Why is there no 4x4 dash indicator light ??

Colliewood · February 18, 2016

in my previous Jeep Grand Cherokee, you could program what is shown in the upper lef/right of the display. Things like mpg, trip distance, temp, etc. the display could also show what gear it was in

scottie350 · February 19, 2016

I think it's ridiculous that with the 3" and 8" display GM didn't think it a icon was needed or was important enough to take up space on all that screen, I guess they didn't want to copy Ford 100% on the dash so they left it out. The roads have been bad all winter and I'm always going in and out of auto and 4 wheel. The other day I needed auto to get some traction pulling out into traffic and the road was dry after that, I drove 20 miles before I realized I forgot to take it out of auto. The truck feels the same in auto as 2 wheel so it's hard to tell with the tiny light on the dial. We can pause and rewind live radio but heaven forbid show you what your tranfercase is in other then the tiny LED.

I think it's ridiculous that with the 3" and 8" display GM didn't think it a icon was needed or was important enough to take up space on all that screen, I guess they didn't want to copy Ford 100% on the dash so they left it out. The roads have been bad all winter and I'm always going in and out of auto and 4 wheel. The other day I needed auto to get some traction pulling out into traffic and the road was dry after that, I drove 20 miles before I realized I forgot to take it out of auto. The truck feels the same in auto as 2 wheel so it's hard to tell with the tiny light on the dial. We can pause and rewind live radio but heaven forbid show you what your tranfercase is in other then the tiny LED.

U do know that in auto it will stay in 2 wheel drive until u slip and then it will engage 4 automatically right?

most ppl cruise around in the winter with it set 2 auto just incase they happen to slip up

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scottie350 · February 19, 2016

To** not 2 incase that confuses u ppl.

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scottie350 · February 19, 2016

Ur not going to damage anything leaving it in auto. Hell these trucks have amazingly built transfer cases.

Look up Armageddon turbo systems video they did on these trucks after they twin turbod it. They 4wd boost launch these things using "auto" all day long like a gtr. And quote how amazed they are with how well they are built

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Snoringbear · February 19, 2016

"U do know that in auto it will stay in 2 wheel drive until u slip and then it will engage 4 automatically right?

most ppl cruise around in the winter with it set 2 auto just incase they happen to slip up"

Thanks, good info. The salesman who sold my truck to me stated I should just set it to auto and leave it there. But, I didn't know whether to believe him or not. He also told me to use regular gas which I did for the first two or three tanks. Now, unless towing which during which I use straight 93 octane, I alternate fill up's at half tank (when I think of it, lol) between 87 and 93 octane which gives me an avg of about 90 octane. Reason I don't just buy medium? Lowest prices are at my local Costco and they only sell regular and premium. Op's, got off topic, sorry

Snoringbear · February 19, 2016

When in Auto, whereabouts is the front wheel drive running gear free from the transfer case when not engaged? Anyone who knows please share. Thanks.

Ryan698 · February 20, 2016

The best way I found to tell if I'm in 4x4 is i turn my head and check the little knob if the orange light is on 4wh I know I'm in 4x4 if it's not and it's in 2wd I reach over turn the knob to 4wh or auto depending on the situation and continue on my way...

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ewbldavis · February 20, 2016

A light for 4wd isn't necessary, but could be useful.

Sidebar: Why I love these forums. I didn't know where or how to go to change the displayed screens until I read this thread. Thanks!

redwngr · February 20, 2016

When in Auto, whereabouts is the front wheel drive running gear free from the transfer case when not engaged? Anyone who knows please share. Thanks.

In auto, the from diff is turning (driven by the wheels). This is what causes the slight decrease in fuel economy (compared to 2wd) that is mentioned in the owners manual.

When the computer decides 4wd is needed it engages the transfer case, so it can drive the front diff/front axle.

In 4wd the transfer case is powered and driving the fron diff and axles.

In 2wd the fron diff and transfer case are both disconnected.

Snoringbear · February 21, 2016

"In 2wd the fron diff and transfer case are both disconnected."

Thanks, I'm still struggling with this. Maybe I'll have to google for a schematic. What I'm wondering about is 2wd hi; when in this setting are the front wheels freel wheeling or are the front wheels/drive shafts/differential still connected but disconnected at the transfer case? Not trying to be argumentative, just trying to sort through this in my mind. Just a side Note; many years ago I had a 1959 Chevy 4x4 in-line 6 std shift that I used on a deer lease. It had lock out/lock in hubs. Only downside was getting out in the mud, cold and such to lock them in or out. Personally, I much prefer the current setup whatever is or is not spinning

bobsiding · February 20, 2018

I personally would like a large indicator dash light. sometimes you shut it off with it in 4wd and then the next time you get in you don't remember that you put it in 4wd last time you drove it. you don't notice till you make a sharp turn. why do they have an indicator for high beams, just put a little indicator on the lever. you should know if you have it on dim or bright.

Loco-diablo · February 21, 2018

I found the 'off road' display only after fumbling through the DIC settings and enabling the screen. While helpful, I agree that an indicator right in the dash would be more convenient. I have a Z71. I'm not sure if the off road screen option even exists in non Z-71/All Terrain models.

mpouls1 · February 22, 2018

Off-road screen available for '18 LT. Just had to turn it on.

adamj2121 · February 22, 2018

On 2/20/2016 at 5:20 PM, redwngr said:

In auto, the from diff is turning (driven by the wheels). This is what causes the slight decrease in fuel economy (compared to 2wd) that is mentioned in the owners manual.

When the computer decides 4wd is needed it engages the transfer case, so it can drive the front diff/front axle.

In 4wd the transfer case is powered and driving the fron diff and axles.

In 2wd the fron diff and transfer case are both disconnected.

Not to hijack the thread, but my truck picks up a nasty vibration under light acceleration in 4 auto that is made even worse in 4hi and disappears completely in 2wd. Any ideas on the cause of this? from your post it sounds like it could be the front differential? It is at the dealership, but I called today to check on it and was met with the typical line of "There are no codes and we couldn't duplicate the issue."