How To Use Your Toyota 4runner’s 4 Wheel Drive System

You might be surprised to know that the majority of Toyota 4runner owners have never used all of the off-road features that they come equipped with. So if you’re unfamiliar with the proper way to shift your 4runner into 4 wheel drive, don’t worry! We’ll cover all the basics and what everything means here.

How does the Toyota 4runner’s 4WD system work?

There are 2 different types of 4WD systems that can be found in the 4runner – full-time and part-time 4 wheel drive. Part-time models can be shifted from 2WD to 4hi and 4lo while full-time models only have 4hi and 4lo. The center diff can also be locked so torque is split 50/50 front and rear.

Which 4runner models had full-time and which ones had part-time 4 wheel drive can be seen in the table below:

	Part-Time 4WD	Full-Time 4WD
1st Gen 4runner (1984-1989)	All models (either with manual hubs or Automatic Differential Disconnect)
2nd Gen 4runner (1990-1995)	All models (Automatic Differential Disconnect)
3rd Gen 4runner (1996-2002)	All models (2001-2002 as well as 1999 and 2000 Limiteds had extra Multi-Mode setting)
4th Gen 4runner (2003-2009)	All V6 models	All V8 models
5th Gen 4runner (2010-Current)	All models except Limited	Limited models

1st (1984-1989) and 2nd (1990-1995) Generation 4runner 4WD Engagement

Most 4runners of all generations had some form of part-time 4WD. On the 1st and 2nd generation models, it was an old-school version of 4 wheel drive with either manual locking hubs or a system called Auto Differential Disconnect.

Available Settings	Label	When To Use
2 Wheel Drive High	H2	Regular driving on dry ground
4 Wheel Drive High	H4	Driving at higher speeds on slippery ground
4 Wheel Drive Low	L4	Slow speed crawling where extra torque and control are required

That system basically disconnected the axles from the front differential but allowed them to free spin with the wheels – creating a 2WD mode that continues to spin/wear the front driveline even though it’s disengaged.

When to use each 4WD setting in a 1st and 2nd gen 4runner

You should be driving around in 2WD at all times unless you’re in slippery conditions. If you need more traction, shift to 4hi. You shouldn’t use 4hi on dry ground because the front and rear are locked 50/50. Doing so can cause binding in the driveline and in turn, cause damage.

All 4WD 4runners have a 4lo setting. This adjusts the gearing so that the vehicle is able to creep along at a snail’s pace. 4lo should only be used for climbing or descending steep hills, attacking large rocks, or pulling a stuck vehicle out.

How to engage 4WD in a 1st or 2nd gen 4runner

To shift to 4hi, get out and lock your hubs, then shift to the 4hi setting. (If your 4runner doesn’t have manual hubs, simply shift to the 4hi setting).

To shift to 4lo, pop the transmission in neutral and shift to the 4lo setting at a standstill.

3rd Generation (1996-2002) 4WD Engagement

The 3rd generation 4runner upgraded to a more refined 4 wheel drive system. It allows for 2WD, 4hi, and 4lo settings. This is a traditional 4WD system in that shifting to 4hi or 4lo locks the drivetrain so it delivers a 50/50 split front and rear (“4hi locked”).

Available Settings	Label	When To Use
2 Wheel Drive High	H2	Regular driving on dry ground
4 Wheel Drive High (Unlocked)	4WD button on side of shifter for Multi-Mode models	Driving at higher speeds on a mix of dry and slippery ground
4 Wheel Drive High (Locked)	H4 for regular models H4L for Multi-Mode models	Driving at higher speeds on slippery ground
4 Wheel Drive Low	L4L	Slow speed crawling where extra torque and control are required

Toyota offered something new with the Limited models in 1999 and 2000, as well as all models in 2001 and 2002 – the Multi-Mode setting. This was similar to the 4hi setting in the other models but instead of locking the torque 50/50, it delivered it anywhere it was needed – much like vehicles with All-Wheel-Drive do. This can be considered “4hi unlocked”.

You can identify a Multi-Mode equipped 4runner by the “4WD” button on the side of the shifter. It can be switched to a regular 4hi setting (50/50) by either pressing a button on the dash or shifting the lever to H4L (depending on model) to lock the center differential. This can be considered “4hi locked”.

Some 3rd gen 4runners also featured a locking rear diff or “e-locker”. This is not to be confused with a center diff lock. Locking the rear differential locks both rear tires together for extra grip.

When to use each 4WD setting in a 3rd gen 4runner

You should always drive around in 2WD unless you need more traction. For 4runners with Multi-Mode 4WD, that setting is also safe to drive around in although it can cause more wear and tear on the system.

4hi unlocked (Multi-Mode) is great for snow, ice, and loose gravel. Basically, conditions where an AWD car like a Subaru would work well. 4hi unlocked basically simulates All Wheel Drive. It’ll figure out which wheels are slipping and divide power accordingly.

4hi locked should only be used in slippery conditions. Do not drive on bare pavement in this mode. It can cause damage.

4lo should only be used for slow-speed crawling.

How to engage 4WD in a 3rd gen 4runner

If you have the regular 4WD system, simply shift the lever to 4hi. This can be done while you’re moving as long as you’re traveling less than 50 MPH.

