4WD Auto vs. 2WD normal driving - Poll

[GeorgeT]

Ok umb question, because I know I could probably read the manual but this is my first 4x4. What steps do I need to follow to to put it in auto 4wd? I’m assuming I need to be in park and just push the auto button?

 

[GeorgeT]

Ok umb question, because I know I could probably read the manual but this is my first 4x4. What steps do I need to follow to to put it in auto 4wd? I’m assuming I need to be in park and just push the auto button?

I have. 19 Bighorn Crewcab btw

 

[Lateralus]

I see no reason to use 4 auto unless it is snowing out... I know when I will or will not need 4x4. If I were to let my wife drive the truck the 4 auto would be nice, since she knows nothing about when/when not to use 4x4.

It is a nice feature, but one that I won't use very often.

 

[Lateralus]

Ok umb question, because I know I could probably read the manual but this is my first 4x4. What steps do I need to follow to to put it in auto 4wd? I’m assuming I need to be in park and just push the auto button?

Just hold the button in. That's all you need to do. You can be moving when you do it.

 

[troutspinner]

Ok umb question, because I know I could probably read the manual but this is my first 4x4. What steps do I need to follow to to put it in auto 4wd? I’m assuming I need to be in park and just push the auto button?

Not a dumb question at all, these new 5th gens aren’t as user friendly as they use to be. In the past, you just press the button for the mode you want. With this gen, you have to hold the button for a second or two. Make sense I guess, someone could accidentally hit a button and it would change. Anyways, you can shift into 2, auto or 4 hi while moving.

 

[troutspinner]

I see no reason to use 4 auto unless it is snowing out... I know when I will or will not need 4x4. If I were to let my wife drive the truck the 4 auto would be nice, since she knows nothing about when/when not to use 4x4.

It is a nice feature, but one that I won't use very often.

Have you driven in snow with it yet? Give it a test when you get a chance. I have found that 4WD can get a little squirly depending on how heavy your foot is. 4WD Auto just seems to work and work nicely no matter how aggressive I drive in the snow.

 

[SpeedyV]

Not a dumb question at all, these new 5th gens aren’t as user friendly as they use to be. In the past, you just press the button for the mode you want. With this gen, you have to hold the button for a second or two. Make sense I guess, someone could accidentally hit a button and it would change. Anyways, you can shift into 2, auto or 4 hi while moving.

I don’t recall having to hold the button. I just press and release it. It flashes for a second or two as it makes the change.

 

[GeorgeT]

Nice! Thanks for all the replies. The reason I did ask is because we did finally get some snow. I’ll try without and then with. It’s nice to know it can engage while moving. Thanks again.

 

[Chippy]

People who think auto 4wd will save them on icy or whatever conditions are fooling themselves. By the time it reacts you’ve already broke traction. Say going up a hill on the highway that’s slick and your *** end comes around. See it all the time here.
Whereas if you think ahead and have it in actuall 4wd first your not getting screwed. I’m not lazy and think ahead and keep myself out of trouble.

 

[SpeedyV]

People who think auto 4wd will save them on icy or whatever conditions are fooling themselves. By the time it reacts you’ve already broke traction. Say going up a hill on the highway that’s slick and your *** end comes around. See it all the time here.
Whereas if you think ahead and have it in actuall 4wd first your not getting screwed. I’m not lazy and think ahead and keep myself out of trouble.

But if you’re on mostly dry roads with patchy ice, or something similar, you risk premature wear and damage to your driveline in full-time 4WD. It’s nice to have options.

 

[Chippy]

Agreed you need to know not to bind up the full time 4x4 on tight turns etc. The auto transfer case wears as well like LSD and gets sloppiness over time or takes more time to engage.

 

[troutspinner]

I don’t recall having to hold the button. I just press and release it. It flashes for a second or two as it makes the change.

On mine I have to hold it for a second. I can tap tap it and it won’t change.

 

[Art]

I’ve had trucks and suvs with auto 4 wheel drive for over 20 years
And never HAD a problem with any. I put it in 4 wheel auto when the first snow arrives and take it out when it leaves
You might see a half gallon of less mileage

 

[SpeedyV]

On mine I have to hold it for a second. I can tap tap it and it won’t change.

I tested it on mine a few minutes ago, and a quick tap initiates the change. It just takes a second for the light to start blinking and execute the change. Odd that there would be a difference between trucks, but who knows...

 

[troutspinner]

I tested it on mine a few minutes ago, and a quick tap initiates the change. It just takes a second for the light to start blinking and execute the change. Odd that there would be a difference between trucks, but who knows...

Maybe that is my confusion then. Not seeing the light respond on a tap. Gonna go try and see.

 

[troutspinner]

Maybe that is my confusion then. Not seeing the light respond on a tap. Gonna go try and see.

Nope. Definitely have to hold it a second. If I tap it like I was tapping say the front defrost button, it will not change, I have to hold it a second or so.

 

[alow]

Anyone know what the fuel difference would be between 4wd Auto and 2wd?

 

[MJP]

I tested it on mine a few minutes ago, and a quick tap initiates the change. It just takes a second for the light to start blinking and execute the change. Odd that there would be a difference between trucks, but who knows...

Mine switches with a tap too.

 

[NDRam]

I was keeping mine in Auto since it is a frozen tundra here in NoDak. However, with this latest tank of fuel I went back to 2WD just to see if there is a difference. So far, about 1/2 of the tank, there is a 1 mile per gallon difference and the turning radius seems to be a bit tighter. Been throwing it back into Auto when I get off the main roads or into a parking lot.

 

[Stony0604]

Might be a dumb question, but I've been told not to use 4WD at speeds above 55. What about 4WD auto? Is that alright if it was raining while on the highway? If it did kick on at the high speed, would that possibly damage it? 2019 bighorn, first truck ever so I'm still learning haha