there’s no center different that allows the front and rear to spin independently so when making turns it will bind and it’s not recommended that you drive it on sharp turns on dry pavement. The exercise is best done on a straight road or one without sharp turns

[@SistahRev]

@@TheCarCareNut Thank you so very much for the further clarification & confirmation! I’ll be sure to exercise my 4WD on straighter roadways- and also run through the other settings (4WD low, 2WD low) as you recommend in this video, to flex & test the whole mechanism each month. Thanks again, and may God continue to bless you & keep you! 🙏🏾🤗

[@illmateo]

Hello and thank you for your videos. I just wanted to piggyback on this and confirm in regard with the rear locking differential if that should be "exercised" once a month along with 4WD (if you do have one and it does not get used often.) @@TheCarCareNut

[@jamesamber6009]

Really liked that you show the underneath of the car. Thank you!

[@yehnah5891]

best explanation so far. cheers. feels good to be a prado owner

[@alexdesamsonow822]

Thanks Again AMD for another outstanding video!!!

[@matthernandez210]

You have the best reviews. I have a 21 TRD premium with manual lever. I had the 4x4 light flash on me. I believe mine went into the limp mode my local dealer had it for 2 days scratching their heads. They ended up replacing the ADD.but I believe what you said in this video was what happened.

[@will0775]

Very helpful as always.

[@andriychuprov3044]

This new series of yours make me ask myself: "Why I didn't buy a 4Runner instead of 2021 Rav4 Limited?" !!!

[@Governor1993]

We just bought a 2023 RAV4 hybrid primarily for the mpg but now I wish we went with a 4Runner. The RAV4 is great but boring especially to a car guy and doesn’t have the capability I need. Only 6K but we’re stuck because trade in is 10k less than I bought it 6 months ago….dealerships!

[@jamesweller616]

Thanks, I am learning alot.

[@KaluNatt]

Very informative video. Thanks

[@jemezgraham]

Super helpful video! Thank you!

[@andrewhardcastle7982]

I just learnt so much thank you 🙏

[@GuardianMB]

Awesome INFO! Thank you AMD, God bless you and yours.

[@bobbauldock3846]

Hello, I had a 2015 Sequoia Pla. 45K, I just traded it on a 2019 Tundra 1774 /18K, man it, it's nice, I put a bed cover and a loud muffler, I think a trailer hitch, and that, 's it, Thank You for all of your good advice, I think that you are a Man of high integrity, and your words hold weigh no matter where you go, or what you say. Many people hate that.

[@karlrod4699]

Thank you so much for it! Very useful.

[@LostGiggles]

Really enjoy these

[@thinker2328]

Very helpful - amazing video

[@baburejaz]

Excellent excellent excellent educational videos Thanks 👍

[@OldelCpt]

Great video, great series and great channel! One note regarding something you said in the video. I have a Tacoma 2007 part-time 4WD with dial for 4Hi and 4Lo, assume similar on other models. You mentioned that one cannot drive above 60 mph in 4Hi. That is not correct. I think what you meant to say is that the 4Hi will not engage if driving HIGHER than 60 mph. In the old days, one has to stop to lock the hubs manually. Now, one can keep driving to go from 2WD to 4Hi, and it will engage IF below 60 mph. If not, the indicator will just blink and not engage. Same to go from 4Hi to 2WD. One can go as fast as one wishes in 4Hi. I use it on freeway when slippery (wet under rain) at max tolerated speed of 80 mph without any issues. If payement gets too dry, I move into the right lane, slow down below 60 mph and go back to 2WD. Same thing if road is snowed in. Maybe someone already mentioned it, but reading most comments I didn’t see it. Cheers!

[@RoyFJ65]

4L rear diff locked, ATRAC on is the best mode for traversing over difficult terrains on my 2016 FJ Cruiser. It has never let me down so far.

[@zacktobak256]

Great video. Thank you

[@randyhenderson4125]

Another great video...thanks!

[@tonypuntillo4931]

Great video! Thank you

[@RM-rz3ph]

Thank you Sir for sharing your knowledge

[@AquariumINFO101]

Because of your 4runner video's, I have purchased one. Arrival is early Sept. Thank you AMD !

[@TheCarCareNut]

Congratulations!

[@trevorhowell6575]

Amen recieve that....and make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! Excellent video, going to share this with my boys, you broke it down so simple that they can grasp it....

[@sangchau9154]

Awesome content!!!

[@kimdavis5631]

Thank you brother!

[@daryoushborja5115]

Thank you.

[@Boltdriver70]

Great videos! Tyvm

[@maxkrauss4155]

These vids are great and extremely informative. Do you own a Toyota?

[@peacelove1806]

I am new to this Chanel and i like your videos keep the good work..

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you!!!

[@Oliver-pl5sk]

Thank you!

[@john300k]

Great video.

[@morpheus1818]

Could you please do a video on the order of engagement (or order of use) of the 4WD systems: 4H, 4L, Locked Diff, A-Trac, A Trac + Locked Diff, Crawl Control, Multi-terrain select, etc. on the 4Runner TRD Pro or TRD Off-Road?

[@coffenut]

Thank you so much for this series. As a complete car idiot, I am slowly trying to understand the capabilities and best way to care for my 2021 ORP thanks to your videos. You made a comment about how things seize because they haven't been used in a long time. Does this mean that periodically we should drive in 4H on occasion and even 4L and the various different comments (crawl, rear diff, model, Atrak, etc)? If so, how often. While I don't use most of them now, I will be in the future so I want to make sure that they are workable.

[@markphil7392]

Wow very informative. Love toyota

[@on-site4094]

Great proven simple reliable technology that just keeps working 👍 be blessed

[@wahibhabet]

Please do a deep dive series on the tundra

[@tonyhaltmar1383]

you're a LEGEND! Good Stuff!

[@hotchinahk]

Thank you, could you talk about the RAV4 all wheel drive system compare with these trucks ?

[@samabdelhadi3037]

Hi! Boss love your channel ❤ would you ever do a review on a sequoia in the near future?

[@fordmustang5763]

I really appreciate and love your videos!!! You’re way more thorough and knowledgeable than 95% of people on KZbin lol. Do you have a fix for the front bumper corners popping out and constantly needing pushed back into place? I’ve also noticed a rattle in the passenger front side of the vehicle and a random one that sounds like it’s coming from the glovebox/center console area? I would greatly appreciate your input!

[@pantonal]

the perfect KZbin channel

[@germanarzola2576]

You should make a quick simple video on the proper way of switching into 4hi and 4lo with both systems (button/shaft)

[@gspainting11]

Love your channel. Which 4Runner would you recommend. Biggest bang for your buck.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Honestly all the 5th generation is good

[@ipb51966]

Man, i wish i could live close by you... so i could have you as the mechanic of my 4runner!

[@jerryavlon4780]

Great video!!!

[@jsprite123]

Very educational video! The question is: Which 4Runner models have which transmission?

[@peteliotas9456]

Awesome video what a machine the 4runner is ....its a legend thanx for the great advise to engage the 4×4 once a month 👍

[@youngprince716]

It's also written in the manual.. 10 miles a month minimum

[@chuckwalla2967]

@@youngprince716 What if you live in a dry area and can't drive with 4WD engaged?

[@youngprince716]

@@chuckwalla2967 what do u mean dry area ? Anyway you can always drive with 4x4 engaged. Just make sure you're in hi not lo