How to use 4wd on a 3rd gen 4runner

I’m still new to making videos but thanks for watching i hope this helps you.

[@3rdgenbestgen21]

I know exactly how to use 4wd and lockers im just here cause watching 3rd gen videos keeps me sane from working in the office lmao

[@markanttrin]

I feel you brother lol😂

[@ivanbarrios_br]

same, but I dont even have the car yet

[@DakhilB]

I Thought I Was The Only Crazy One...

[@samuelquezada5190]

Kk⁰9909999099⁹00kmm Vpl000llllllllllll0p0l)

[@3rdgenbestgen21]

@@DakhilB nah we all crazy lmao

[@IRBD4Jesus]

What are these things for? What's 4 wheel drive high for? What's 4 wheel drive low for? What's the sensor differential lock for? Make you drive on a hill? Over rocks? Down hills? BTW this is the best video ever thus far! I was just told by my mechanic to take it to the transmission specialist😬. I called someone who told me to look up how to take it out of 4 wheel drive. Before. I was looking up 4 wheels flashing on a 2001 Toyota 4 Runner and they're like get under the vehicle, get this tool 😮‍💨. Then the CVS CRS VSR? I don't know I forgot but "that light" went on. Then the A/T P, etc etc etc I'm like what on earth what does this mean? He was right though, he said give it some time, then you confirmed it. I'm over here pushing buttons and changing gears. Wow! Thank you so much for sharing! I worked!!! 🙌 🙏 👍 thank youuuuuu!

[@livingoftheland1284]

Try putting it on neutral before pressing 4x4 button and then what I do is put it on reverse and let it roll back a bit then put it on drive that should help the engagement.

[@liamleith8900]

Another fyi. I just go into 4wd while going at least 5mph. Takes 2 seconds and shifts seamlessly!

[@dominicvl1990]

I messed up my first time and it make an angry noise. Now I know what to do. Thanks!!

[@ThepDenNgoaiBien]

Noise???? check oil level if low oil...add more or change new oil 75W-90.( very important)

[@77magnuss]

The "4WD" button actually puts it into an AWD mode, which is why you can drive around on dry pavement with it on. Locking the center diff puts it into 4WD - high. Then shifting transfer case into 4-Lo when wheeling. Make sure you turn on the "4WD" mode once a month for about ten miles to keep the actuator from getting stuck.

[@Lovecraftfan1]

The AWD button? Or the center diff button? Thanks

[@77magnuss]

@@Lovecraftfan1 The button is “4WD”, on the transfer case lever but that is actually an AWD mode, hence you can use it all the time. More like 4th and 5th gen runners that have full-time 4WD. The center diff button makes it more of the traditional 4WD. I’m not sure how much mechanical difference there is between a full time 4WD and AWD or if it’s just marketing. Center diff lock, makes it like a standard truck with a solid drive shaft, no center diff, effectively “locked” all the time, which is why trucks 4WD systems are part-time, meaning you better be on terrain that allows some slippage. Engaging 4WD on a truck engages the front wheels through the transfer case. Since the 3rd gen multi matic mode has the center diff lock, your basically engaging things in a different order. If you locked the center diff first, it would be like a truck, then the 4WD button would put it into 4WD. But with an unlocked center diff, it’s full-time 4WD/AWD.

[@LYFT3D]

Hey I’m pretty sure my actuator is stuck. Thinking about cleaning wire connection and front diff fluid! Anything else that might free up my actuator

[@addiresells7832]

@@LYFT3Ddid you get the problem solved? have the same issue

[@iiimcg4752]

​@@LYFT3Di watched the car care nut. In his video he said never shut the runner off if it hasn't finished shifting. Said doing so can leave your case computer in limbo because it didn't set the switch that tells the actuator computer it has fully engaged or disengaged leaving it in limbo and not sure what to do so it does nothing. He said something about a hot wire to the actuator so it will move and set the limit switch telling the computer where it is. I hope this helps. I don't know the title of his video but he is good to watch until you find it.

[@ethanshields4610]

Putting your trans in neutral before hitting the switch then shifting to drive can help with an auto

[@3gt4r33]

Thank you, I like to come to a stop anyway when I switch it. I’ll try that next time.

[@rjd824]

Just got a 2002 Limited 4wd and this is exactly what I was trying to find. Thanks for walking through the steps. Had some issues disengaging 4wd and getting back to 2wd and this helped so much.

[@braianmoreira5441]

Como solucionaste sacar la 4x4?

[@chi4life61]

Thank you so much for sharing this video and teaching me how to use this. I have been so nervous but now I recorded your video and I’m gonna do it in the truck. I have the exact same truck as you I really appreciate this.😊

[@Zdog598]

If I’m not mistaken the 3rd gens have a part time 4wd system with ADD, aka shift on the fly 4wd. You can shift between 2h and 4h while moving, someone said 25mph. I checked my owners manual and it states w/ the lever style 4wd selector and auto or manual w/o ADD you should be 25 mph or less, w/ the add it says it is acceptable to go 50 mph or less.

