This is going to sound DUMB! I have this question posed on a car forum, but might get a faster answer here.

I have only used the 4WD button on my Lexus GX470SUV, and the height control button. But, to the upper right of the normal gear shift, there is a second shift with the letters L - N -H. I assume this is Low, Neutral, High. I have never used it.

Today, I tried to play with it to see what it does (preparing to take a drive on the beach this week) and I cannot get it to shift. I tried with the car in park and also with the car in drive - and it still wont shift.

Anyone know what this gear shift is for and whether or not I will need it? If I will need it, how do I get it to shift? If I need to go to the dealer to have it checked, I need to do it in the next 24 hrs.

Thanks!
Signed,
Chick with an SUV she can only half work

 

Put it in neutral and try again.

 

You probably won't need to change anything while on the beach.

Instructions:

(a) Four−wheel drive control
Use the four−wheel drive control lever and center
differential lock switch to select the following transfer and
center differential modes.
The “H” and “L” position of the four−wheel drive control lever
provides either lock or unlock mode of the center differential
depending on the center differential lock switch position.
Use the center differential lock system if your wheels get stuck
in a ditch, or when you are driving on a slippery or bumpy
surface. When the center differential is locked, the vehicle
stability control system is automatically turned off and the
center differential lock and “VSC OFF” indicator lights come on
because the function that controls engine performance
interferes with the process of freeing your wheels.

“H” (high speed position, center differential unlocked):
Lever at “H”, center differential lock switch left out
Use this for normal driving on all types of roads, from dry
hard−surfaced roads to wet, icy or snow−covered roads. This
position gives greater economy, quietest ride, least wear and
better vehicle control.
“H” (high speed position, center differential locked): Lever
at “H”, center differential lock switch pushed in
Use this for greater traction when you experience a loss of
power, such as wheel slipping, in the center differential unlock
mode.
“N” (neutral position): Lever at “N”
No power is delivered to the wheels. The vehicle must be
stopped.

(b) Shifting procedure
To shift between unlock and lock modes in “H”, push the
center differential lock switch.
To shift between unlock and lock modes in “L”, push the
center differential lock switch.
To shift between “H” and “L”, stop the vehicle, put the
transmission into “N” and move the four−wheel drive control
lever.

This is directly from the owner's manual.

 

Thanks folks! I have pulled out the manual and am going over the instructions. Redrocks, thans for posting them. Looks like I will want my VSC off and should use Low if I get stuck. Otherwise, just air down, go to High height and go. Thanks again.

 

Air down to 15psi. You can go as low as 8 if the sand is super soft. Sand and sand dunes you'll only need high range. The trick is to keep the speed up in the really soft stuff. Momentum is everything but likely it will go anywhere you point it. Don't get carried away but then you are probably already done.

 

Wouldn't one also want diff lock engaged for sand driving?

 

You would definitely want to lock the center diff in the sand!

Koz