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Explain 4WD HI in reverse


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Hello,

 

I have a 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500LT 5.3L V8 Midnight Edition. Can someone explain to me the proper usage of 4WD? I haven't had to turn it on until today when the snow was bad. The problems I experienced were that the truck would basically not work in reverse with 4WDHI engaged. When I was backing out of my driveway with 4WDHI engaged, I would press on the accelerator and it would move somewhat, though really slowly and it didn't seem correct. This was the first time I had really used 4x4 on this truck so I didn't think anything of it. Well after driving an hour to work with 4x4HI engaged, through backroads and highway, I had to back into my parking spot and it wouldn't do it. I pulled up and put it in reverse and cut the wheel and it didn't really go anywhere proportionate to the amount of gas I was giving it. So I switched it to 2WD and it worked like a charm. I doubt something is wrong with the truck so I'm hoping someone can explain to me how this is to be properly used and what the desired functionality is. If it's not good to shift the drive in motion, I'm expected to change it to 2WD whenever I want to reverse? What if the lot wasn't plowed and snow was so thick I really needed the 4WD to reverse? Any help would be appreciated thanks.

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I have noticed the tighter the turning radius,the more bind on the drivetrain. Just needs a little more "coaxing".

If you are saying it doesn't want to move at all,something is amiss.

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How snow covered were the places you were backing up? If they were relatively clean your are binding the driveline up which will require extra throttle to overcome.

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When you turn the front wheels the CV joints in the front axle bind up, (when in 4wd) don't turn the wheels so far. You can shift in and out of 4 high or auto while in motion as much as you want. Please read the owners manual for complete details.

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If you had the wheels cut, I could see some binding but, it should work the same in forward as in reverse....

 

I use AUTO most of the time in the snow unless it's really bad and I'm in some deep deep snow. This avoids the binding situation for the most part.

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Sounds normal. That's just the way a part time 4WD drivetrain works. Part time 4WD locks the front and rear wheels so they will 'scrub' around when turning. It isn't really a good idea to engage it all the time; it was originally intended for getting unstuck or for use in really nasty, slow speed conditions. It can actually be dangerous at speed since it will force the wheels to skid slightly in turns. The best option is to use the 4WD Auto setting that only engages 4WD when needed.

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This has nothing to do with Reverse and everything to do with having your wheel turned hard while in 4hi. You are binding....it's normal.

 

And FYI this is how I use the 4 wheel drive. Using any four wheel driving setting above 35-40 mph is useless. If you slip at 40 mph, you are going to slide regardless of 4 wheel drive. Running in 4 wheel drive for extended periods of time on dry and even slightly wet will cause unnecessary wear on the t-case. You can flip into auto and 4hi and back to 2hi on the fly. Sometimes when it's slick out I will just flip to auto when at stop signs/stop lights to get more traction, and then turn it off once I am up to speed. I might do that 4-5 times on a 30 minute commute. I never leave it in auto or 4hi for extended periods of time.

 

2hi - normal everyday dry

Auto - wet and light snow - only for turning or traction at stop signs, stop lights.

4hi - heavy snow, offroad, up to about 40 mph.

4lo - extreme circumstances - slow speed, very heavy snow, offroad (sand/mud), steep inclines, steep declines, up to about 20-25 mph.

 

Also your owners manual will corroborate most everything I have said. I suggest you read through it.

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