Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

I am new to the forum having just purchased my first FJ last week (Dec. 2010). I bought a 6-speed manual and really like it. I have 2 questions about the HL (high, locked center differential - 4WD).

1) I know that it is OK to use the HL in the snow. Is it also OK to use HL when it rains? I see that the owner's manual says that it works at the same speeds as the HH (2WD) setting. I believe that it is OK, but want some input first as the manual says nothing.

2) The manual does not say when you can change from HH to HL. Do you have to stop the vehicle or go below 5mph as with the HL to LL change or can you engage the HL "on the fly". Again the manual says nothing and I'm afraid to try it without first knowing what will happen.

Thanks for the help.
Charlie

Charlie,
You could use HL in the rain, but I would advise against it. You will feather your tires. Use 4 wheel on surfaces that have some give like snow, mud and gravel. The issue is that the front and back wheels are not synced so that they will push against each other when on asphalt when they turn. To experience this, put the 4 wheel in when stopped and try a hard turn - forward or reverse. You will see what I mean. If you use it in the rain - make sure it's really needed. A torrential downpour or hurricane comes to mind.

If you are going to use 4 low, I would stop the vehicle first. You would probably be fine if you were going below 5 mph, but why risk it? My 4 low gets used very infrequently - mostly when I'm towing someone out of a ditch or want a slow descent down a steep grade.

Also, since you sound a bit new to this, remember to engage you 4 wheel about once a month (at least once a quarter) to work it out a bit. This prevents problems from disuse. Do this on a gravel road or off-road.

have fun with the FJ. They'rre Grreaatt!

Thank you very much for the response. Since typing this, I have read that the 6-speed manual is 4WD all the time as opposed to the automatic which is not. If that is true it further answers my question about use in the rain - meaning that 4HH is the way to go.

Huh? Now you are confusing me. Now the automatics have an all-wheel drive option, but as far as I know the manual does not. The manual does however have the anti-slip all the time. Is that what you are thinking about?