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Four Wheel Drive Left On Dry Highway


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Posted

No doubt this has appeared somewhere in the GM-Truck forums, but I've been searching and can't find it. Anyway...

 

I towed my 20' travel trailer for about 100 miles in 4WD HI on dry highways this weekend. Average speed about 55-60 mph with occasional bursts to pass. The truck may have handled differently than usual, but towing the trailer masked it.

 

I noticed it when I reached the campground and rightly felt like a complete idiot. I drove around slowly in 4WD to check for anything that felt or sounded wrong but all seemed normal. On the way home I checked the tiny indicator light about every five minutes to be sure it was in 2wd. It seemed to drive just fine at highway speeds, too.

 

Is anyone willing to admit to this bonehead move and/or share experiences after doing the same? Have I damaged my truck in the short or long term? Is there anything I should do now besides remember to switch out of 4WD?

 

Joe

SW Ohio

 

2011 Silverado 1500 (4WD with 5.3L, 6-speed, 4WD, 3.42)

Posted

It's Ok, and not OK - i don't think you damage anything

 

but don't do it again :nonod::nono:

Posted

It's Ok, and not OK - i don't think you damage anything

 

but don't do it again :nonod::nono:

 

I agree with UJ, You didnt hurt anything with the 4Hi, but it wouldnt be a good thing to do commonplace.

Posted

I drove mine in AUTO mode for about 60 miles a few months ago. Perhaps not as bad as 4-hi, but I know it isn't meant for dry pavement either. Didn't effect anything in the end, other than my anxiety to always check that dang button now.

Posted

You didn't hurt anything and like the other have said just don't do it again, lol it happens, buttons and switches get bumped. When I bought my truck I noticed the indicator switch was in Auto. When I asked the owner, she said that its alway been in Auto. No issues and when I changed the transfer case fluid it was still pink. So the bottom line is your truck is OK.

Posted

There is a mod and a link on here some where too wiring and a light to install so you know when your in 4wd.

Search it out I have seen it and will someday do it.

Posted

I did this this summer. Pulled my family's boat out of the water on a really steep ramp that i needed 4Hi to get out of. Drove about an hour to the dealership in 4Hi, and on the way home stopped for a bite to eat. Made a sharp turn and something didn't feel right. I got really scared then looked down to see I was still in 4Hi. Felt like a huge idiot

Posted

auto mode is just that. it has the axles engaged to each other so when it senses wheel slip it brings in the transfer case to 4x4. that is what i was told. so auto will not hurt on dry pavement. it will lower your mpg's buy spinning the front differential @ the tires. oh and thanks for finding the link above I to am going to look in to this mod that light is just to small for my liking.

Posted

4 Hi you are just wearing the parts out quicker and look in your manual how fast they recommend to drive in 4x4 . I am not sure if 4 Hi is suppose to go up to 100 km they recommend. I know when i drive my dad trucks he does not want me to go any quicker than 80 km in 4x4 Hi

Posted

You guys just made me walk out to my garage and check the drive mode switch. Thanks for the anxiety thread; xanax time now!

Posted

From GM:

 

"During normal driving situations, the transfer case can operate in the Auto 4WD mode. In the Auto 4WD mode, the transfer case shift control module monitors rear wheel slip speed, based on the inputs from the wheel speed sensors. When the vehicle experiences a rear wheel slip condition, the transfer case shift control module sends a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to an electronic motor, which is the transfer case 2/4 wheel drive actuator assembly. This actuator rotates the transfer case control actuator shaft, applying a clutch. The clutch is designed to deliver a variable amount of torque, normally delivered to the rear wheels, and transfers it to the front wheels. Torque is ramped up to the front wheels until the front wheel speed sensors matches that of the rear speed sensors. Torque is ramped down to the front wheels. The process would repeat if rear wheel slip is detected again."

Posted

Thanks guys. Doesn't look like the sky is falling after all and the sun will come up tomorrow. I doubt that I'll make that stupid mistake again because I intend to check that miniscule indicator light every time I start the truck from now on! :rolleyes:

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