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Newbie Question - Ran my new 4Runner SR4 on H4 for 60 miles on Highway

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by dell1989, Jan 2, 2022.

  1. Jan 2, 2022 at 2:40 PM
    #1
    dell1989

    dell1989 [OP] New Member

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    I just bought the 2022 SR5 and mistakenly ran the car on H4 for about 60 miles, mostly highway, some local streets with sharp turns (city driving). I have now switched it back to H2. Did I cause permanent damage to my new car? I did some google research and I am getting mixed information. Some said it's okay so long I didn't lock the differential, some said I should not have exceeded 55 miles per hour, and it could have caused damages. Just wanted to have reliable answer. Thank you all.
     
  2. Jan 2, 2022 at 2:46 PM
    #2
    Cowboy59

    Cowboy59 Enjoy the Adventure

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    I can't say for sure, but assuming it is the under warranty, you could take it to the dealer and have them check it.
     
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2022
  3. Jan 2, 2022 at 2:49 PM
    #3
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

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    No thing. I cruised 80mph in 4h forgetting I had turned it on
     
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  4. Jan 2, 2022 at 2:52 PM
    #4
    Mtbpsych

    Mtbpsych New Member

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    As long as you didn’t feel the drivetrain binding I personally wouldn’t worry much, but that’s just my opinion.
     
  5. Jan 2, 2022 at 3:11 PM
    #5
    ecoterragaia

    ecoterragaia New Member

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    I would agree with this. If you want to preempt issues, maybe change out the differential and transfer case fluids in case they got hot. Otherwise, if you didn't bind up, you shouldn't have broken or weakened any gear teeth.
     
  6. Jan 2, 2022 at 3:20 PM
    #6
    Mass4runner

    Mass4runner New Member

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    I absolutely would not tell the dealer what you did and ask them to check it out, because you might risk getting your warranty voided! I personally wouldn't worry about it. Highly doubtful any damage was done.
     
    QAS, Ironguy, MeefZah and 3 others like this.
  7. Jan 2, 2022 at 3:23 PM
    #7
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    Looks like its not only me who do this by mistake. The newer 4Runners have a tiny green 4wd indicator closer to the green head light indicator that does not stand out vs pre-2020 4Runners have slightly bigger 4wd indicator away from headlight indicator that stand out IMO.
     
    QAS, Thatbassguy and Toy4X4 like this.
  8. Jan 2, 2022 at 3:36 PM
    #8
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

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    Your fine, carry on.
     
  9. Jan 2, 2022 at 4:06 PM
    #9
    wdsteven

    wdsteven New Member

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    Ahhh it is totaled my not be good anymore... Just Bring it on over here and Leave me the Keys and in about a Year or So I'll let you know how it is... :rolleyes::burnrubber::rolleyes:
     
  10. Jan 2, 2022 at 4:33 PM
    #10
    Will

    Will New Member

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    I’ll give you $500 for it. That’s about scrap rate these days.
     
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  11. Jan 2, 2022 at 4:34 PM
    #11
    Will

    Will New Member

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    Seriously though. I’m sure you are fine. If you hurt it too badly you’d already hear or feel it when driving
     
  12. Jan 2, 2022 at 5:36 PM
    #12
    Stoney Ranger

    Stoney Ranger New Member

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    It's a 4R. No worries.
    I did the same in my '96 Silverado. 70 mph on the interstate for 30-ish miles. It now has 272,xxx miles. Did it 15-20 yrs ago.

    I guarantee you will never do it again.
     
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  13. Jan 2, 2022 at 5:52 PM
    #13
    Keukasmallie

    Keukasmallie New Member

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    I have just over 15k miles on my 2019 4runner, about five miles of which were in H4. What I noticed immediately was the restricted turning radius while in H4, is that the way it is normally?
     
  14. Jan 2, 2022 at 5:58 PM
    #14
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

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    yup, you got power trying to move your front wheels
     
  15. Jan 2, 2022 at 6:07 PM
    #15
    Stoney Ranger

    Stoney Ranger New Member

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    Yes, that is normal. The steering feels that it is binding up/ stiffer. It's the 4WD mechanical forces and gears clashing together instead of the free wheeling 2WD. It's the nature of the beast. You'll get used to it. It's what 4WD does.

