How to shift between 2WD, 4H & 4L on Toyota Tundra

This guide shows you how to operate four wheel drive system on your Toyota Tundra vehicle.

Note: Since in 4WD mode the two axles are rigidly connected and there is no speed compensation between them, tension in the drive train and occasional noises can occur when driving excessively on dry surfaces or through bends. Heat build-up and premature wear of individual parts can also result.

Shifting from 2WD to 4H

1. To shift from two wheel drive and high-speed four-wheel drive, reduce the vehicle speed to under 62 miles an hour and turn the front drive control switch knob to the right, or clockwise.
2. If the high-speed four-wheel drive indicator light continues to blink after you operate the switch, this indicates the transfer mode is not securely in high-speed four-wheel drive.
3. In this case, drive straight ahead while accelerating or decelerating.
4. Once the transfer mode is corrected, the light should stop blinking.
5. If both the indicator light and chime are activated when you operate the control switch, you should stop the vehicle or reduce your speed to less than 62 miles an hour and operate the control knob switch again.

Shifting from 4H to 2WD

1. To shift from high-speed four-wheel drive to two-wheel drive, turn the front control switch knob to the left, or counterclockwise. This can be done at any speed.
2. If the high-speed four-wheel drive indicator light continues to blink after you operate the switch, this indicates the transfer mode is not securely in two-wheel drive.
3. In this case, drive straight ahead while accelerating or decelerating, or drive forward or backward a short distance.
4. Once the transfer mode is corrected, the light should stop blinking.
5. If the indicator light continues to blink, there may be a problem with the four-wheel drive system.

Shifting from 4H to 4L

1. To shift between high-speed four-wheel drive and low speed four-wheel drive, bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With your foot on the brake, shift the automatic transmission lever to neutral, and push and turn the front drive control switch fully to the right, or clockwise.

Shifting from 4L to 4H

1. To shift between low-speed four-wheel drive and high-speed four-wheel drive, bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With your foot on the brake, shift the automatic transmission lever to neutral and push and turn the front drive control switch to the left, or counterclockwise.
3. If the low-speed four-wheel drive indicator light continues to blink after you operate the switch to either four-wheel drive position, drive forward or backward a short distance, then stop the vehicle completely and shift the transmission lever into neutral and operate the control knob switch again.
4. Once the transfer mode is corrected the light should stop blinking. If the indicator light continues to blink, there may be a problem with the four-wheel-drive system.