[@huntershank8122]

I’m new to third gen 4Runners and this helped a ton as someone used to traditional 4x4 trucks

[@tavos8977]

To my understanding, when you engage the 4WD (Not the central differential lock) you are allowing the vehicle transfer case to provide power to any of the wheels that need the most assistance while driving on bumpy or medium difficult dirt roads. Helping you maintain better control of your vehicle’s driveability. I don’t drive any higher than 50m/hr. while AWD mode. Now, while off roading. That’s when I use the 4x4 and lock the central differential. Locking the central differential provides the same amount of power to all 4 wheels. This is on higher difficulty dirt and bumpier roads. When shifting to either AWD or 4X4 central differential lock, I prefer to put the vehicle in Neutral, then shift to either R or D to help it engage faster. That seems to work better for me.

[@timbales3652]

Very helpful. Just bought a 2003 SR5 pickup and was wondering how to do it on a slick road this morning. YAAA-HOOO! So just push the button and you are in 4 high.

[@3gt4r33]

Just wanted to throw an update in this comment section. Since this video I have used 4wd a lot (I finally got a pass to drive it on my local beach) and every time since I have put it into 4wd while going 10-15 mph and it clicks in immediately. Most of the time it does not flash at all.

[@joycrowder5214]

Thank you! Helped me out when I drove my dad's 4 runner in Honduras. Toyota girl 4 ever.

[@1malikalik]

Thanks Emery, you earned my subscription. I pray and hope your 3rd gen 4runner treats you well and you get to enjoy it. Your friend, Malik

[@3gt4r33]

Thank you so much! Hope this video helped.

[@Apache-pp9ok]

Thank you finally someone helped me! 2002 limited 4 runner❤

[@WCMSSebring]

Just got an 01 with 270K miles. I havent been brave enough to put it in 4wd yet. But will give it a go tomorrow!

[@R1Kyle]

OH be brave the risk is worth it!

[@jaxothebuilder22]

I have a 2000 Limited in silver. Drives like a dream. I find that coasting a bit helps the system to engage or disengage. Whenever you apply gas, the system will stay to where it is set in. But that’s just for 4H. When I want 4H locked, I’m able to shift into it immediately and then go. Love my car and thankful my dad ordered all options on it over 22 years ago now.

[@3gt4r33]

Yeah I found that doing it while moving makes it engage immediately, at the time I made this video I didn’t know that.

[@jaxothebuilder22]

@@3gt4r33 You learn more as you go along! That’s what makes these vehicles so fun to daily!

[@georgetoth1913]

Left you a like and that was very helpful. I read my owners manual but I was confused about the lights flashing. They do not explain that it may take a while to engage. Thank you 🙏

[@calbonar211]

I have a 2001 gen 3 and my 4wd is pretty finicky. I've found that if I try to engage 4wd on a clean road surface it doesn't want to do it. If I get on an unpaved or dirty/snowy gravel whatever surface it seems to engage nicely. Also I always try to engage it while moving- but at under 15 mph. This is for 4hi obviously.

[@autoownersofamerica4778]

Well covered. Helpful.

[@michaellavelle793]

Thanks brother this was super helpful just scooped a 2001 sr5 4wd with a 3inch lift on bilstein 5100 shocks and ome springs with icon upper cotrol arms . She needs some love but shes a work in progress for 320k miles shes in absolutey great shape and zero rust. :))

[@liamleith8900]

Bro! So similar!! I just bought a 2001 SR5 4WD tonight with a 3inch lift on 33s hahah. 305k miles, runs like it’s brand new though. I’ve got some work to do on it too, good luck!

[@3gt4r33]

Gotta love an old girl with lots of miles. I’m at 340k still going

[@R1Kyle]

Good job with the video young lady!

[@lancemoore490]

Very helpful, good looking out. Just purchased an 01 SR5 today. Only 104k mi. Too good to pass up. No mods yet but got some ideas in the works!

[@eMotoAZ]

Great video thank you

[@joelkaswarra6823]

When is it necessary to engage low gear drive on a 4th gen toyota surf diesel turbo?

[@codycash1084]

Good video thanks yo

[@VT5874]

The 4wd gets takes longer to shift in or out if your turning. If you can shift in or out while going as straight as possible it’s almost instant.

[@Human712]

I have a 4runner 3rd gen and when I try to engage the 4WD on High (from stopped) it will make a buzzing sound after just barley tapping the gas. Sometimes the traction control light pops on too but it is not slipping. Any Ideas?

[@Emperor_1971]

Good stuff

[@kilakwari1131]

I have Toyota Surf I just experience an issue on my 4wd. My 4wd indicator on dashboard continue to Blink every time I engage 4wd and also my 4wd not engaging. Now 4wd indicator on dashboard continues to Blink if I drive on 2wd. Any idea on the issue?

