Auto 4WD and heater box drain question, 2004 4WD

[m stevenson]

Let me preface by saying I did use the search function. The problem is, there's so much information here that sorting through it has taken me an hour already and I'm getting frustrated. If someone here would care to reference a thread I'd appreciate it.

I have a concern about the engagement of the front axles/hubs when in 4 Auto. It seems like the engagement is very abrupt. I would think it should engage without an audible clunk. Is this normal?
There are 66600 miles on it, and it's seen very little 4WD use, I live in Northern Michigan and the Auto 4WD engages seldom and only on snowy surfaces. I haven' felt comfortable with letting the auto function take care of my traction needs due to this concern. If I think I will need 4WD I engage 4 HI.

My other question is where is the drain for the heater box? I get a stagnant water smell when using AC. After driving with AC on and parking the vehicle, the next time I get in the smell of stagnant water is strong. I've looked and can't quite see where the drain is and really need to get this fixed, as She Who Must Be Obeyed is most unimpressed.

Thanks, Mark

 

[m stevenson]

Does anyone have any experiences with the auto 4wd engagement?

 

[Curtis]

I have an 04 4x4, but here in FL, it rarely kicks in.
However My dad in Canada has an 02 4x4, and when driving his on a snow covered unplowed road, I could feel/hear the 4x4 engage.
I really didnt like the sound or feeling, so rather than let the computer decide I hit the 4x4 high button and it was fine after that. I think on a slippery surface, you will feel the wheels grip/ungrip when engaging.

As for the heater box drain, I think its lower on the firewall near the center of the truck. I sometimes see drips in that area from my AC.

 

[m stevenson]

Thanks for the response. It sounds like our experiences are pretty much the same with Auto 4WD.

I'd really like to know if it is an indication of an eventual failure.