Engaging 4WD

upstream · Post by **upstream** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 2:09 pm

I have just purchased a 1994 Surf 3.0L diesel, automatic transmission. I am a newby at this and not much of a mechanic, but willing to learn. My question: To engage 4WD and then shift to low range, do I need to move the gear stick to "Park" first? It seems that I get a crunch from the trans if I am in N or in gear. Also, the 4WD light on the dash isn't lighting up, even when I am in 4WD.

MATT4U · Post by **MATT4U** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 2:24 pm

do you have manual or auto hubs

upstream · Post by **upstream** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 2:36 pm

Auto hubs

Jungle · Post by **Jungle** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 2:44 pm

Not sure if its the same for hilux as it is for landcruiser.

My auto requires me to be in neutral before changing to low range with lever.
Sounds like you've got some wiring drama. Hopefully the light is just blown.

Put you truck in low range on the tarseal and see if you can drive around in a circle. If you can't it means your 4WD system is working.

Your hubs wont effect the light coming on. You shouldn't get any crunching from your tranfer case unless you are still moving. That could be another issue.

If you've got manual hubs, lock them in. If auto hubs they should look after themselves. Auto hubs can also cause problems.

let us know how you get on.

G

DieselBoy · Post by **DieselBoy** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 2:45 pm

You have to come to a complete stop, (if you have an ADD which is more than likely on that year surf,press the 4H button) , shift to neutral, then ease the lever back from 4H to 4L, put back into drive and you should be all good.

There could a slight clunk, as autos can still spin the gearbox output shaft in neutral.

You will get a clunk or a grind if you move the transfer lever to N and pause slightly, with the auto lever in N as well. Can happen on a manual too.

Sure someone else will offer imput later on to.
Cheers,
Pete.

Edit: Beat me to it G :wink:

upstream · Post by **upstream** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 3:10 pm

There seems to be no crunching if I am in P, but she does not like the auto lever in N - crunches when moving transfer lever into N. A bloke at works reckons that I need to go into P to stop the output shaft from the trans from turning.

I managed to download a surf owners manual from toyotasurf.asn.au, which says that I can move from H4 to L4 and back while driving. Does this sound right?

I bought from a dealer so I will take her back if not right - just need to be sure of my facts.

I had a pre-purchase inspection done by a diesel mechanic but I suspect he only looked at the engine - came back with flying colours.

Jungle - will double check 4x4 operation after work. Thanks man.

eatenfuller · Post by **eatenfuller** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 3:47 pm

only the 1st shape surf have auto hubs,theres no such thing as auto hubs on those latemodel surfs youre system is ADD which is an awesome system so dont even think about manual hubs cos youre just throwing money away mate

my theory is select neutral............................(on the auto box)

then select youre transer gear (high/low)

then push the 4wd button.

then select gear on youre trans and take youre time shifting other wise youle bind up youre valve bodie clutches(nice and easy)

ive never been a fan shifting 4wd on the move cos youre drive shaft just binds up :wink:

cromcruiser · Post by **cromcruiser** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 8:36 pm

In my surf i can change from h 4x4 to l 4x4 driving along slowly and no sounds at all h 4x4 to h 2x4 again no sounds
get it look at

upstream · Post by **upstream** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:18 am

OK, so what I'm getting from this is that I should probably come to a stop, then engage 4x4 (in auto lever N or P). But once moving again I should be able to move into H or L on the fly, just watching speed when moving from H to L.

This definitely does not work for me. I also seem to have issues disengaging 4WD completely.

Back to the dealer methinks!

upstream · Post by **upstream** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:21 am

What model Surf you got Cromcruiser?

DieselBoy · Post by **DieselBoy** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 12:43 pm

Yop got that from there??

The one thing that no one has bought up here is were abouts your choosing to change from 4h to 4L and back again.

You MUST change before you hit a hard surface., eg, while still on the gravel.

What could be happening, and i say "could", is that if you are doing it on a hard surface, eg tarseal, or a hard gravel road, your transmission could be binding up tight, which makes it hard to shift, and when you do suceed, it goes with an almighty clunk as the trans unloads betyween the front and rear axles.

Provided you stop, or coast slowly at about 10k's, shift to N, press the 4H button, ease the transfer leaver back to 4L, may go with a light clunk, then you should be away.

I have just had yet another thought.

If you 4h button isn't doing anything, and your trying to do the 4x4 thing while coasting, it will grind, as it has to try to spin the front drive shaft up to the same speed as the rear before it will go in to 4L.

The best thing for you to do at the moment if you want to keep getting usefull info from us is to jack one front wheel of the ground so it spins freely, put the T case in neutral, and press the 4H button.
Spin the wheel thats off the ground and watch to see if the drive shft is rotating. Let us know what happens.

buggerburger · Post by **buggerburger** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 5:29 pm

Hi upstream
You will definately have ADD (automatic Disconecting Differential ).Basically the two front axles will be turning all the time as they are fixed to the wheel hubs .It certainly isn`t a bad idea to consider fitting manual hubs . this will stop the two shafts from turning and reduce wear and tear to your cv joints . They are easy to fit and will cost $270-$300 for a set .It realy is personal preference as you will no longer have the comfort of sitting in the cab to change to 4wd.
A good explanation of the Add system and some trouble shooting advice is avaliable on the aussie toyota surf site http://toyotasurf.asn.au/techsite/add.htm
I own a 1990 surf myself although it is a manual you have to be completely stopped before engaging 4wd low. You can move to 4wd high on the move . I think from memory (cant find the user manual )they state speeds of up to 100 km/ph for the high transfer although I prefer at slower speeds.
Hope I`m some help.
Cheers
Ken :wink:

cromcruiser · Post by **cromcruiser** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 5:31 pm

Hi my surf is VZN V6 WITH a A343H Auto box i never stop and put the auto in n i just slow down and go to 4x4 with no sounds

JJ · Post by JJ » Wed Oct 19, 2005 5:28 pm

With any ADD or Auto hub system you must be nearly stopped before shifting from 2wd to 4wd unless your lucky & have your tongue in the right place. Uneven tyre size (ie rear tyres worn more than fronts) will also make it hard to select 4wd on the fly.