Driving In "auto Mode" On Snowy Roads?

[Irv]

Just curious what most people do when roads are slightly snow covered?

I put mine in auto mode last week and for got about for a few days after, I didn't notice any noises etc but curious if there is any harm leaving it there if the roads are dry?

 

I went sledding last wknd and the clubhouse where I park was obviously snow covered so I thought I would just try the auto mode especially with my new snow tires and it worked great.

I have no idea if it engaged or not but I had no troubles getting around in probably 3-4 inches of snow over top of some hard packed snow/ice.

[asg13]

Just curious what most people do when roads are slightly snow covered?

I put mine in auto mode last week and for got about for a few days after, I didn't notice any noises etc but curious if there is any harm leaving it there if the roads are dry?

 

I went sledding last wknd and the clubhouse where I park was obviously snow covered so I thought I would just try the auto mode especially with my new snow tires and it worked great.

I have no idea if it engaged or not but I had no troubles getting around in probably 3-4 inches of snow over top of some hard packed snow/ice.

 

same with me..mine is aout as we speak..i was wondering the same thing

 

seems to work good..and prob. is more fuel effecient as well

[RyanbabZ71]

For a little snow/rain and wet roads here and there I always ran my 2000 in AUTO 4wd. Ran fine. For deeper consistant stuff, not bare pavement (through my subdivision etc) I would put it in 4 wheel hi. I do the same with my 2010, UNLESS i want to have some fun and slide around I have found the stabilitrac is a pain and hinders this Do you guys have stabilittrac? I have found for even snow/rain covered roads I dont need 4wd at all stabilitrac works out great.

[Fobroader]

Well according to GM propoganda, you can run this system year round with no damage so you guys should be ok. Like Ryanbab said, if you get into havier snow or constant ice situations, throw her in 4x4, for mixed dry/snow/ice, go with auto.

[Samsfire]

When roads are snow covered around here in Port Elgin, I leave mine in AUTO too, when the wife drives it...I tell her to put it in 4HI just for her comfort level. So far in AUTO even with playing a little I haven't had any issues, mind you I won't make hard turns from a stop with a whole lot of throttle with the AUTO engaged, I am still nervous about putting any added stress on the system.

[Nytemare]

When roads are snow covered around here in Port Elgin, I leave mine in AUTO too, when the wife drives it...I tell her to put it in 4HI just for her comfort level. So far in AUTO even with playing a little I haven't had any issues, mind you I won't make hard turns from a stop with a whole lot of throttle with the AUTO engaged, I am still nervous about putting any added stress on the system.

Hey man...thats probably a good Idea....But I rented a 4X4 when I got rear ended, Punching it from a stop taking a hard turn in auto is cool...it will break the outside front tire loose....LOL. I did that on just about every corner, but that was a rental...I wouldn't want to do it with MY truck.

[P71_CrownVic]

I must say, I was thoroughly impressed at how well and smooth Auto-4WD engages on my truck. On my grandma's V8 Rainier, it is a very noticeable 'clunk' when the 4WD engages...which I don't like.

 

Now here's a question....when you are actually in 4WD in the auto setting, is it any different than being in 4hi?

[Nytemare]

I must say, I was thoroughly impressed at how well and smooth Auto-4WD engages on my truck. On my grandma's V8 Rainier, it is a very noticeable 'clunk' when the 4WD engages...which I don't like.

 

Now here's a question....when you are actually in 4WD in the auto setting, is it any different than being in 4hi?

I'm not 100% sure about this one...but how I understand it, if your in auto it uses the clutches in the T-case to engage and disengage the 4wdwneh wheel slippage is detected. In 4hi/lo its takes those clutches either out of the equation...or locks them in.

[Jennabear]

Even with Auto 4X4 on, you are still sending 10-20% power to the transfercase. There is no harm in running in Auto 4X4 all the time, it is actually suggested to run your truck in 4Hi every so often to keep all the components lubed up.

[nh09z71]

When I first got my truck...I didn't really want the auto feature. I wanted to get a truck that I could shift in and out of 4wd....like I did in my old '93.

 

Now that it's winter.....I love the auto! The back roads are always covered with snow, but then you get to a main road...and it's clear. With the auto mode, I don't have to do any shifting. It really does work well. The 4wd engages very quickly and smoothly.

If all the roads are snow covered...I leave it in 4 hi.

[bigredmariner]

I haven't used mine in snow since we haven't had any in a long time. I do us it in the rain and it has kicked in a couple of times and kept me from hydroplaning out of control.

[P71_CrownVic]

I must say, I was thoroughly impressed at how well and smooth Auto-4WD engages on my truck. On my grandma's V8 Rainier, it is a very noticeable 'clunk' when the 4WD engages...which I don't like.

 

Now here's a question....when you are actually in 4WD in the auto setting, is it any different than being in 4hi?

I'm not 100% sure about this one...but how I understand it, if your in auto it uses the clutches in the T-case to engage and disengage the 4wdwneh wheel slippage is detected. In 4hi/lo its takes those clutches either out of the equation...or locks them in.

 

 

That's what I was thinking.

[Brogan]

I use mine all the time on snow covered roads, havent used 4HI at all but prolly should just to keep it all working. Only thing Ive noticed in AUTO is a slight decrease in mileage. Dont like the stabilitrack at all, Im always one step ahead of it lol

[Irv]

When roads are snow covered around here in Port Elgin, I leave mine in AUTO too, when the wife drives it...I tell her to put it in 4HI just for her comfort level. So far in AUTO even with playing a little I haven't had any issues, mind you I won't make hard turns from a stop with a whole lot of throttle with the AUTO engaged, I am still nervous about putting any added stress on the system.

Port Elgin, ah, there is someone who can tell you about snow!

Thanks for the info, I think I will play a little more when we get more snow and pay more attention to what is going on?

But so far so good with the auto mode, if it did engage, which I am sure it did, I didn't notice the switch. (Do you work for Bruce Power?)

 

 

I must say, I was thoroughly impressed at how well and smooth Auto-4WD engages on my truck. On my grandma's V8 Rainier, it is a very noticeable 'clunk' when the 4WD engages...which I don't like.

 

Now here's a question....when you are actually in 4WD in the auto setting, is it any different than being in 4hi?

I believe Auto only engages into action when wheel slippage is noticed, like what was mentioned above, in true 4x4 I believe it is "LOCKED" in.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies, I appreciate the help

[2005LT]

Ryan, I have stabilitrac on mine which can be shut off if I want to have some fun. Even with the traction control disabled, I could still feel something intervening and backing power off as I slid sideways lightly this morning. Then I tried shutting off stabilitrac too and tried another slide. At this point nothing was jumping in to correct me. I only tried this out once and would have to play around a little more to confirm this. Wasn't much room in the parking lot to really get it going.