Curious About 4X4 Auto Operation

[tdmcgovern]

Greetings All,

I just (as in today) traded in my venerable '93 XLT for an '05 XLT. I was used to 4X4 Hi and Lo, but I'm a little confused about the Auto feature. What is its purpose? Is it similar to AWD? Under what conditions should it be used? Sorry for my ignorance (and that of the dealer from whom I purchased it), but I want to make sure I use this feature properly. Thanks.

 

[tdmcgovern]

Additional Information

The other reason I have confusions regarding the 4X4 Auto is when it is depressed, there is no indication that it has or has not engaged. There is a light for Hi and another for Lo, but none for Auto. I hope this helps. Thanks again!

 

[helmsa]

Auto 4x4 is just that...AUTOMATIC 4x4...when the "brains" of the X sense that traction is needed (differences in wheel speed between front and rear), the "brain" sends a signal to the transfercase saying lock and when it senses that traction is under control, the "brain" says unlock. When in Auto, there are no indicator lights (not sure about when the "brain" says lock), but there are indicator lights for High and Low.

Hope this helps.

 

[tdmcgovern]

Very Helpful

Thanks for the quick and logical response, Helmsa. It's a bit disconcerting to rely on a truck's brains--being a teacher, I don't even rely on my STUDENTS' brains--but that answers my question nicely. I'll have to keep my attention on the feel of the truck in foul weather to see if the 4X4 engages. Thanks again!

 

[BWilliams]

Thanks for the quick and logical response, Helmsa. It's a bit disconcerting to rely on a truck's brains--being a teacher, I don't even rely on my STUDENTS' brains--but that answers my question nicely. I'll have to keep my attention on the feel of the truck in foul weather to see if the 4X4 engages. Thanks again!

You'll hear it engage if you hit the gas and get wheel slip.

On another note: make sure that you rotate your tires every few thousand miles: anecdotal evidence on this board shows that even 1/16" of tire wear difference between front and rear is enough to force the 4x4 to engage, and you don't want that locked in all the time on dry ground.

 

[Glen4X4]

Yeah, the 4auto is nice on wet roads and slightly snow covered roads but if you get where- you've got a couple inches of snow on the roads or in a driveway I'd just put it in 4high(full time) for better traction and plus if you are on a slick enough surface it will become annoying hearing and sometimes feeling it constantly engage and disengage.

 

[Black92LX]

You can easily by pass Auto 4x4 and have a 2wd system if you would like.
Step by step here:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194875

 

[Glen4X4]

But bypassing it can be hazzerdous to your 4X4 system, I wouldn't even screw with turning the 4auto off.

 

[Black92LX]

But bypassing it can be hazzerdous to your 4X4 system, I wouldn't even screw with turning the 4auto off.

how do you figure???

 

[Glen4X4]

Because you get into a position of trying to pull out of somewhere where all a sudden you see you're going to have to rip out and if your tires start spinning then thats strain on the t-case. I know if my positions were only auto/hi/low I wouldn't mess with it to be 2wd because either way you're not saving fuel or really gaining anything by doing it. This is just me though, I personally wouldn't bother with trying to make it 2wd because it was not designed to be straight 2wd.

 

[Black92LX]

Because you get into a position of trying to pull out of somewhere where all a sudden you see you're going to have to rip out and if your tires start spinning then thats strain on the t-case. I know if my positions were only auto/hi/low I wouldn't mess with it to be 2wd because either way you're not saving fuel or really gaining anything by doing it. This is just me though, I personally wouldn't bother with trying to make it 2wd because it was not designed to be straight 2wd.

how often does this happen? Not too frequently. If your in a spot where it would have to spin you tires you're in an SOL spot anyway.
How often does one really break the tires loose in a 2wd car for an extended period of time not on purpose??????

If they start spinning let off the gas if you sit there and spin the wheels that is your own fault.

And you do you explain all the other vehicle out there with the 2wd option as well as the Auto 4 wheel drive. Like the Silverados and Avalanches. Their transfer cases work in almost the exact same fashion as ours.
Essentially their 2wd mode is just like the switch the Brown wire mod adds on theirs is factory installed.

