4wd with an automatic transmission question

dms1 · 02-07-2008, 10:10 PM

Hello Yotatech, I just purchased a 99 4wd 4 Runner with a V6 and had some questions pertaining to using an automatic transmission with 4wd;

1. When the transfer case is in 4wd low, should I leave the transmision in "drive" or should I \ or can I also put the transmisssion in low?

2. Is it ok to drive this model in 4wd hi on the freeway when it is raining or snowing?

3. Is there a way to disable the airbags when in 4wd and is this nesessary? The manual says the airbags are turned off when the electric locker is turned on, but I dont have an electric locker.

Thanks in advance

Dave S

P.S. I have an 85 Runner with a manual transmission, but never drove a 4wd with auto until now.

111db · 02-07-2008, 10:14 PM

1. Yes you can leave it in Drive or Low or whatever suits the conditions.

2. I wouldn't put it in 4wd in the rain, but if you have snow it will be ok. If there isn't a little slippage available, the transfercase will bind up.

3. Not necessary as far as I know. Mine are always "active"

tc · 02-08-2008, 06:31 AM

Putting the transmission in L will make it stay in first. When going down steep hills, this is CRITICAL, as otherwise, the transmission may sense the load and want to upshift making you lose control.

After seeing a truck fall nose first more than 30 feet and the airbags not deploy, I stopped worrying about them blowing during "normal" offroading. I think they are automatically deactivated below 25MPH anyways.

eric-the-red · 02-08-2008, 11:26 AM

I have an auto in my 01 4Runner, and I very seldom keep it on Drive when offroad. For gravel roads and easy trails in 4HI I'll keep the trans in 2. Anytime I'm in 4LO I usually keep the trans in L, like tc said you don't want it to shift at the wrong time.

As for the airbags the newer ones use a deceleration sensor, not impact. And they usually aren't active below 20-25 miles per hour. I think it's safer to take the very slight risk of them going off accidently than not go off when you do need them.

02-07-2008, 10:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
dms1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9	4wd with an automatic transmission question Hello Yotatech, I just purchased a 99 4wd 4 Runner with a V6 and had some questions pertaining to using an automatic transmission with 4wd; 1. When the transfer case is in 4wd low, should I leave the transmision in "drive" or should I \ or can I also put the transmisssion in low? 2. Is it ok to drive this model in 4wd hi on the freeway when it is raining or snowing? 3. Is there a way to disable the airbags when in 4wd and is this nesessary? The manual says the airbags are turned off when the electric locker is turned on, but I dont have an electric locker. Thanks in advance Dave S P.S. I have an 85 Runner with a manual transmission, but never drove a 4wd with auto until now. __________________ Dave S 85 4Runner Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Last edited by dms1 : 02-07-2008 at 10:12 PM. Reason: Spelling

02-07-2008, 10:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
111db Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 1,195	1. Yes you can leave it in Drive or Low or whatever suits the conditions. 2. I wouldn't put it in 4wd in the rain, but if you have snow it will be ok. If there isn't a little slippage available, the transfercase will bind up. 3. Not necessary as far as I know. Mine are always "active" __________________ Jon *97 4Runner 3.4 4.88's * ARB Lockers F/R * ARB compressor * Sonoran Steel numba 1 * 285 BFG AT/KO * TJM 17 * BudBuilt Skids * Stubbs Sliders & BBQ sauce * Irbis out back * Various Electronic Gadgets**

02-08-2008, 06:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 6,817	Putting the transmission in L will make it stay in first. When going down steep hills, this is CRITICAL, as otherwise, the transmission may sense the load and want to upshift making you lose control. After seeing a truck fall nose first more than 30 feet and the airbags not deploy, I stopped worrying about them blowing during "normal" offroading. I think they are automatically deactivated below 25MPH anyways. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

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02-08-2008, 11:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
eric-the-red Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Port Coquitlam, BC Posts: 2,217	I have an auto in my 01 4Runner, and I very seldom keep it on Drive when offroad. For gravel roads and easy trails in 4HI I'll keep the trans in 2. Anytime I'm in 4LO I usually keep the trans in L, like tc said you don't want it to shift at the wrong time. As for the airbags the newer ones use a deceleration sensor, not impact. And they usually aren't active below 20-25 miles per hour. I think it's safer to take the very slight risk of them going off accidently than not go off when you do need them.