4wd auto on the interstate

[HotHareSpey]

Hi all,

Can you share your experiences with 4wd auto vs full 4wd in questionable interstate conditions

thx!!!

HHS

 

[SpeedyV]

Hi all,

Can you share your experiences with 4wd auto vs full 4wd in questionable interstate conditions

thx!!!

HHS

Personally, I’d go auto unless conditions were similar to off road (e.g. fully snow-covered).

 

[2019 PB]

I put mine in 4wd auto as soon as the snow hits the ground in the fall and leave it there until spring. Did the same on my 4th gen with no issues.

 

[James1414d]

If it hasn't rained in awhile here, the roads get real slick. when it finally does rain, my truck wants to spin the tires on some on ramps, so I use pretty regularly. Haven't had any issues with it and I think the mileage loss is negligible.

 

[BlckDT]

You can use 4WD Auto all year long and never take it out if you choose. The owners manual states the following:

 

[HotHareSpey]

As always, you all are phenomenal and thank you for citing the book @BlckDT

 

[Timeless]

Does anyone else feel like the 4WD Auto is sluggish compared to 2WD? Seems it takes more input on the gas pedal...but perhaps working as designed?

I always thought the 4WD auto only kicked in if it detected wheel slip in the rear wheels so it would feel the same in every day driving.

 

[HKP7PSP]

Does anyone else feel like the 4WD Auto is sluggish compared to 2WD? Seems it takes more input on the gas pedal...but perhaps working as designed?

I always thought the 4WD auto only kicked in if it detected wheel slip in the rear wheels so it would feel the same in every day driving.

I've noticed this too. While power may not be sent to the front all the time, the front axle is engaged, which might be putting some extra labor on the drive line.

 

[d19r93]

I used 4WD Auto yesterday for the first time. I, too, noticed that it took a bit more throttle to get moving. I could definitely tell the front axle was engaged. I just put it back in 2wd when I saw the road conditions were fine. But yes, I noticed it.

 

[jdmartin]

I ran mine in 4wd auto yesterday since we had a cold snap; the roads were pretty clear. I heard an audible humming noise that was definitely rotational, as it went away when I went back to 2wd. I assume it was just axle noise on a relatively dry road.

 

[Mommanord14]

I have noticed that while in 4 wheel auto, which it is in all the time, it seems on any and all conditions it is in 4 wheel all the time. I started noticing it a few weeks ago. It does not go back to 2 wheel n good roads. I noticed it when turning. Had this problem on my 2014 GMC Sierra. Have to take it in, again. Also had all brakes done because of the backing out loud moaning sounds and guess what, it’s backkkkkk. Temps have dropped and snow has fallen. My opinion which means nothing is that theses brake pads dont like moisture. It is going in on the 30th of November. I have not been happy with this my first ram. I live an hour from the closest dealer for repairs. When given a loaner, if they have one, it’s a small car or mini van. Which during this season, snow and deer hunting is not good. I don’t drive a truck for no reason where I live. It’s a beautiful truck butttttt, should never have bought the first year out of a new edition.

 

[HotHareSpey]

You really don’t want it to. I watched an F150 fly across the interstate with brand new BFGs on and smash into a rock ledge on what looked like cold but dry conditions going 55

im happy and thrilled I don’t have to worry about the truck “knowing” when to switch or being conservative for the benefit of fuel

this group here has some members who are impossible to please - these trucks are fantastic value and performers

 

[Neurobit]

Personally, I’d go auto unless conditions were similar to off road (e.g. fully snow-covered).

Yep. That's my advice as well.

 

[jdmartin]

You really don’t want it to. I watched an F150 fly across the interstate with brand new BFGs on and smash into a rock ledge on what looked like cold but dry conditions going 55

im happy and thrilled I don’t have to worry about the truck “knowing” when to switch or being conservative for the benefit of fuel

this group here has some members who are impossible to please - these trucks are fantastic value and performers

I like the auto feature - in fact, it was one of the selling points on this truck over my last one. I frequently in the winter cross the mountains, where I need 4WD at the tops but don't need it at the bottoms. Switching on and off manually sucks, so I specifically wanted a truck that could do it on its own. I used it last winter a couple of times and once so far this year. I did notice some hum but like I said I figure it's just some axle noise from having all 4 engaged on dry roads. Not anything I was worried about. I doubt I'd drive around all year in auto as I don't see the point in spinning the axles when it isn't necessary.

 

[KRField]

My opinion which means nothing is that theses brake pads dont like moisture.

The trucks have brake assist (not to be confused with adaptive braking) feature which detects moisture or buildup on the rotor surface and light applies pad pressure to clear the rotor surface to help ensure a clean braking surface.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[derp]

I used 4WD Auto yesterday for the first time. I, too, noticed that it took a bit more throttle to get moving. I could definitely tell the front axle was engaged. I just put it back in 2wd when I saw the road conditions were fine. But yes, I noticed it.

anything that involves more rotating mass is going to sap performance.

Every gear, bearing, moving part in the driveline has some losses associated with it. 2wd stops the front facing driveshaft from tapping into the power, along with the front differential, axles, all the way down to the front wheel hubs which are where the 4wd usually disengages the front wheels from the driveline.

Every spinning bit of mass also acts as a gyroscope to a degree and will resist changes in vector from braking, cornering, acceleration, etc.

 

[RamCares]

I have noticed that while in 4 wheel auto, which it is in all the time, it seems on any and all conditions it is in 4 wheel all the time. I started noticing it a few weeks ago. It does not go back to 2 wheel n good roads. I noticed it when turning. Had this problem on my 2014 GMC Sierra. Have to take it in, again. Also had all brakes done because of the backing out loud moaning sounds and guess what, it’s backkkkkk. Temps have dropped and snow has fallen. My opinion which means nothing is that theses brake pads dont like moisture. It is going in on the 30th of November. I have not been happy with this my first ram. I live an hour from the closest dealer for repairs. When given a loaner, if they have one, it’s a small car or mini van. Which during this season, snow and deer hunting is not good. I don’t drive a truck for no reason where I live. It’s a beautiful truck butttttt, should never have bought the first year out of a new edition.

Hi Mommanord14,

I certainly understand why this would be concerning. If it would be of interest, we would be more than happy to connect you with a case specialist who can provide you with an additional layer of support for your dealer appointment. Kindly send us a PM to get the process started.

Mark
RamCares