[@SuperSecretSilliness]

Do you have to stop to shift 4WD gears?

[@bradleymacklin7896]

In my 04 Tacoma. During the winter here in Canada it doesn’t like to shift from 4x4 to 2x4 vise versa. What I’ve found to work is drive around until your tranny temp is at 50°C then it should shift fine. If you need it to shift right away, climb underneath with a wrench or something and tap the actuator until it clicks in

[@bradleymacklin7896]

The actuator likes to freeze up in the cold

[@dev1lyt336]

Do I have to turn on differential lock everytime?

[@knighthonor44]

I cant get it out of 4wd flashing. Truck wont move unless its in high or low. Not sure whats going on now

[@out-landishintheokanagan270]

I thought it had to be in N to push the 4h button. That is how I've been doing mine. The r. dif is not 4×4, it is possi. It is for getting unstuck. Not for speeds over 8km/h

[@nate-beard]

Hi, you probably figured this out by now, but you can press 4wd button while in drive. I consistently do it at 25 mph. They say not to do it over 50.

[@snowfreak207]

Anyone ever put thia case in a older model they bolt it and drive shafts work from newer one but does it work 4wd regardless with out the button

[@asad4310]

Hello why did it make a little grinding noise when you put it in 4low?

[@R1Kyle]

Because kittens were being killed, how did you not know that!

[@williamb2854]

Had my 02 get stuck in 4 wheel. Climbed under the truck and tapped lightly with a wrench on the two upper solenoids on the rear transfer case. With the car key on...NOT IN DRIVE....IN PARK. I could hear the SELINOID click...it was just stuck. Worked for me. NOT A GOOD IDEA TO RUN 4 WHEEL ON DRY PAVEMENT..SO I WAS TOLD.

[@CarnutMM]

I take it if you don’t lock the center differential it works like full time awd?

[@PDX4Runner]

No it will just be really a open diff which means the tires can spin at different rates. If you lock the center diff it locks the front and back making all 4 tires spin at the same rate.

[@CarnutMM]

@@PDX4Runner it will lock the center differential but not the front and rear differentials. Basically 4Hi.

[@PDX4Runner]

@@CarnutMM I just got a 2001 4Runner SR5 yesterday. The wheels turn evenly on these models. All it does is lock both front and rear differential lockers.

[@PDX4Runner]

@@CarnutMM 4 Hi is on the selector, 4WD will still work without lockers. You will just have a open differential which means the wheels turn at different rates.

[@CarnutMM]

@@PDX4Runner they never came stock with front locking differential. Just a center locker and optional rear differential lock. Congratulations on a great purchase. Can never go wrong with a 3rd gen 4Runner. Arguably the best gen.

[@DustinWells5]

Aussie Island sticker???

[@mikeypotts4732]

What works for me is if it doesn't engage I'll push the 4wd button again to disengage, move forward a little and try again while at a stop. I just don't feel comfortable having it engage while moving and hearing/feeling that clunk. Ain't a pleasant feeling haha.

[@3gt4r33]

Yeah normally I’ll try to do it at a stop but sometimes it won’t go at w stop and I’ll have to move a little.

[@nate-beard]

I hope I'm not spreading bad information, but I seemed to have read that you can press the 4wd button when you are moving as long as it is under 60mph. I do it all the time and it's very smooth. I take my foot off the gas and then reapply and it engages instantly. been using that method for a couple years usually around 30mph. But if yours clunks that's probably not the best method. cheers!

[@3gt4r33]

@@nate-beard yeah I’ve just never tried it moving that fast. Never needed to. It’s not a clunk it’s more of a click. Just being able to tell it’s in.

[@CaptainFALKEN]

I have a 98 4WD. No diff lock or "4WD" button. Don't need it anyway

[@chardelraconner7324]

||| letters LDS

[@chardelraconner7324]

1942 askiwi

[@chardelraconner7324]

go kart wheels are utter existance

[@zackeryeckenrod6549]

Changing the transfer case fluid helps with shifting in and out of 4wd.

[@ThepDenNgoaiBien]

Still not sure about Rear diff lock ?? Or Center diff lock??? Confuse??? Not hear you say anything about this MODE????

[@ThepDenNgoaiBien]

Why you don't drive and shift to show when we need in H4 or L4.....In H2 we knew that because we drive the car with W2 any way.....Next video please show when we need in THAT GEARS ok Thank you...goood video

[@LYFT3D]

My runner doesn’t go into 4wd. I’ve tried rolling in Drive but it Grinds! Anyone had similar issue?

[@AnalSarcophagus]

What year? Didn’t realize 4wd had to be engaged. Does this mean it’s usually going in 2wd? That means it can be better for gas!