    You're trying to steer the front axel while engaged, and the rear axel is trying to push you straight ahead, at the same time. Those forces are fighting each other when you turn.

    That's an convoluted explanation, but I hope it helps.
     
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2022
  16. Jan 2, 2022 at 9:45 PM
    #16
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

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    It will be fine. Generally you don't want to make sharp turns in 4wd.
     
  17. Jan 2, 2022 at 10:08 PM
    #17
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    I drove at least 30 miles in H4 on the way home after buying it at the dealer. It was because I got caught in a big snow storm. I never even thought this could be a bad thing….but is it???

    I have forgotten to disengage it on dry pavement for a bit, and even done a couple of u turns like that. Thats not good, but nothing blew up. It does seem like these systems have a bit of gear lash built in, not that i shhould rely on that to protect me from dumb mistakes…
     
  18. Jan 2, 2022 at 11:43 PM
    #18
    akmerle

    akmerle New Member

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    You are totally fine. Living in Alaska, I have been putting my Toyota trucks into 4x4 for 6 months a year for 25 years (97 and 01 Tacomas / 01, 10, and 18 Tundras, and 2020 4R Pro). Several hundred thousand miles in 4x4, much of which above posted speed of 65mph.

    You will see your manual says NOTHING about max speed while in 4x4. Just might say a max speed for shifting in/out, depending on model.
     
  19. Jan 3, 2022 at 1:09 AM
    #19
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

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    Another vote for "don't tell dealer".

    If you have an unrelated drivetrain issue in 3 years they're gonna summon up your documentation from now and fuck you with it.

    It's fine, just be more diligent from now on. No need to change fluids or anything.
     
  20. Jan 3, 2022 at 4:29 AM
    #20
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    That's funny.. I bought mine on a Friday and ut started snowing while we did the paperwork. They were nice enough to let me move my things from the Taco into the 4Runner in the service area!

    I believe I used 4wd right away as well. The stock tires were pretty useless without it. I don't see any harm, especially in snow.

    It must be able to handle some binding. Even off-road, we usually have some traction.
     
  21. Jan 3, 2022 at 12:13 PM
    #21
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    Good to hear. This is what I thought initially. But sometimes the internet makes you worry about things you never worried about before lol.
     
  22. Jan 3, 2022 at 2:03 PM
    #22
    LandCruiser

    LandCruiser I have Toyotas

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    Literally nothing happened. It will be fine.

    I have regularly driven in high range on icy and snowy highways at 50 to 60 mph.
     
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  23. Jan 3, 2022 at 3:14 PM
    #23
    fajitas21

    fajitas21 New Member

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    It's fine. I left 4WD Hi on once and forgot, drove a solid day in town. I honestly have no idea how I was so dumb.

    Anyways that was 60k miles ago....vehicle currently at 80k and never an issue.
     
  24. Jan 4, 2022 at 8:30 AM
    #24
    AZ_Trails

    AZ_Trails New Member

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    Absolutely not a problem. Folks are way too concerned around here about binding the drivetrain on dry pavement.
     
  25. Jan 17, 2023 at 4:37 PM
    #25
    FourRunz

    FourRunz New Member

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    I am confused. You're not supposed to drive it on H4?

    I ask because I recently drove 3/4 of a 300+ miles road trip at 70-80 mph. It drove smooth as butter.
     
  26. Jan 17, 2023 at 4:55 PM
    #26
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

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    Cliff notes: use 2wd on dry paved surfaces. 4H on loose surfaces or on slippery roads.

    If you are worried about what happens if you do use 4H on paved roads, this thread is the one for you ! Lol;)

    Unless you have unlimited trim, which is a full-time 4wd system. Then you can do whatever you want.
     
    FourRunz[QUOTED] likes this.
  27. Jan 17, 2023 at 5:03 PM
    #27
    FourRunz

    FourRunz New Member

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    Great, thanks!
     
  28. Jan 17, 2023 at 5:06 PM
    #28
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

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    Part time 4wd is not full time 4wd or AWD. Only the limited has full time 4WD.

    You can drive in part time 4wd on straight roads to exercise the system but it isn't recommended because most people forget they have it locked in or use it incorrectly.
     
    FourRunz likes this.

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