Winter showed up, and I went into snow and ice mode. This turned on 4H, and I said to someone it felt very jerky. I was told that’s because I’m not used to how a truck drives.
I did some testing over the next few days. I figured out, it was, the 4H. Because it turned on in ice mode and I had read about 4H vs 4L, I didn’t think 4H wasn’t for all the time.
So, after some days using it, I did some nasty roundabouts, and I think my chances of real damage are not so bad. But, would you say I should take it somewhere to be checked? Should I complain to the dealer, or could that hurt my warranty? (I’d be embarrassed if the 4wd didn’t turn on in snow and ice mode). Should I be worried long-term, or will a light just pop up? (I just went from a 20-year-old car to avoid breaks?). I have a long trip coming up over the mountains.
Thanks, I won’t mind any laughing. I know I messed up.
When you’re in the slippery mode, just hit 2H right next to the knob. Your truck wasn’t jerking, it was the axles sticking when you turned too hard. I have a 22’ and do slip/2H all the time.
If you weren’t going super fast, hitting the gas hard, and making sharp turns, you’re probably okay. If it’s a newer truck with 4h and ice mode, it’s made to work at normal speeds.
Blair said:
If you weren’t going super fast, hitting the gas hard, and making sharp turns, you’re probably okay. If it’s a newer truck with 4h and ice mode, it’s made to work at normal speeds.
Even the older ones, the worst thing is a broken hub.
When I turn the knob to snow/ice mode, it goes to 4H too. If you use 4H and forget to change it on dry roads, you will find out fast when you try to turn. You’ll be fine and it should be okay. A small clunk after the shift is okay. Try it again on a side street going straight and slow. Change it to snow/ice, drive for a minute, and then change it out. That will calm your worry. It changed because of how it works, it’s the only way to get it into 4H. I have a 2022 XLT too and only one knob for changing. Good luck.
I have a 24 XLT too. It puts it in 4h on snow/ice mode.
Mine also feels jerky in 4h. I looked into it.
You don’t need to worry about damage, especially on snow. 4h has no system between the front and back axle, your turning both shafts. When turning, your outside front wheel goes much further than the rest. One of your back wheels will slide because of the big difference.
But, the back axle can do burnouts without damage. The small loads from being in 4h and hitting a wheel on the snow or wet is not a problem.
If it was bad for the car to drive in 4h (and warranties are standard) they would not design the car to turn it on automatically. It would cost a lot to fix their mistakes.
It took me a while to get used to the 4x4 on my new XLT, but now it’s normal. I just change between 2H and 4H when needed. If I feel the tires can slip, it’s in 4H. When it goes back to normal, I change it back.
My side streets never get cleared well, and it can become ice fast. I use 4H to get to the main road where it’s regular wet/dry roads, and I switch it back to 2H. The car might jerk when using 4x4, but I haven’t had a noise to worry about. I still take it easy when turning. 4x4 means all wheels go, but not all wheels stop. You get a small braking advantage, but it’s for safe places.
I check every time I start my car now to see if it’s in 2H or 4H. It would be nice to have 4A, but I also like to change it myself, not a second after my truck wants to slide. I only use slippery mode if there’s fresh snow and I can feel the wheels not getting grip. You can do the same in normal 4H by keeping the pedal under control. You can swap to Slippery 2H if you want. Every time you start the truck, it will keep what you last used, but go back to normal mode. My truck will tell me if I want to change to the mode I last used.
If a drive mode uses 2H, it should change without going to 4H first, and then back to 2H.
Also, read the owner’s manual. It will tell you how to use all the truck’s features. I got my truck a month ago, and I’m still reading it. I have it saved to my phone.
If you want to feel better, someone in this forum used 4H and drove on it for 2 months on dry roads, so it happens.
I just got a new tremor. Never used 4-wheel before. Took it to the dealership with what you said. Did a test drive with the head mechanic. He said that’s how 4-wheel trucks drive. You don’t feel it in the snow as much as on dry roads. He told me to try not to drive with 4h on unless needed. You’re good. I didn’t feel like a noob because it’s my first time. Always learning.
Blair said:
That’s why you get a trim with all-wheel drive (4A) mode. With the right tire, you can go fast on ice and snow. You get: 2H, 4H, 4L, and 4A.
I am continually shocked and amused by the shear/willful ignorance of the general driving public, especially when it comes to modern 4x4 trucks, their capabilities and limitations.
Blair said:
I am continually shocked and amused by the shear/willful ignorance of the general driving public, especially when it comes to modern 4x4 trucks, their capabilities and limitations.
I just returned from Alaska. Didn’t see a single jacked up truck with big tires. Also no tail gating, no lack of turn signals, and no speeding.
Did see a massive amount of people with lights on that all seem to have a broken switch.
Blair said:
I am continually shocked and amused by the shear/willful ignorance of the general driving public, especially when it comes to modern 4x4 trucks, their capabilities and limitations.
Especially because it’s a $4,000 option! People usually do a lot of research when they spend that much money lol.