I have a 2004 Toyota Tundra that my dad gave me about 5 years ago. Neither of us ever used the 4HI or 4LO. Someone recently told me it’s good to engage it at least once a month to keep things lubricated. Since I haven’t been doing that, is it still okay to start using it now?
I keep a routine for mine. After I take out the trash to the curb each week, I drive about half a mile in 4HI. For 4LO, I run it for a short distance, like a quarter mile, after every oil change. It might not make a huge difference, but it gives me peace of mind that everything will work when I need it.
@Nile
Thank you! That’s a smart idea.
If it’s stuck in 4HI and won’t disengage easily, don’t stress. Just put it in reverse and give the gas pedal a little push, rolling back 5–10 yards. That usually frees it up. It might sound rough the first few times, but it should loosen up as you use it more.
@Keagan
Thanks! I’ll give that a shot.
You should definitely test it out. Find a gravel or dirt road and try 4HI first. If it doesn’t disengage right away, drive forward and turn the wheel—sometimes that helps. For 4LO, check your manual; I think it needs to be in neutral. If you’re unsure, you could have a shop take a look to be safe.
@Blaise
It needs to be in neutral for 4LO.
Barbara said:
@Blaise
It needs to be in neutral for 4LO.
Thanks for confirming! I always second-guess myself when switching to 4LO since I don’t use it that often.
Barbara said:
@Blaise
It needs to be in neutral for 4LO.
Thanks for confirming! I always second-guess myself when switching to 4LO since I don’t use it that often.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll check the manual to be sure.
@Blaise
Thank you for the advice!
It’s a good idea to engage it now and then. Start on a dirt or gravel road, go slow, and drive a few miles in 4HI. I only use mine in the winter, and it’s been fine. Just don’t overthink it.
Tilden said:
It’s a good idea to engage it now and then. Start on a dirt or gravel road, go slow, and drive a few miles in 4HI. I only use mine in the winter, and it’s been fine. Just don’t overthink it.
Thank you! That helps.
The transfer case is sealed and full of fluid, so it’s not a big deal. Just start using it now. No harm done.
Rudy said:
The transfer case is sealed and full of fluid, so it’s not a big deal. Just start using it now. No harm done.
Thanks for the reassurance!
I’d recommend draining and refilling the differential fluids first. Mention to the shop that the 4WD hasn’t been used in years. After that, it should be good to go. Just make sure to engage 4HI monthly.
If you live in a rusty area, the actuator might be stuck. When I first tried mine, the 4WD light just blinked because the electric motor couldn’t break through the rust. Sometimes a tap with a hammer helps, but in other cases, it’s a bigger repair.
It’s probably fine, but I’d have the transfer case and differential fluids changed before testing it out.
When I bought my truck, the 4LO hadn’t worked in years. After trying it multiple times over several months, it finally engaged and has worked fine ever since. Keep trying—it might take a while, but it’ll likely start working again.
@Mica
Thanks for the advice! I tried 4HI tonight, and the light just blinked. I’ll keep trying and see if it engages.
Sorrell said:
@Mica
Thanks for the advice! I tried 4HI tonight, and the light just blinked. I’ll keep trying and see if it engages.
That’s normal when it’s been unused for so long. Keep at it—it should start working with time.