Help needed for using my 4x4?

[Drios729]

Hi, I just got a 1996 ford explorer sport trac. It has 2WD, 4x4 and 4x4 low, and a O/D (overdrive?) button. I've never had a car or truck with these kind of options so I don't know what they are for, how to use them, or reasons to use them while driving. Can anyone enlighten me? I tried to read the manual and I got an idea but I'm still not completely sure what they are for. I also tried to use them in a parking lot, I felt the difference in the truck and how it drove but I still don't know what these features could do for me. Can anyone help?

Thanks :yelexp:

 

[contrail]

make sure you keep the 4x4 off unless you find yourself in dirt grass snow or whatever else makes you loose traction. 4x4 low is basically for hill climbing off road. overdrive should be on unless you are towing something heavy on the highway.

 

[Drios729]

What's the best way to turn on these features? I turned on my 4x4 and it made a loud noise so I don't know if I'm using it right. And by towing you mean something behind me like a boat or heavy bags and boxes in my trunk and cargo area?

 

[99ex22]

You can switch it in 4Hi while driving...say if you hit a icy or snowy area, you can just turn the knob and it will go in 4 hi... You can do that as long as your going under 55MPH. 4LO- you have to be stopped in nuetral with your foot on the brake in oder for it to engage. You don't want to be using 4wd unless your in the mud or snow though as mentiond above.

 

[jad2411]

BTW the Sport Trac was introduced in 2001 so I if you have a 96, might be a Sport with ControlTrac...

 

[contrail]

only if you are towing a boat or other heavy trailer type thing. I dont turn it off unless i have something heavy on the trailer like a huge load of bricks, metal etc.
i leave it on for an empty trailer.
.. basically you wont need those functions in normal driving conditions.
if you have 4x4 on and you dont need it you will have wheel hop when you turn. thats why you need to be on dirt, snow, grass, ice, gravel, etc.

 

[jlsparky7]

If it snows turn on 4x4 hi
If you are pulling a trailer turn o/d off
Dont worry about 4x4 lo until you figure out 4x4 hi