Sequioa 4WD Question

Mahd · #1 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 08:34 AM

I was getting my oil changed at the dealer this weekend and the guy who was working on my truck tells me that I should only have the 4wheeldrive on in snowy or wet conditions. He said this could damage the vehicle/drivetrain/4WD components.I look at as if he didn't know what he was talking about. Since coming to this forum I have ALWAYS left my 4WD switch on no matter what the weather.

nhparrot · #2 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 09:59 AM

It says in the owner's manual "Toyota recommends not using four-wheel drive on dry hard-surfaced roads, because four-wheel driving will cause unnecessary noise and wear, and fuel economy"

Also says:

"NOTICE Do not drive on dry paved surfaces in "H" (4WD, LOCKED ) mode. This may damage the locking mechanism and the drive system."

"NOTICE Do not drive on dry paved surfaces in "L4" (LOCKED ) mode. This may damage the locking mechanism and the drive system."

Check your owner's manual.

sequoiasoon · #3 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 10:24 AM

MAHD,
99% of the time the 4x4 is not needed it will definitely increase fuel usage and wear on the systems. If you want to use it during poor weather you'll be fine. Don't forget the Sequoia has VSC to help during emergency situations also. Using 4x4 on dry summer roads just takes money from your pocket.

Glenn,
I'll have to go double check my manual if the wife ever comes home with the Sequoia. I feel like the one day sale commercials "where is your mother?" as my son is wrestling with me and destroying the house. I believe the "locked" was for the center differential lock. This is for those extremely foul weather times and would be bad for vehicle during turns by not allowing the frnt and rear to turn at different speeds.
The 4WD all the time would hurt Fuel economy and increase wear and tear on the system.

Manual for the 2003 Sequoia also said to drive in 4x4 a minimum of 10 miles per month to keep all the components lubricated and moving.

Side note: I hope we have a bad winter this year so I can try the center locking diff on my cousins driveway. 1 mile long 35-40 degree "hills" LOTS of snow and mud!

Catman · #4 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 10:28 AM

If you are simply driving in 4wd High then you won't damage anything. You will use more fuel though. Unlike other SUV's the Sequoia has a center differential which allows all wheels to turn independently. A traditional system will bind while turning on drive pavement. Maybe the tech you spoke with was unaware of the Sequoia's technical setup.

Mahd · #5 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 12:09 PM

Thanks guys.

Catman that's what I thought. I've had 4WD on( unlocked) for 20k miles and so no problems.

Is the fuel I save with the 4WD off significant?

Catman · #6 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 01:00 PM

I bet it is 1-2 mpg. I only put mine in 4wd in the winter and when conditions are really bed. In winter I do it just so I don't have to listen to the overly ambitious traction control kick in coming out of every parking lot.

toy4x4boy · #7 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 11:25 PM

I don't understand why you would want to run in 4wd all the time. We only use our 4wd in the snow and when driving on the beach.

chipster · #8 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Manual for the 2003 Sequoia also said to drive in 4x4 a minimum of 10 miles per month to keep all the components lubricated and moving.

This is important to remember, and easy to forget during the warm weather months

ericanddoug · #9 (**permalink**) 06-05-2003, 09:31 AM

I read Glenn's message below. Went and double-checked my Sequoia 2003 manual.

In my book, those warnings only apply to 4wd with the center differential locked.

E

Catman · #10 (**permalink**) 06-05-2003, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ericanddoug
I read Glenn's message below. Went and double-checked my Sequoia 2003 manual.

In my book, those warnings only apply to 4wd with the center differential locked.

E

EXACTLY!

Mahd · #11 (**permalink**) 06-11-2003, 10:27 AM

Thanks again fellas.

myseq · #12 (**permalink**) 06-11-2003, 04:04 PM

Speaking of driving in 4 wheel drive. I have driven in 4 wheel drive by pushing the button to turn on the 4 wheel drive system. How do you use the high and low lever to switch between the two???

Thanks

ericanddoug · #13 (**permalink**) 06-11-2003, 04:18 PM

I would really suggest you thoroughly read the owners manual before you touch that lever. If you use it incorrectly, you can do some major damage.

And every year's vehicle seems a little different.

E

RA · #14 (**permalink**) 06-11-2003, 06:45 PM

According to the 4WD expert on edmunds.com, driving 24/7 in 4WD High is perfectly fine. If you need information on 4WD, search for Cliffy's contributions to 4WD Systems Explained in their forums. Excellent stuff.

ericanddoug · #15 (**permalink**) 06-11-2003, 07:00 PM

Exactly - in HIGH it is fine.

But since he was also asking about LOW, I feel it is important that he understand what he is doig before he throws the switch.

In the case of the 2003 manual, for example, there are very loud and clear warnings regarding driving with the center differential locked, for example.

E