For 4runners equipped with the Multi-Mode 4WD, you can shift to 4hi unlocked by pressing the 4WD button. To lock the center diff 50/50 like the regular 4WD system, either shift the lever to H4L or push the center diff lock button in the dash (depending on the model).

To engage 4lo, you need to be stopped and in neutral. Shift the lever to L4L. You may need to move the vehicle forward or backward an inch to get it to engage if it’s being stubborn.

4th Generation (2003-2009) 4WD Engagement

The 4th generation 4runner was the first to introduce full-time 4 wheel drive. This was found in every model that was equipped with a V8 engine. V6 models kept the same part-time Multi-Mode system that was found in later 3rd gens.

Available Settings	Label	When To Use
2 Wheel Drive High (V6 Models only)	H2	Regular driving on dry ground
4 Wheel Drive High (Unlocked, Full-time in V8 Models)	H4	Driving at higher speeds on a mix of dry and slippery ground (Similar to AWD)
4 Wheel Drive High (Locked)	H4 on V6 models, H4 with extra button on dash pushed for V8s	Driving at higher speeds on slippery ground
4 Wheel Drive Low	L4	Slow speed crawling where extra torque and control are required

The full-time 4WD V8 models do not offer a 2WD setting of any kind. They behave just like the Multi-Mode 4hi setting in the 4th gen V6s and 3rd gens. They can be switched to a regular 4hi setting by locking the center differential (“4hi locked”). There is a button in the dash to lock or unlock the center diff.

When to use each 4WD setting in a 4th gen 4runner

4th gens with a V6 can be treated just like a 3rd gen with Multi-Mode. You can drive around in 2WD or 4 high unlocked if you want. Since the V8 doesn’t have a 2WD option, they all drive around in 4 high unlocked automatically.

Driving with the center diff locked (or 4hi locked) should only be done on slippery surfaces.

4lo should only be used for slow-speed crawling.

How to engage 4WD in a 4th gen 4runner

Shifting from 2WD to 4hi unlocked can be done on the fly by flipping the switch to H4. You need to be traveling less than 60 MPH to shift to 4hi or lock the center differential. Locking the center diff is done by pushing the button on the lower left of the dash.

Engaging 4lo requires coming to a full stop, shifting the transmission to neutral, and switching to the 4lo setting.

5th Generation (2010-Current) 4WD Engagement

Toyota did away with the V8 engine for the 5th gen 4runner but it did bring back the full-time 4 wheel drive feature. That was only found in Limited models.

Available Settings	Label	When To Use
2 Wheel Drive High	H2	Regular driving on dry ground
4 Wheel Drive High (Unlocked, Full-time in Limited Models)	H4F	Driving at higher speeds on a mix of dry and slippery ground (Similar to AWD)
4 Wheel Drive High (Locked)	H4L	Driving at higher speeds on slippery ground
4 Wheel Drive Low	L4 L4L on Limited Models	Slow speed crawling where extra torque and control are required

Aside from the Limiteds, all other 5th gen 4runners have a regular 4WD system. The Limited models have a center differential that can be locked to deliver a guaranteed 50/50 torque split or offer more of an AWD setting when unlocked.

This article was originally posted on Canadiangearhead.com. If you’re reading this anywhere else, it was stolen and reused without consent.

When to use each 4WD setting in a 5th gen 4runner

Most 5th gen 4runners have a regular 4WD system, meaning you should be driving around in 2WD. If extra traction is needed in slippery conditions, switch to 4hi. 4lo should be reserved for crawling.

Limited models drive around in 4hi unlocked just like the V8 4th gens do. You can lock the center differential for a true 4hi but don’t drive like that on bare pavement.

How to engage 4WD in a 5th gen 4runner

Your 5th gen 4runner will either have a dial or a lever to control the 4WD system. To shift from 2WD to 4hi locked, shift to the H4 setting while driving less than 60 MPH. Shifting to 4lo needs to be done at a dead stop with the transmission in neutral.

For Limited models with full-time 4WD, you can shift from H4F to H4 on the fly while driving less than 60 MPH. Shifting to 4lo is the same as regular 5th gens.

Final word

Your 4runner’s 4 wheel drive settings might seem confusing but hopefully, this article has helped to explain them. Part of the confusion comes from the labels of the settings being different than the traditional 4×4 names we’re used to “like 4 high and 4 low”.

Make sure to go back to the table I supplied for your specific generation of 4runner to have a clear understanding of which setting is which. It’s also a good idea to check the inside of your driver’s side sun visor – Toyota left specific instructions for engaging 4WD there for many 4runner models.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the 4runner’s 4WD settings, you might be curious about what acronyms like KDSS and X-REAS mean. Check out my explanation of those in this article:

Frequently asked questions

Can you put a 4runner in 4wd while driving?

Both shifting from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive and locking or unlocking the center differential can be done while driving. Some people claim that their 4WD actually engages easier while driving. You’ll need to be traveling less than 50 MPH to lock it in 4 wheel drive.

How fast can you drive a 4runner in 4wd?

If it’s full-time 4WD, you can drive as fast as your 4runner is capable of. With it locked in 4hi though, you shouldn’t exceed 50 MPH. A good rule to follow is that you shouldn’t be considering speeds above 50 MPH if the road is slippery enough to require 4WD in the first place. It’s just not safe.