JimiJams

hey guys, when using 4wd on my '00 4runner yesterday I noticed something wasn't right. When making sharp turns there was no resistance like I'd usually get and even when driving it didn't feel any different than 2wd. I tried again today in dry conditions and still the same. Might be a stupid question but I was wondering if the 4wd sensor light is a clear indicator that 4wd is engaged because the light comes on but it just doesn't feel like it's working. If not is there any other way to test besides putting it up on stands. Like will it idle higher when it's in 4 wheel?

I recently had my front end pulled and the shop said it was a real bitch. I even noticed the emergency brake was broken right after they pulled it so maybe they caused some damage to the 4wd too???

Yodaforce

I always just put it in reverse in 4wd and nail it. If the rear tires broke loose then I figured the front diff was not engaged.

JimiJams

Thanks Yodaforce, took your advice and found a nice lot to try this out: 2 wheel resulted in the runner's first burnout and 4 wheel did its job so I guess all is well. The lot was bone dry too so I tried some tight turning and could feel the usual resistance

DailyDrive

Good god! What has this place turned into in 10 years.

You suspect driveline malfunction, and your solution is to try to do a burn out on dry in reverse? Are you serious?

Yodaforce

I did not say anything about a burnout, merely loss of traction. Something you would not have with properly functioning 4wd.

I guess it would just be easier to try jacking it up and trying it that way. NOT!

If I'm trotting around the trail and think my 4wd is not functioning, you bet your a$$ I'm going to throw it in reverse and nail it. It only takes a second, and is by far the easiest way to verify it.

Not like anyone said anything was clanking, banging, grinding, or any other obvious sign of catastrophic failure (in which case I would not attempt my own recommendation).

JimiJams

Yeah, I never mentioned that there were no noises, otherwise I wouldn't have tried it. Nothing seemed damaged, it just seemed like 4 wheel wasn't engaging and wanted to test it and see without having to put it on stands or pay someone else to.