4 Wheel Drive Modes, Which Should You Use?
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
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Is 4 wheel drive new to you? not sure what each of the modes do, and which you should use? In this video, Len explains the differences in 4 wheel drive modes, and what the reasons are to use each mode.
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While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Great video. But you left out one thing that I've noticed in my time as a manager of a fleet of Chevys' - the 4WD Auto mode causes extra wear in the transfer case. And if 4WD Auto isn't functioning correctly, meaning it engages when it shouldn't, you can cause drivability issues and damage to the transfer case. I advise all my drivers to only use 4WD Auto when there is a real chance of lost traction, in inclimate weather or off pavement, otherwise, always remain in 2WD.
Out of all the videos I have seen you are the only person who explain everything with details on everything 👍 👍 👍 👍 thank you
Great explanation, thank you! My work truck has 4wd auto and I used it today for driving on the highway since we had several days of snow. The highway was clean but still I was concerned, a coworker told me I was not supposed to use 4wd in highway but the auto function makes sense! Thank you so much.
Wow! Hands down the most straight forward, clear cut video on how to properly use the settings. Thank you and this was very helpful! Much appreciated!
A wonderful and very thorough explanation ... I thank this wonderful channel for all the valuable information it publishes, and I hope the giving continues👌..
I now have a clear understanding of my 4 wheel drive Ram. Thank you !
Awesomeness! I have been wanting more information about 4x4 driving before I purchase one! Thank you for explaining this, and making it easy to understand! Do you have a video about locking differentials? Thanks again!
Excellent!! Great explanation. Appreciate this informational video. I am heading out now to get my FIRST 2 optional 4 wheel drive.
Thank you! This is a great explanation, especially for someone like me who had no idea when to use the 4x wheel drive options.
Great video. Very simple explanation of how this all works.
Man U literally answered all my questions thank you 🙏🏽
Thanks for all the tips Lenn and 1A Auto"👍👍
Great job! Most info on 4 x 4 I’ve ever watched. Thanks👍
One thing about going into 4 Low is a lot of times is in a lot of vehicles, you have to put the transmission in neutral in order to go in and out of low range. And the other thing is, in some trucks you have to lock the hubs in order to use 4X4. Ford's are known for this. And if you have a lever to select the 4X4 ranges, when you go to low range, you usually have to pass through the neutral position in a smooth manner because sometimes if you aren't quick enough, you can get stuck between 4HI and 4LOW because even if the transmission in in neutral, which it usually has to be when switch between 4H and 4L. If this happens, shut off the engine so everything stops. This should allow you to shift into the range you wanted to be in.
Thank you so much. I’m a new truck owner so this was really helpful.
Thanks for the video it helped me lean about my 4 wheel drive setup
Once again, fantastic explanations. 🇨🇦👍🏼
Ekspecially fantastic.
This is the only video I’ve found that properly explains Auto 4x4. So thanks man
Now this video helps out. Thanks a lot 1A🚗 !
Thx so much,i’ve been looking for the purpose of using them and how from a short time🙏🏻
Great video and great explanations 👍 thank you!!
Great explanation. Very informative!
Thank you, this really helps me understand it better
Thank you! This really helps
wow, awesome video. thank you for sharing your knowlege!
I just found out my 2020 Ram 1500 /5.7 hemoglobin has this MDS program on it and learned from you how to use tow/haul switch to run arrow down then up through all 8 gears on the auto tranny. I think indicated that all cylinders fire normally, then? My question then becomes in taking a road trip, how, or can I revert back to MDS for fuel economy?
I go through all the 4x4 options once a month for about 1/10th of a mile in my Tacoma to ensure it stays working if it is used a little bit. Good video
thanks a lot for the value info
Very good video. Thank you.
Great info 👍👍
Good info. Thank you.
Great video thank you
the best video explaining how a 4wd system works!
Great video thanks so much
So I have the knob 4x4 system. Do I have to put it in neutral before I change it into 4x4 auto, low and high? I will be driving steep snowy hills. Should I use 4 high going up hills?
I accidentally left my truck in 4wd auto for a couple days over Christmas. We were having such crazy weather here that I put it in auto and the indicator on the dash is so small that I didn’t notice it. I hope I didn’t wreck anything, I know that one of the days for sure I was on the highway and was doing over 70 mph
When going into 4 low it's best to make the shift just before you come to a complete stop. This will insure it will go in without grinding or binding. I wish they would offer the more reilable manual transfer case shifter. Too many electronics on these new vehicles and when the fuse breaks you are stuck.
In both mechanical and electric 4wd I normally have to put trans in nutrile and let the vehicle move SLOWLY so the gears can mesh properly engaging low.
