Use the front-wheel drive control switch to select the transfer mode that best matches the current driving surface and traction requirements of the Toyota Tacoma.
Front-wheel drive control switch
- "2H" (high speed position, two-wheel drive)
Use "2H" for normal driving on dry, hard-surfaced roads where additional four-wheel-drive traction is not required. This position provides the best fuel economy, the quietest operation, and the least drivetrain wear during ordinary Toyota Tacoma driving.
Hold down D and turn the dial to select this transfer position.
- "4H" (high speed position, four-wheel drive)
Use "4H" only on surfaces that allow some tire slip, such as off-road terrain, icy roads, or snow-covered surfaces. This mode should be selected when additional traction is needed compared with two-wheel drive operation.
In "4H", power is provided through the four-wheel-drive system to improve traction under suitable road or terrain conditions.
The "4HI" indicator illuminates when the transfer mode has successfully changed to "4H".
Hold down D and turn the dial to select this position.
- "4L" (low speed position, four-wheel drive)
Use "4L" when maximum pulling power and traction are required. This low-range position is intended for demanding conditions such as climbing or descending steep hills, traveling off-road, or pulling through sand, mud, or deep snow.
The "4LO" indicator illuminates when the Toyota Tacoma has successfully entered the low-range four-wheel-drive mode.
Hold down D and turn the dial to select this transfer position.
Shifting between "2H" and "4H"
Shifting from "2H" to "4H"
1. Reduce the vehicle speed to less than 62 mph (100 km/h) before attempting to change the transfer mode.
2. Push and turn the front-wheel drive control switch to "4H".
The "4HI" indicator illuminates when the shift into "4H" has been completed.
Shifting from "4H" to "2H"
1. Reduce vehicle speed to less than 62 mph (100 km/h).
2. Push and turn the front-wheel drive control switch to "2H".
The "4HI" indicator turns off after the transfer system has successfully returned to two-wheel drive.
Shifting between "4H" and "4L"
Shifting from "4H" to "4L"
Vehicles with an Automatic transmission
1. Bring the Toyota Tacoma to a complete stop and keep the brake pedal firmly depressed.
2. Move the shift lever to N.
3. Push and turn the front-wheel drive control switch to "4L".
When the transfer is completed, the "4LO" indicator illuminates and the "4HI" indicator turns off.
Vehicles with a Manual transmission
1. Stop the vehicle completely and continue holding the brake pedal down.
2. Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal.
3. Push and turn the front-wheel drive control switch to "4L".
After the shift is completed, the "4LO" indicator comes on and the "4HI" indicator goes off.
Shifting from "4L" to "4H"
Vehicles with an Automatic transmission
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and keep the brake pedal depressed throughout the transfer operation.
2. Shift the shift lever to N.
3. Push and turn the front-wheel drive control switch to "4H".
The "4LO" indicator turns off and the "4HI" indicator illuminates when the Toyota Tacoma has successfully shifted into high-range four-wheel drive.
Vehicles with a Manual transmission
1. Stop the vehicle completely and continue to depress the brake pedal.
2. Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal.
3. Push and turn the front-wheel drive control switch to "4H".
The "4LO" indicator goes off and the "4HI" indicator comes on when the transfer operation is complete.
When the front-wheel drive control switch is shifted to "4L"
When "4L" is selected, VSC is automatically turned off as part of the low-range four-wheel-drive operating condition.
If the "4HI" indicator flashes
The requested transfer mode may not have changed successfully. Drive the vehicle straight ahead while gently accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse, to help the transfer system complete the shift.
If the "4HI" indicator is ON and the "4LO" indicator continues to flash
For vehicles with an automatic transmission, shift the lever to D or R. For vehicles with a manual transmission, select 1st gear or Reverse. Drive the Toyota Tacoma slowly for a short distance, and then bring it to a stop so the transfer operation can complete.
If the "4HI" indicator continues to flash and the "4LO" indicator is ON
Shift the automatic transmission to D or R, or select 1st gear or Reverse on vehicles with a manual transmission. Move the vehicle slowly, then stop and check the indicator status again.
If the "4HI" indicator is ON and the "4LO" indicator continues to flash and a buzzer sounds
The transfer conditions have not been satisfied. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift lever may not be in N; on vehicles with a manual transmission, the clutch pedal may not be held fully depressed. The vehicle may also still be moving. Stop the vehicle completely, place the automatic transmission in N or fully depress and hold the clutch pedal as applicable, and confirm that the indicator stops flashing.
If the "4HI" indicator continues to flash and the "4LO" indicator is ON and a buzzer sounds
The required transfer conditions have not been met because the vehicle may still be moving or the applicable transmission condition has not been established. Stop the Toyota Tacoma completely, shift an automatic transmission to N, or fully depress and hold the clutch pedal on a manual transmission model, then confirm that the indicator stops flashing.
If the "4HI" and "4LO" indicator flashes rapidly
Rapid flashing of both the "4HI" and "4LO" indicators may indicate a malfunction in the four-wheel-drive system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately rather than continuing to rely on the system.
Shift between 4H and 4L at low temperature
Immediately after the engine is started in a low-temperature environment, shifting between "4H" and "4L" may temporarily be unavailable because the transmission fluid is still cold. A warning message will appear on the multi-information display when this occurs. Follow the instructions in the message, allow the vehicle to warm up as required, and operate the front-wheel drive control switch again afterward.
Four-wheel drive usage frequency
Drive the Toyota Tacoma in four-wheel drive for at least 10 miles (16 km) each month. Regular operation in four-wheel drive helps ensure that the front drive components receive proper lubrication.
WARNING
Shifting the front-wheel drive control switch from "2H" to "4H" while driving
Never operate the front-wheel drive control switch while the wheels are slipping or spinning. Allow the tires to regain traction and stop the slipping or wheel spin before attempting to change the transfer mode.
When the vehicle is parked (Vehicles with an Automatic transmission)
Do not move the shift lever before the "4HI" or "4LO" indicator has completed turning on or off. If the transfer mode has not fully engaged, both the front and rear driveshafts may become disconnected from the powertrain, allowing the Toyota Tacoma to move regardless of the transmission shift position. During this condition, the applicable indicator flashes and the buzzer sounds. The vehicle may therefore roll even when the automatic transmission is in P, creating a serious risk of injury to occupants or people nearby.
Always allow the transfer mode change to finish completely before placing the automatic transmission in P. Confirm the applicable indicator status before relying on the transmission to hold the vehicle stationary.
