Did I screw up my transfer case accidentally going from 4H to 4L improperly?

Hi All,

New taco guy here, I have a 2018 SR5 automatic, I was driving in shitty weather on a mountain highway in 4H (which I switched into while driving under 62mph). When I pulled over, I accidentally switched into 4L and the truck really did not like it, it was shaking and jolting, and sounding very unhappy.

The proper way to shift in and out is to fully stop (break), shift into N and then switch it over to 4L, and vice a versa to go back again.

Do you think I messed up my transfer case at all? I know this is a big no-no to switch from 4H to 4L improperly.

 

You are fine. Don’t make a habit of it.

 

The only way to know is find a gravel area, put it in 4lo and drive around. By the sounds of it, this may be a good thing for you to do to get a feel for how the system works and drives. I am sure it is fine though.

 

As an aside, weather that requires 4wd is not “shitty”. It’s when the fun begins. Enjoy your Taco to its fullest.

 

Not trying to thread jack, but stupid newbie question: Is it ok to use 4high on asphalt in weather? (and if yes what type of weather / severity?).

I'm in the California desert so weather isn't a thing I see a whole lot of... but now that I have the truck would like to start exploring the mountains in the winter.

 

Are you sure it was 4L and not 4H, with traction? Truck won't let you in 4L with shifter in gear.

 

As further side note, if you feel like it is unsafe to drive without 4H due to shitty weather, you are driving too fast for the conditions. 4WD will not help you when going 60mph.

 

Yes, u want tire slip, so rain and snow or straight line. The idea is the inside tires are turning at a different speed than the outside: when u make a turn. So without wheel slip the drive train will want to bind up etc.

 

^^^^ this

you can’t shift improperly into 4LO. The truck won’t allow it.

 

I'm also a newbie to this, but from what I understand its a good thing to use 4H every now and then as being used is how it lubricates. Just make sure that if you are driving on asphalt that you do it on a straight stretch of road, the owners manual explains how often you should use 4H to keep it ok.

 

Yes, it is completely safe to drive in 4H in any weather you are worried about loosing traction. Typically this would be snow or ice. If there is a ton of rain, even that is safe in 4H. If the road is slippery, then the tires will slip before the 4wd components see too much stress.

I live in MN, and spend a lot of the winter driving in 4H.

 

I've been offroading her plenty so it's definitely getting use... I just wasn't sure on the asphalt / weather thing.

 

Basically eve where except asphalt and concrete ( good traction roads ) .

 

Definitely true. If you feel it's too slippery, the most important thing to do is slow down. 4WD helps you go, and can keep the rear from spinning out, but it will do nothing for your ability to stop, or your ability to turn.

 

Don’t be a Debby Downer

 

If you know the correct way to shift into 4Lo (which you indicated you do) and you didn't it that way then you weren't in 4Lo. Like others said.... You can only do it the right way. The truck won't go into 4Lo accidentally.

 

Minnesotan here too. Agree with everything you said, except I’ve never thought it was necessary to use 4wd on rain soaked pavement.

 

Seriously though, here in Minnesota driving 60 mph in 4wd on snow and ice covered freeways during rush hour is mainstream.

 

Lol. I can't say I have used it on wet pavement either.

 

well, you know how people love to drive on bald tires? that's when you need 4x4 in the rain... but it won't stop you from hydroplaning