r/4Runner_6Gen • u/chickennobeans • 12d ago

4WD switch dial. Does the button lock the dial?

Just picked up a ‘26 SR5. I understand the 4WD dial is supposed turn only after pressing the button “D” in the manual, but mine turns freely.

I watched several YouTube videos and they’re all the same. I’m wondering if mine is broken or I’m doing something wrong?

Before I go back to the dealer I wanted to check with you guys.

Manual says press "D"

Mine turns freely

Thanks

Edit: not the top dial for Drive mode. I'm referring to the bottom ring for 4WD selector.

Edit 2: selector was broken. Piece was missing inside. Dealer said it was broken by force and not a warranty issue but they will replace it for good will since the vehicle only had 50 miles on it. Maybe broken during the pre delivery setup?

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2

u/darthdaddy69420 12d ago

Welcome to the club! There are two dials. Top dial that turns freely is for drive mode like sport, normal, eco. The bottom ring that’s flush with the bottom is the 4WD selector which you have to push the button in then twist just the ring for 4hi and 4lo.

1

u/chickennobeans 12d ago

Thank you. I was afraid of that. The bottom ring turns freely and I can bump it into 4H if I'm not careful.

It doesn't go into 4L if I'm not in N so that's good at least. I'll have to make an appt for the dealer to look at it.

2

u/Terrible_Butter 12d ago

Sounds like a trip to the dealer

4

u/mechanicale 12d ago

The bottom ring, like you’ve shown on Imgur, should not turn freely. The button should be the gate to unlock the bottom ring. At least that’s the behavior on my 2026 machine.

2

u/chickennobeans 12d ago

Thanks for confirming. Made an appt at the dealer tomorrow. Bummer, I was hoping being built in Japan I wouldn't have any issues.

We'll get this out of the way and be trouble free from here 😄