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.
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.
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.
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
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.
A wonderful and very thorough explanation ... I thank this wonderful channel for all the valuable information it publishes, and I hope the giving continues👌..
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!
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.
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
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.
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?
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?
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.
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)
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
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
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
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.
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?
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
I live up north and the roads here are not cemented. It’s just a road that’s been driven on over and over for a long time. And it’s winter so you can see the ice shine on the road.(they sprinkle a layer of sand on the dangerous zones) it’s bumpy and slippery everyday in the winter and has thousands of pots holes and mud in the summers. I was driving 2h the other day and gave it too much gas, ended up doing a fish tale. Also seen someone do a 180 and go back the way he came from. Does it sound like 4h or awd should be used? The roads are still drivable but kinda scary cuz I know there’s other ppl using these roads as well.
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
Damn, I wish I watched this before having to pay for my the diagnostic fee for my truck. The binding while turning in 4hi freaked me out. Oh well, live and learn.
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
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.
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?
@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
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
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
I wish i had watched this video before lol, at least i kinda follow my instinct, i pretty sure once on snow storm i was going 45-50 mph on 4H or was 4L? Lol still working but i avoid use it. Just leave on auto if not dry road
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
I now have a clear understanding of my 4 wheel drive Ram. Thank you !
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
This is the only video I’ve found that properly explains Auto 4x4. So thanks man
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.
the best video explaining how a 4wd system works!
Great video. Very simple explanation of how this all works.
Once again, fantastic explanations. 🇨🇦👍🏼
Ekspecially fantastic.
Thank you! This is a great explanation, especially for someone like me who had no idea when to use the 4x wheel drive options.
Thx so much,i’ve been looking for the purpose of using them and how from a short time🙏🏻
A wonderful and very thorough explanation ... I thank this wonderful channel for all the valuable information it publishes, and I hope the giving continues👌..
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!
Great job! Most info on 4 x 4 I’ve ever watched. Thanks👍
WHAT ABOUT SNOW ON HIGHWAY. I ONLY HAVE 4x4 lock low
Thank you so much. I’m a new truck owner so this was really helpful.
Thank you! This really helps
Man U literally answered all my questions thank you 🙏🏽
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.
What if it's snowing and you're on the freeway, what setting should you use?
Thanks for all the tips Lenn and 1A Auto"👍👍
I really appreciate this video…Thanks!!
Excellent!! Great explanation. Appreciate this informational video. I am heading out now to get my FIRST 2 optional 4 wheel drive.
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
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.
Thanks for the video it helped me lean about my 4 wheel drive setup
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?
What would be best for towing a travel trailer uphill and downhill?
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?
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.
Equal power to all 4wheels will only happen with locked axles. Most every 4x4 trucks have an open front differential.
Best video explaining this!
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)
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
What do you do with traction control?
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
Now this video helps out. Thanks a lot 1A🚗 !
Thank you, this really helps me understand it better
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
When are you suppose to use the lower gears like 3, 2, 1?
In 2wheel drive selection, do both rear wheels receive power or is it limited slip
So say while I’m hunting and I go up a very steep heel. I will use four-wheel-drive low now. What do I use when I go back down that hill?
So should we use 4H in the rain?
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.
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?
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
Thank you….. now I now what I’m looking at.
Can you use 4wd high for towing?
I live up north and the roads here are not cemented. It’s just a road that’s been driven on over and over for a long time. And it’s winter so you can see the ice shine on the road.(they sprinkle a layer of sand on the dangerous zones) it’s bumpy and slippery everyday in the winter and has thousands of pots holes and mud in the summers. I was driving 2h the other day and gave it too much gas, ended up doing a fish tale. Also seen someone do a 180 and go back the way he came from. Does it sound like 4h or awd should be used? The roads are still drivable but kinda scary cuz I know there’s other ppl using these roads as well.
Always GR8T @ 1A Auto
So it’s best just to get set snow tires for older trucks without automatic 4x4
Excelente video thank you 🙏🏼
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
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.
Damn, I wish I watched this before having to pay for my the diagnostic fee for my truck. The binding while turning in 4hi freaked me out. Oh well, live and learn.
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
Great vid bro! 😎
wow, awesome video. thank you for sharing your knowlege!
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?
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.
Four wheel drive low is good for pulling heavy boat from lake, on slippery ramp
I dont have 4wd auto on my ram 1500 2013 So when its snowing on the road should I use 4wd lock or low?
Very good video. Thank you.
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?
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
@@WSTP3
What does owners manual say? Mine says not to use on paved roads.
Great video
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.
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.
Wow this explains a lot.
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
I drove 30mph for maybe a mile. In 4 low. Is that a big problem
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!
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
How fix old Silverado transfer case that gets stuck out of gear? Well explained video.
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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.
Great video thank you
I wish i had watched this video before lol, at least i kinda follow my instinct, i pretty sure once on snow storm i was going 45-50 mph on 4H or was 4L? Lol still working but i avoid use it. Just leave on auto if not dry road
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.
Great video and great explanations 👍 thank you!!
I got 4wd auto option on my manual 4wd controls.
So their isn’t a speed restriction for 4w AUTO SWITCH
great explanation
Great explanation. Very informative!
You are awesome brother
Thanks little Irish fella I really needed this info
hahahahahahaha. good one.
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.
great i will buy from u guys......nissan frontier has NO 4WD AUTO ...THEN WHAT ON SNOWY OR LITE SNOWY STREETS??
Can you go at any speed in 4w auto?
Great info 👍👍
Thanks
thanks a lot for the value info
Thanks buddy
Great video!!!!!
Parle un peu vite pour moi mais tres instructif. merci
Do All Wheel Drive (AWD) next time, please.
Wow thank you
Good video. Short and sweet. Not some long 20min video trying to explain every single thing.
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