2020 Toyota Tundra with 58k miles 4x4 issue

[PWMDMD]

I have a 2020 and it hands down my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. I completely understand the emotional attachment.

It's not fancy and it's not high tech but it just does what it does really well and it does it comfortably.

 

[supton]

It not fancy and it's not high tech but it just does what it does really well and it does it comfortably.

At times I miss my bit older Gen 2 (2010), it was simple (like me). I don't recall having that problem with 4LO but I only ever used 4LO once and that was just because I could. Turning off traction control & VSC got me a bit, snow tires quite a bit, and 4HI when it was really bad out.

 

[Oey12]

It not fancy and it's not high tech but it just does what it does really well and it does it comfortably.

Couldn’t agree more…

I have driven a couple different late model 1/2 tons. Chevy and Fords in particular and they are very nice trucks as well. However the 2.5 Gen Tundas are just “tighter/solid” feeling in every aspect. The turbo F150 and turbo 1500 Sierra feels more car like.

The Tundra by far the most comfortable Toyota (Highlander, multiple RAV4’s, Camry’s, 1st & 2 gen Tacoma’s, and 1st, 3rd and 5th gen 4Runner’s) I have owned. Wifey basically deemed it the family car after our first road trip in it…

 

[PWMDMD]

Everything has been 100% working fine today...I'm relieved!

 

[JeffKeryk]

Thanks, me too. I love this truck. It's the first vehicle in 30 years of driving I've become emotionally attached to...lol.

Our 01 Tundra is the best tool I have. Still get unsoliticited offers to buy; it ain't for sale.
Never had a 4wd issue, but then again it is a 2wd.

 

[D60]

The whole thing is a bummer. The one time you really needed 4wd it wouldn't engage. This is unfortunately why levers are superior but that's mostly a losing battle.

Me to transfer case: "You have one job!"

 

[edyvw]

The whole thing is a bummer. The one time you really needed 4wd it wouldn't engage. This is unfortunately why levers are superior but that's mostly a losing battle.

Me to transfer case: "You have one job!"

One of the reasons I prefer BMW over Sequoia in snow.

 

[Rand]

4-lo can be temperamental. Sometimes I would have to drive a little or let it roll slow in neutral to engage esp at low temperatures.
I would avoid engaging anywhere that isnt clear.. if possible and 4high is ok for conditions.
The fact that 2wd worked points to a transfer case issue.. (possibly temporary and not concerning)

 

[OilUzer]

I've had Toyota trucks forever and the way it has worked for me is to anticipate the need and the road conditions. Meaning I go to 4-Hi first (before I get stuck) while moving and drive and make sure it is fully engaged with no blinking lights. Then if I need 4-Lo, I stop on a flat area, put it in N, foot off the brake, and engage the 4-Lo.

I have NEVER had any issues doing it this way.

Not saying that's what the book says. I understand the need for going from 2WD to 4-Lo if you wake up with lots of snow and ice ... but I always make sure I drive in 4-Hi with no blinking lights before shifting to 4-Lo.

@KrisZ is correct about the bad or weak battery causing Xmas tree at startup ... But that can happen anytime and it's not related to being in 4-WD or not.