I washed my engine bay down and my truck got stuck in 4wd with a service 4wd light on the dash. When it dried it went away and all was fine. Still not fun.
It actually tells you that in the owner's manual in most Jeeps all the way back into the 70's at least. Rolling forward a couple MPH, shift to neutral, shift to low range, then back into drive, or whatever gear you need. Same for shifting out of 4WD low range.
Always GR8T @ 1A Auto
I recently bought a ram 1500 with a 2 inch lift kit already installed. I was wondering if that will cause problems with my transmission while driving in 4WD auto? It’s been snowing here in Colorado so I did need it in some cases and felt a spilt second of vibration once or twice so I’m just curious if I’m causing damage. I just learned that most lift kit manufacturers suggest not to use 4WD auto if you installed their kit on your truck. Anyone with more insight on this subject who can help me out with a definite answer would be greatly appreciated!
im a total noob to 4x4 i found this helpful thank you. the only critique i could give is those edits argh they were horrible lol and the hand clap thing ( that just irks me ) apart from that very informative
great explanation
Hi after a snow storm I left my ram in 4auto and was on dry highway driving at 90 before I noticed it for about 20 miles . Everything seems to be ok but want your opinion thank you concerned
Bought a Jeep from someone who didn’t bother or “forgot” to switch it from 4wd to 2wd…previous owner drove the damn thing on 4wd lock all year long and wondered why the 4wd wasn’t working. I Had to spend $1200 for a new OEM front diff (plus installation)
Thank you!!!!
awesome info
Great video!!!!!
I dont have 4wd auto on my ram 1500 2013 So when its snowing on the road should I use 4wd lock or low?
I have a ram 1500 laramie and i switch into 4wd lock while doing over 100km or switch out of it too. I even drive on the highway for more than 7 hours straight with 4wd on and alot of times too. To be honest i didnt know. sometimes u just dont know until you know.
I believe that in 4 W auto that there are spider gears in the transfer case that allow the front and rear drive shaft to run at their own pace but are the same as the spider gears in the rear end function and when you put it into 4 W LOCK ( either high or low range ) then both drive shafts are running at the same speed. This allows you to use all 4 wheels for traction but if one were to slip on ice when starting then that will be the wheel that spins. At that point you use the LOCK function.
4WD Auto either uses a center differential similar to what's in the rear differential of a pickup, or it uses a clutch pack which is what most of today's transfer cases use in these 4WD auto systems...typically an electro-magnet is actuated to variable lockup the clutch pack to send various amounts of power to the front axle based on speed, speed differences between front and rear drive shafts, vehicle accelerator position, pitch and roll sensors, etc....there's a lot of data that plays into how these new auto 4WD engagements work, which is why most are now clutch packs instead of the old center differential type setups that were found in the old school transfer cases in the 90's and older.
What if it's snowing and you're on the freeway, what setting should you use?
How fix old Silverado transfer case that gets stuck out of gear? Well explained video.
+Bruce Wagenberg We're always cycling through common cars. We'll add this repair to our list! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
I assume you have it fixed by now. But sometimes hitting the break all the way down and attempting to shift back into drive or park can help. Don't wanna say 100% tho.
Excelente!
So that means If I got snowy slippery roads and on my way to work I should only use 4x4High on straight roads and not when Im turning into a parking lot?
My one question is can I use my electronic shift from 2-wheel to 4 wheel drive in motion or do I have to stop?
Equal power to all 4wheels will only happen with locked axles. Most every 4x4 trucks have an open front differential.
Hello sir do you have a video on replacing a code p1140 on a 2002 infinity qx4 plz
My gx470 is all time four wheels driving with H mode ,you can drive ad fast as you want up to max speed factory setting, around 130 mph, no problems.
Every system is different. He’s talking about a traditional truck with a locking center diff when it’s in 4Wd. A lot of SUVs and auto 4wds will have an open center diff that makes it more of an “all wheel drive” instead of a 4Wd. With an open center diff you can use it at pretty much any speed
Excellent
Great video
Thank you….. now I now what I’m looking at.
Good video
Ive been driving my gmc sierra 1500 2021 in 4wheel auto for all my regular driving , highway and dry weather for close to 5k miles 😔 I hope i haven't caused any damage to it
The issue with 4 auto, there is a shift fork that shifts back and forth. ALOT. That fork will break prematurely and its not a cheap fix. And also, if you’re in neutral you can take the key out of the ignition...
