4wd help

[Memawstaxi]

This going to sound like a stupid question, especially considering I do have a background as an auto mechanic, though I’m currently not working as such now. My wife has a 2010 Eddie Bauer edition Explorer that is equipped with 4wd operated by buttons on the dash. These buttons are marked as “Auto”, “4Hi”, and “4Lo”. The “4Hi”and “4Lo” buttons are fairly self explanatory and I’m assuming would be the same as having the floor mounted shift lever. The question is about the “Auto”. How does this work? Is it usually 2wd until the system senses wheel spin and the automatically engages 4wd? Or is it basically an all wheel drive system? Also, when replacing the tires, does the require all the tires to be replaced at the same time to maintain an equal tread depth like with an AWD vehicle, or could we replace them in pairs? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[07EddyB]

You are correct in your thinking. Auto is the default position and it will go into 4hi if it needs to as part of traction control. If you are in 4hi and want to go back to auto then you press the auto button. It is not considered an AWD system.
Tires have to be matched within reason or yes it will mess with the system. I really don't know where the cut off is since I usually replace all tires at once.

 

[Memawstaxi]

You are correct in your thinking. Auto is the default position and it will go into 4hi if it needs to as part of traction control. If you are in 4hi and want to go back to auto then you press the auto button. It is not considered an AWD system.
Tires have to be matched within reason or yes it will mess with the system. I really don't know where the cut off is since I usually replace all tires at once.

Thank you for your reply and confirming my thinking. I thought that was how it worked. I was never much of a 4wd person in my youth so never bothered to learn much about it. Then with modern technology taking over everything, that just added to the confusion.

So basically, unless I was inclined to go do some serious off-roading, there is really no reason to ever press the 4hi/4lo buttons.

 

[Mbrooks420]

If you never use Low, or at least shift into it, your shift motor can become problematic. There is no shifting between auto and high, it just locks an electromagnetic clutch.

 

[Memawstaxi]

If you never use Low, or at least shift into it, your shift motor can become problematic. There is no shifting between auto and high, it just locks an electromagnetic clutch.

Could you offer a more detailed explanation please? Thanks.

 

[Mbrooks420]

There’s a motor that turns a cam. The cam changes the gear set to low range. If this is never exercised they can “freeze” in high. Put the truck in neutral, press the brake, and press low. If it shifts I’d drive a very short distance, not on pavement, and repeat the process to shift back to auto.

 

[Memawstaxi]

There’s a motor that turns a cam. The cam changes the gear set to low range. If this is never exercised they can “freeze” in high. Put the truck in neutral, press the brake, and press low. If it shifts I’d drive a very short distance, not on pavement, and repeat the process to shift back to auto.

Ok. But answer me this…in normal, everyday, usage, never being taken off road, mountain climbing, rock crawling, river fording, sees it’s entire existence in suburbia, what need is there of ever using 4lo? Or even 4hi? If it ever got stuck is 2wd mode, I don’t think we would ever know or ever have a problem with it. I was only asking about the operation of the auto feature because we were curious about how it worked. What with the approach of expected winter weather this weekend. (Live north of Dayton, OH. Just got our first noticeable snowfall today.)

 

[Bazz270]

You could also modify the Gen4 to be totally part time 2H RWD.read about the AKA brown wire mode

 

[Bazz270]

Ok. But answer me this…in normal, everyday, usage, never being taken off road, mountain climbing, rock crawling, river fording, sees it’s entire existence in suburbia, what need is there of ever using 4lo? Or even 4hi? If it ever got stuck is 2wd mode, I don’t think we would ever know or ever have a problem with it. I was only asking about the operation of the auto feature because we were curious about how it worked. What with the approach of expected winter weather this weekend. (Live north of Dayton, OH. Just got our first noticeable snowfall today.)

In regular use,dont think you need the 4H pressed ever,the Auto mode includes the whole front axle torque range.the default torque is about 5 percent or so to the front,never goes to the fully front axle zero torque disengagement like in old part time transmission vehicles.

The only difference between auto and 4x4 High mode is the front axle torque range distribution speed.


the torque range of auto or high button (front or rear wheels) is totally the same.

 

[Mbrooks420]

You don’t have to use any of your features if you don’t want. But in the offhand chance you slide off the road, or pull something in an extra slippery situation (or pulling someone else out of one) low can be very beneficial.

 

[joney]

Ok. But answer me this…in normal, everyday, usage, never being taken off road, mountain climbing, rock crawling, river fording, sees it’s entire existence in suburbia, what need is there of ever using 4lo? Or even 4hi? If it ever got stuck is 2wd mode, I don’t think we would ever know or ever have a problem with it. I was only asking about the operation of the auto feature because we were curious about how it worked. What with the approach of expected winter weather this weekend. (Live north of Dayton, OH. Just got our first noticeable snowfall today.)

I find 4 Hi very useful for getting uphill through the snow piles and the crusty mounds the snow plows leave!