 

[helmsa]

Because you get into a position of trying to pull out of somewhere where all a sudden you see you're going to have to rip out and if your tires start spinning then thats strain on the t-case. I know if my positions were only auto/hi/low I wouldn't mess with it to be 2wd because either way you're not saving fuel or really gaining anything by doing it. This is just me though, I personally wouldn't bother with trying to make it 2wd because it was not designed to be straight 2wd.

how often does this happen? Not too frequently. If your in a spot where it would have to spin you tires you're in an SOL spot anyway.
How often does one really break the tires loose in a 2wd car for an extended period of time not on purpose??????

If they start spinning let off the gas if you sit there and spin the wheels that is your own fault.

And you do you explain all the other vehicle out there with the 2wd option as well as the Auto 4 wheel drive. Like the Silverados and Avalanches. Their transfer cases work in almost the exact same fashion as ours.
Essentially their 2wd mode is just like the switch the Brown wire mod adds on theirs is factory installed.

If you guys want to fight like little school girls, do it via PM or something else...The user came here for an answer to a question, if your response doesn't pertain to it, don't post here.

Thanks for the quick and logical response, Helmsa. It's a bit disconcerting to rely on a truck's brains--being a teacher, I don't even rely on my STUDENTS' brains--but that answers my question nicely. I'll have to keep my attention on the feel of the truck in foul weather to see if the 4X4 engages. Thanks again!

I do understand where you are coming from. Sometimes the brain can subconsciencely make a decision that can protect you, but then again, the exact opposite can occur as well. As to the discussed "brown wire mod", I can't help you, but do research as much as you can before deciding to make that change to your X...as with any mod, there is a potential for the unthinkable. Best of luck with your X.

 

[Donner]

x2

But bypassing it can be hazzerdous to your 4X4 system, I wouldn't even screw with turning the 4auto off.

Good call. The average driver doesn't need to be tinkering with the 4wd system.

 

[Glen4X4]

If you guys want to fight like little school girls, do it via PM or something else...The user came here for an answer to a question, if your response doesn't pertain to it, don't post here.



I do understand where you are coming from. Sometimes the brain can subconsciencely make a decision that can protect you, but then again, the exact opposite can occur as well. As to the discussed "brown wire mod", I can't help you, but do research as much as you can before deciding to make that change to your X...as with any mod, there is a potential for the unthinkable. Best of luck with your X.

I am not trying to fight "like a little school girl" I was only stating my personal opinions and facts, I been here at this forum a long time and have had no problems with anyone only now are two people starting and that is you and blacklx what I have said does pertain to the new guys question. Another thing is if you were to do this "brown wire mod" it would be best to use a male and female connecters on the brown wire there fore if you would want it to work like stock it would be as simple as unplug the mod and plug the brown wire back to its self like "plug and play".

 

[Glen4X4]

Good call. The average driver doesn't need to be tinkering with the 4wd system.

Like everyone knows not only could it damage the t-case but if you splice into the wrong wire or accidentally slice the rubber open on a wire that cannot get any ground it could damage alot more than expected.

 

[tower]

If you guys want to fight like little school girls, do it via PM or something else...The user came here for an answer to a question, if your response doesn't pertain to it, don't post here.

OK Mom

 

[Black92LX]

I am not trying to fight "like a little school girl" I was only stating my personal opinions and facts, I been here at this forum a long time and have had no problems with anyone only now are two people starting and that is you and blacklx what I have said does pertain to the new guys question. Another thing is if you were to do this "brown wire mod" it would be best to use a male and female connecters on the brown wire there fore if you would want it to work like stock it would be as simple as unplug the mod and plug the brown wire back to its self like "plug and play".

i have no qualms with you my friend I hope you don't feel as I was trying to start something with you, I was just curious as to why you feel the way you do on the topic. Could have brought up something I had not thought of.
I just happen to have a differentiating opinion.
No harm no foul everyone is not going to agree on everything.

It does pertain to the topic at hand the functioning of the 4wd system we have.
This is a discussion forum correct?????

 

[tower]

Guys your good as long as you don't start calling each other names your fine. Good health discussion is the way we learn.

If we only wanted tech info all-data would be all we would need.