Not exactly. In many of these new(er) transfer cases with 4Auto settings, that shift fork only applies low range 4WD. An electromagnet and a clutch pack does auto and 4hi, as well as 4lo but the shift fork is only there to push the low range collar into place for the gear reduction portion of low range, everything else is controlled by the 4x4 module. In 4WD auto the electromagnet receives power depending on a multitude of factors (drive shaft speed differences, accelerator position, vehicle pitch and roll sensors, sometimes even different loads can be sensed on some vehicles, lots of factors here), but when the system detects that 4WD is needed, the 4x4 control module or powertrain control module sends a signal to the electromagnet to engage and will variably lock the clutch pack (center differential) to send power to the front axle as needed, then disengage when traction is regained. In 4WD hi part time or 4WD hi lock is demanded, it sends a signal to the 4x4 control module or the powertrain control module which tells the electromagnet to fully engage the clutch pack, thus locking it into "part time" 4WD. In 4WD low range the same thing happens as in 4WD hi range part time, but the shift fork now slides the low range collar into position as well as the clutch pack being fully engaged.
You are awesome brother
Wow thank you
Can I still use the 2 wheel drive if theb4x4 is broken. It seems to be working good. If the 4x4 is off. I drive for work on the highway. It’s been 6 years no problems. Should I stop driving it until the 4x4 is fixed
Thanks
Thanks little Irish fella I really needed this info
hahahahahahaha. good one.
What do you do with traction control?
Wow this explains a lot.
Looking at buying some trucks from an online auction, I noticed loads of trucks have their pictures taken of the manual 4wd, in 4h. Does this seem sketchy? Is there a reason mechanically speaking? Or just a coincidence
Thanks buddy
Can you go at any speed in 4w auto?
Good video. Short and sweet. Not some long 20min video trying to explain every single thing.
+@Reeds.outdoor.adventures Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com:
1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
I live in Alaska where 4wd is a must. In the winter we drive on the highways in 4wd. I’ve never heard that it’s bad for the vehicle above 55mph. Is this causing damage when I drive 65-70 on straight away/ highways?
It don't technically "damage" anything it just causes faster wear of your front drive components, but in reality it doesn't wear anything out any faster than it would get worn out otherwise, more likely you'd find a failure from lack of use from people too afraid to use their 4WD because of uneducated video makers. Running your 4WD on the highway in a straight line don't hurt a thing, what'll cause problems is running on dry pavement in 4WD and trying to make very tight turns, like pulling into a parking space in 4WD, or trying to back out of a parking space in 4WD, all the binding and tire scrubbing is what causes damage.
4WD High range can be ran at any speed that is safe to be driving at, but some 4WD systems require you to be going under a certain speed to engage it. A lot of newer 4WD systems have a front axle disconnect, so a shift from 2WD to 4WD at speed will cause damage to the front axle disconnect system. Older systems tended to not like cold weather so front hub engagement with auto locking hubs back then seen damage from high speed engagements in cold weather....so even now a high speed shift into 4WD would possibly cause damage. I try not to even engage the 4WD in my vehicles if I'm moving at all, but sometimes due to how the teeth are in the transfer case not being synchronized a bit of forward or reverse movement is needed for the shift to complete.
I read that you don't want to engage your 4x4 high at higher speeds (above 80km/hr) I'd imagine it's because the spindles that engage 4x4 wear out faster when you do so
Can you use 4wd high for towing?
If you can drive safely over 55 mph on the highway or over 25 mph in town you don't need 4wd. Use it when you NEED it.
While I was driving my f 150 yesterday to check as I bought recently 2013 model I heard a noice and I stopped and did not do again. It was almost a normal plain ground What I need to check to confirm where the sound is coming.
5:28 is simply incorrect, Neutral setting in the transfercase is not an Exclusive setting for only electronic Transfercases. Any Two speed Transfercase has a Neutral option between High and Low range selections for flat tow situations.
When are you suppose to use the lower gears like 3, 2, 1?
How often do you put into four wheel drive to lube the front wheel drive?
Book says once a month for a few miles is what I see most commonly across the 4WD platforms in vehicles.
Its not just to lubricate the front drive components, it keeps the shift motor in the transfer case freed up, as well as allows you to see that the system is properly working before you need to use it rather than after you are stuck somewhere and then find it don't work LOL. Most of the dang electronic 4WD problems are actually caused from lack of use rather than over-use. Most commonly the shift motors on the transfer cases seize up and don't work when you need them. So engaging the system every month or couple months keeps the motor freely working like it should.
So it’s best just to get set snow tires for older trucks without automatic 4x4
Nice!
Also use 4x4 on occasion i.e. raining days just to keep the front drive line lubed
+Adam Lewellen Thanks for the feedback!
