On an equipped 2025 4Runner Hybrid, stop the wheels, press the rear-differential-lock switch and wait until both lock indicators stop blinking and stay on before moving slowly.
Check that your vehicle has it.
Toyota lists the electronic locking rear differential as standard on 2025 TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter grades. This guide is restricted to their i-FORCE MAX hybrid configurations and equipped TRD Off-Road Premium derivatives.
- Retail trim / version
- TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX, TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX, TRD Pro, Trailhunter, i-FORCE MAX off-road grades
- Required equipment / service
- Electronic rear differential lock and its console switch, electronic locking rear differential
Does the documented scope match your car?
This check combines the verified year, any source-supported powertrain scope, source-named trim/package and required equipment. It does not read a VIN or factory build record.
Published availability and qualifications
Toyota lists the electronic locking rear differential as standard on 2025 TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter grades. This guide is restricted to their i-FORCE MAX hybrid configurations and equipped TRD Off-Road Premium derivatives.
Know what kind of control to look for.
This original category diagram is an orientation aid, not a picture of your exact trim. Use the written labels and your vehicle manual to identify the real control.
Step by step.
- 01
Use the locker only on a ditch, slippery surface or ragged off-road surface where a rear wheel is spinning, and first stop the wheels completely.
- 02
Press the rear differential lock switch once.
- 03
Wait while the rear-lock indicators blink; do not proceed until they stop blinking and remain illuminated.
- 04
Drive only as slowly as needed to clear the obstacle and stay below 5 mph (8 km/h).
- 05
Press the switch again as soon as traction is restored and verify that the indicators turn off.
Important limits
- Do not lock the differential on normal high-traction roads or while a wheel is still spinning.
- ABS, brake assist, VSC, Downhill Assist Control and TRAC do not operate while the rear differential is locked.
- The manual limits speed to 5 mph (8 km/h) with the locker engaged.
Quick checks.
- ✓If an unlock indicator keeps blinking, check surroundings and turn the steering wheel slightly in either direction while moving slowly.
- ✓If lock or unlock indicators continue blinking, stop completely and operate the switch again.
- ✓Persistent blinking after a complete stop requires prompt Toyota inspection because the 4WD system may have a fault.
What happened on your vehicle?
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2025 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid Owner's Manual — Rear differential lock system
Relevant section or page: Pages 412–413. We use the written official source to determine the steps and applicability shown above.
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Reviewed with a visible trail.
Scope and steps were checked by Car Cheat Codes Editorial Review. A guide is narrowed or corrected when the source does not support a broader claim.
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