New Lexus owner. I just got a 22 GX and wanted to ask if I should run the car under 4LO mode (Four wheel drive low) a few times a year to help the 4LO system staying "healthy", since I'm not really planning to do any offroading anytime soon. That might be a silly question, but I would appreciate any kind of advice on that. It's my first luxury car, so I want to make sure I maintain it properly. Thanks!

 

Yes, just do it on your driveway and DO NOT turn the wheel at all. Go back and forth for a few hundred yards worth of movement and it will be happy.

 

Congrats! You are gonna love your GX. I have the same transfer case….I don’t really bother to tell you the truth. But it’s probably a good idea to exercise the system. I have never liked the idea of an electronic 4WD actuated transfer case

 

Not only does the 4hi/lo need cycling but the center diff lock does also. This should be done at least twice for year, better is 3-4 times per year. Non use of those costly solenoids is far more likely to cause problems than cycling them, which they are designed to do. Don't forget to cycle other electric goodies like the sunroof, power windows and seats, mirrors etc. a few times per year also.

 

Thanks all for the advice. Just to confirm, I can exercise the CDL and 4lo on pavement, as long I have wheels straight (no turning) on a long straight stretch?

 

I find an empty parking lot and do this. Don't turn the wheels on pavement when the center diff is locked. Here are the different settings I test drive in a parking lot:
1. 4 LO
2. 4 LO with center diff locked
3. 4 HI with center diff locked

Unlock center diff and back to normal driving.

 

I do similar every 2-4 month, find it a simple exercise to hopefully not cause any solenoid seizing later as we plan to keep the GX for long time

 

Yes. I do it quarterly. I wait until it rains and drive in a straight line to exercise my 4lo and cdl.