What does Toyota Prado H4F, H4L, and L4L mean?
2 Answers
H4F, H4L, and L4L are function buttons on the Toyota Prado. H4F refers to Full-Time 4WD; H4L refers to High-Speed 4WD; L4L refers to Low-Speed 4WD. H4F, Full-Time 4WD: H4F is the default 4WD mode for the Prado, used during daily urban driving. It provides driving force, and all four wheels can rotate at the same speed. H4L, High-Speed 4WD: In High-Speed 4WD mode, both the front and rear differentials are locked, allowing all four wheels to rotate at the same speed. This prevents a lifted wheel from spinning rapidly while a stuck wheel remains stationary. When in H4L mode, it is best not to exceed 80 km/h. L4L, Low-Speed 4WD: After switching from H4F to H4L, pause for five seconds, then press the knob and rotate it to L4L, and finally shift the gear lever to L for Low-Speed 4WD. H4F, Full-Time 4WD Operation: Rotate the knob to H4F. H4L, High-Speed 4WD Operation: Stop the vehicle, start the engine, shift into neutral, rotate the knob to H4L, and finally shift into D to drive forward. L4L, Low-Speed 4WD Operation: Stop the vehicle, start the engine, shift into neutral, rotate the knob from H4F to H4L, pause for five seconds, press the knob and rotate it to L4L, and finally shift the gear lever to L.
I often take my Toyota Prado off-road for adventures. That H4F/H4L/L4L sounds like the mode codes for the four-wheel-drive system, likely referring to the high-speed four-wheel-drive free mode and low-speed four-wheel-drive lock function. In the vehicle, normal modes like H4 are used to enhance stability on slippery roads or during high-speed driving, while L4 is suitable for steep slopes or getting out of muddy terrain, providing strong torque. I remember once on a mountain trail, switching to L4 made climbing the slope effortless, but it must be operated when the vehicle is completely stopped, otherwise the transmission system can easily be damaged. For daily driving, I mostly use H4 to save fuel, and only engage the L4 lock function when off-roading. Toyota's design is very reliable, but it's important to regularly check the differential oil to keep things running smoothly. In short, understanding these modes can make driving safer and more efficient.
