Scotty – I have a brand new 2023 Toyota TACOMA TRD Off-Road. 4300 miles. I'm getting an intermittent message on my dash to "Shift into 4L." It happens at random times - sometimes at low speeds, sometimes at 40mph, and sometimes when I start the car. In almost every situation that it appears, shifting to 4L makes no sense, especially on a high traction road surface where I could damage the car if I complied with the message.
There are no trouble codes or message shown when I connect my BlueDriver scan tool. The user manual mentions this message in the Appendix, but doesn't explain why/when it appears. I took it to a Toyota dealership, and they didn't know what was causing it. There doesn't seem to be anything mechanically wrong with the car - it can shift into 4H and 4L just fine if needed. I've also had the battery voltage, cranking amps, and terminals checked. Electrically the only thing that has been done to the car was some heated seats were installed. I've had the wiring on those checked also.
The only thing I could think of was that it could be that I'm supposed to exercise the transfer case low range gears regularly to stop them from locking up. I know you're supposed to activate the 4wd system periodically just to keep it in good working order. Could it be a simple courtesy reminder?
What could be going on here? A Google search didn't turn up any relevant information. Thanks!
Since it's a new truck it should be under warranty. Have the dealer check it out using their professional-grade equipment. (The BlueDriver can't dig deep enough to diagnose the 4WD system.)
It is a brand new truck, and definitely still under warranty. Thing is, the dealer I took it to was useless and just shrugged basically. Guess I have to take it to another dealer. Won't a good independent mechanic also have fancy scan tools to diagnose the 4wd system?
Usually that kind of thing requires dealer diagnostic tools. However if you can find someone like Scotty who has ultra-fancy high-end scan tools they should be able to diagnose it. However being under warranty, Toyota is responsible for any necessary repairs.
In particular if a software update is needed to resolve the issue only a dealer would be able to do that.
the dealer I took it to was useless and just shrugged basically
if you're getting unsatisfactory service from the dealership, you should talk to Toyota USA.