@1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know is that why when i used 4wd last time it made a cranking screeching noise? I hadn't used 4wd in at least a year
is that why when i used 4wd last time it made a cranking screeching noise? I hadn't used the 4wd in at least a year
Just to clarify. I don't have 4wd Auto I've always been hesitant to put it in 4WD HI on paved roads during freezing rain storms where I think i actually will need it. So 4WD HI should be ok on heavy rain soaked or ice storm roads ? Not talking about snow covered already just wet with slick spots
Four wheel drive low is good for pulling heavy boat from lake, on slippery ramp
When I use 4hi and turn the steering wheel all the way the car stops hard. There was something stuck that forced the car to stop. Is this a problem that needs to be fixed or is this normal?
Perfection
Exactly what I needed, thank you
I got 4wd auto option on my manual 4wd controls.
Down south we don't have to worry bout all that snow. But we use 2wd driving, 4 hi to get straight in that wet clay, and 4low well you shouldn't have been there haha.
Top speed on 4WD Auto? Can we go over 55mph if its wet out, starts to snow ect....? Not that I would want to drive over 55 when its snowing but sometimes we like to race em out here in Ohio. Lol.
Won't hurt anything driving fast in 4WD auto, or 4WD high range, well won't hurt anything but your fuel economy of course, but once the 4WD is engaged it's fine to drive at normal highway/freeway speeds....some systems just require you to be going slower to engage the 4WD, but once its engaged there's no max speed limit like there is in 4WD low range, which is actually just due to the lower gearing that limits your top speed in low range, you just run out of gears long before you run out of speed LOL.
Can you switch to 4 high while driving? If so at what speeds?
Generally want to keep it under 15mph when switching from 2WD to 4HI.
With most vehicles you can safely switch to 4 hi or 4 auto up to 55 mph
What about 4Auto when your on a highway? I have heard conflicting advice, some say it's fine others say no way.
No. Absolutely not. Personally I would never, ever use it, unless it’s snowing. 4 auto damages parts because it shifts back and forth constantly from 2 to 4 wheel drive.
4Auto can actually be selected anytime and just left there. 4Auto just activates the 4WD system before its needed, it'll still be in rear wheel drive by default until one of several things happen, difference in front and rear driveshaft speed is detected, accelerator position, pitch and roll sensors detect too much body roll, etc...lots of factors in today's vehicles that will trigger the front axle receiving power under a 4WD Auto selection. Running in 4Auto hurts absolutely nothing, its intended to be used at any time, even on dry pavement as the transfer case has a variable locking clutch pack rather than the standard 50/50 lock you find in a part time 4WD transfer case where there isn't any slip allowed front to rear. When 4WD auto is selected, like mentioned earlier, it just activates the system, no 4WD is engaged until traction is lost to put it easy. When traction is lost, the 4x4 control module or the powertrain control module sends a signal to an electro-magnet in the transfer case to variably engage the clutch pack in the transfer case to send power to the front wheels, this engagement can be anything from 0% to 100% depending on the various sensors in the vehicle. A stop to full throttle application would typically cause a full lockup of the clutch pack for example. While a slight wheel spin from the back might only cause the clutch pack to send 10% power to the front. This system allows for all the variances in normal driving such as tight turns, straight driving, etc. and doesn't cause any binding of the 4WD system like would happen if you were in 4WD Hi part time or 4WD Hi Lock.
Its perfectly fine and safe to run in 4WD auto on the freeway/highway if you want, it won't hurt anything.
☝️There you go: conflicting information. My Tahoe has a whiny noise when Awd Auto is engaged.
My Chevrolet suburban 2007 make weird sound when I turn righ or left and 4×4is on
Your driveline is binding. Use 4x4 only on surfaces with low traction and never on dry dirt or pavement.
Do All Wheel Drive (AWD) next time, please.
I drove 30mph for maybe a mile. In 4 low. Is that a big problem
great i will buy from u guys......nissan frontier has NO 4WD AUTO ...THEN WHAT ON SNOWY OR LITE SNOWY STREETS??
my car is full time 4wd. I keep it in 4h, do I have to worry about any of the issues that you explained about using 4wd in normal driving conditions? ('04 suburban 1500)
read your owner's manual. 4x4 and AWD are different systems. If you had a Silverado instead of a Suburban, you would have 4x4 in which case 4Hi on dry pavement would be very bad for your drivetrain. I'm not sure about the Suburbans though, I think some did actually have a different AWD system. Owner's manual will explain when to use each mode and explicitly caution against dry pavement use if applicable.
👍
In those Ram's, the transfer case never realy lock up... It is basically an AWD system.