How the Stabilizer with Disconnection Mechanism (SDM) Works on the 2025 4Runner

Administrator

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 26, 2024
Messages
61
Reaction score
7
Increase Suspension Articulation for Off-Road Performance

The Stabilizer with Disconnection Mechanism (SDM) is an off-road feature available on certain 2025 4Runner models that enhances suspension flexibility by electronically unlocking the front stabilizer bar. This improves comfort and control in rugged terrain while maintaining on-road stability. It allows drivers to disconnect the front sway bar to improve wheel articulation and ground contact during off-road driving, then automatically reconnect it for on-road stability. It's similar to Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) on the 5th Gen 4Runner, but it only disconnects the front sway bar.

(Reference: 2025 Owner’s Manual, pg. 436–437)
Link to Owners Manual: https://trail4runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-4runner-owners-manual.pdf

SDM Purpose and Function

When driving on paved roads, the stabilizer is locked to limit suspension movement, which improves cornering and handling.
When activated for off-road use, SDM unlocks the stabilizer to allow greater suspension travel, which helps each wheel maintain contact with uneven surfaces and reduces body vibration.

How to Use SDM​

  1. Make sure the vehicle is traveling under approximately 18 mph
  2. Press the SDM switch located on the dash
  3. The SDM indicator light will turn on
  4. To cancel, press the switch again (indicator turns off)
While the system is shifting between locked and unlocked states, the SDM indicator will flash.

SDM will re-lock automatically once the vehicle exceeds approximately 18 mph. You’ll hear a mechanical sound when the stabilizer bar is engaging or disengaging—this is normal and not a malfunction.

Operating Conditions​

  • Engine switch must be in the ON position
  • Vehicle speed must be at or below 18 mph
  • SDM state is retained even if the engine is turned off; to change it, restart the engine and press the SDM switch again
  • On uneven surfaces, there may be a delay in switching states depending on suspension movement

Limitations​

  • The system may not function properly if the outside temperature is below -22°F (-30°C)
  • If the SDM indicator does not match actual stabilizer status, drive the vehicle briefly to allow the suspension to adjust
  • When SDM is active, some Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 features may be temporarily disabled

2025 4Runner Stabilizer with Disconnection Mechanism Diagram​


Refer to the Owner’s Manual (pages 436–437) for a diagram of the SDM switch and system behavior under different conditions.

2025-4runner-stabilizer-with-disconnection-mechanism-diagram.jpg
 

Featured

Official Pricing will be released this fall...
Ok guys, here is a quick look at the new 6th...
I think this is the 2025 4Runner Platinum in...

Recent

Hey all! Underground Sport Premium. 20' Nitto Ridge Grappler tires. Pretty much everything is...
I know the pro and trailhunter have wider fenders, but are the Off-road trims wider than the...
Yes they sure do. I have these laying around from my old fourth GEN and I decided to give them a...
After mocking up a few other wraps and livery concepts, I started to play around with the Turbo...
Has anyone encountered this yet with your new 4Runner? It’s starting to get humid here in FL and...
When at the New York Autoshow, I had the unique opportunity to have both a 4R Limited and LC250...
Seeing if anyone with other models have pre drilled threads in their frame for aftermarket rock...
Back at it with some wrap inspiration on the 6th Gen 4Runner. We have everything from multi-cam...
Take a look at some of these livery mockups inspired by the 1st Gen 4Runner Turbo graphics with...
Anyone install the readylift or peak performance leveling kits yet? I'm trying to decide on...
Took a little drive to Muleshoe Bend to get some dirt on the tires and see the bluebonnets. Love...

Similar

Back
Top