clunk and whine
I've just moved to a very snowy area and was able to truly use the 4x4 feature for the 1st time. When in default 4x4 Auto mode, I notice the same thing you do....fairly loud clunk when it engages. This is usually accompanied by the traction control light flash. It's interesting that the 4x4 light does not come on when the 4x4 engages in Auto mode.
Though it is very quite when I manually engage 4x4 high, even at speed. There is also no clunking from stop and go when fully engaged. Weird that it clunks from Auto but not when hitting the 4x4 High button while moving.
This makes me wonder how fast the 4x4 Auto is kicking in and when I should manually select 4x4 High. For instance, if I'm chugging around town on patchy snow/slush covered roads....is it safe to leave it in Auto or should I just commit to 4x4 High? I know the manual says not to used High on dry roads...but what about patchy roads where there are dry spots and cruddy spots? Guess the same question would go for highways, though I believe there is a 4x4 High speed limit.
I'm having another 4x4 noise that concerns me and wonder if anyone else has it. When I'm in 4x4 High and just cruising around town or even around a parking lot, there is a whine/howl coming from the front differential area. It's mostly noticeable when turning. Is this just the clutches slipping to allow me to turn? Hadn't heard this in other 4x4's I've owned.
Thanks!
