2006 4x4 High Concern

[niftygraphics]

I purchased my 2006 EB Explorer this past April, and last week was my first chance to try out the 4x4 High setting. It was a champ driving on uncleared (ice and snow) side streets and somewhat cleared highways on my way to work. However, I became concerned after pulling into my office parking garage.

Once entering the garage, the automatic transmission (4x4 High engaged) had trouble shifting between first and second gear. It would grind and stutter during the transition and was even worse while turning corners to ramp up. It really did not like the tight inclined corners. After ramping up a few levels, I pulled into a spot, disengaged the 4x4 and continued to my desired level with no problems. I've never experienced this in my previous 4x4 vehicles... Does anyone know if this is a problem or is this just how this vehicle behaves in 4x4 High on an incline at slow speeds? Climbing Berthoud Pass next week will be a nightmare if it's going to be grinding and stuttering all the way up.

 

[steve6534]

I purchased my 2006 EB Explorer this past April, and last week was my first chance to try out the 4x4 High setting. It was a champ driving on uncleared (ice and snow) side streets and somewhat cleared highways on my way to work. However, I became concerned after pulling into my office parking garage.

Once entering the garage, the automatic transmission (4x4 High engaged) had trouble shifting between first and second gear. It would grind and stutter during the transition and was even worse while turning corners to ramp up. It really did not like the tight inclined corners. After ramping up a few levels, I pulled into a spot, disengaged the 4x4 and continued to my desired level with no problems. I've never experienced this in my previous 4x4 vehicles... Does anyone know if this is a problem or is this just how this vehicle behaves in 4x4 High on an incline at slow speeds? Climbing Berthoud Pass next week will be a nightmare if it's going to be grinding and stuttering all the way up.

I'm guessing the parking garage was not covered in snow ? If it wasn't like I suspect you should NEVER have 4x4 High engaged since the drivetrain has all 4 wheels locked and turning the steering wheel has the side effect of causing the wheels to turn at different rates. Since the drivetrain HAS to turn at the same rate when locked it puts tremendous stress on the transfer case and transmission. When on a slippery surface the wheels can just slip and make up for the difference.

 

[bender]

Sounds normal for 4hi, as stated, 4hi should not be used on dry surfaces and will buck and grind during tight turns (into parking spots, etc) i would think your 95 ranger would act the same way, unless it has the control trac system with 4 auto. try to use 4x4 hi on the ice and snow (loose) surfaces and be sure to go back to 4 auto when parking, driving on dry pavement etc...

 

[mweiss]

I think it's the front and rear axels fighting eachother due to different RPMs on a turn. Wheels on each axel do not lock. If you're stuck on ice, the wheel that's on dry pavement doesn't get any power.

 

[stevetheelder]

Correct me if I'm wrong please. But I think you can shift in and out of 4x4 on the fly without pulling into a spot and stopping.
Steve
ytushups@yahoo.com

 

[TowingExplorer]

Correct me if I'm wrong please. But I think you can shift in and out of 4x4 on the fly without pulling into a spot and stopping.
Steve
ytushups@yahoo.com

I believe I just saw in my dad's 2005 F-150 user manual that he can shift between 2H and 4H at up to 45mph.

I am not sure about the 4g X though. Mine has 4Auto, 4H and 4L... so going from H to Auto if it were too fast may just leave it on until slow enough for it to disengage.

 

[niftygraphics]

Thank you all for your great advice!

 

[egrylls]

I agree. Dont use on dry roads and expect this when turning. Works great on the snow, ice and mud though