How to Put My 2003 Toyota Tacoma in 4WD

The 2003 Toyota Tacoma may feature either manual or automatic locking hubs. While manual locking hubs need to be engaged (locked) prior to switching into four-wheel drive, automatic locking hubs allow the user to transfer into four-wheel drive by simply pressing the button located on the dashboard. Manual locking hubs made today allow you to drive with the hubs locked, but in a two-wheel drive mode. While less gas mileage and more front end wear and tear will occur, the benefit is you would not have to exit the vehicle to transfer the truck into four-wheel drive.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Manual Locking Hubs

   • 1

     Approach the driver's side tire and locate the manual locking hub at the center of the tire.

   • 2

     Turn the hub from the "free" position to the "lock" position following the arrow indicator stamped on the housing of the hub.

   • 3

     Approach the passenger side tire and repeat Step 2 to the manual locking hub.

   • 4

     Place your foot on the brake and place the Tacoma in neutral or park (for automatic transmissions).

   • 5

     Get into the driver's seat of the passenger cab of the Tacoma and then locate the transaxle shifter, located to the left of the gear shift on the center floorboard.

   • 6

     Pull the transaxle shifter down to the 4-Hi position. This will place you in four-wheel drive, recommended for poor traveling conditions, such as bad weather, or regular four-wheeling activities. 4-Lo should be used only if the vehicle is stuck (in mud or snow) or if plowing with the truck.

   • 7

     Place the Tacoma back into 2-Hi by pushing the transaxle shifter upward to the 2-Hi position before placing the manual locking hubs back into the free position. While you can drive with the hubs locked in 2-Hi, you will notice your gas mileage efficiency will decrease and you will also cause more premature wear and tear on front tires and front end components. This is due to the splines of the drive shaft being engaged with the hubs in the locked position.

Tips & Warnings

• For automatic locking hubs--featured in some higher end models of the Tacoma--simply press the 4-Hi button located on the dashboard. There is no need to lock the hubs prior, since this feature will automatically engage the hubs into a locked position before the transaxle engages four-wheel drive. While this feature allows you to engage four-wheel drive on the fly (when driving), for less duress on the transmission and transaxle only perform this at lower speeds (35 mph or less) or stop the Tacoma altogether.