Auto 4-wheel drive

Isriam · July 16, 2014

thanks, my question was more directed at karnut ;) I realize it doesn't help in hydroplaning.

KARNUT · July 16, 2014

The antilock statement was explaining added safety feature like auto 4WD drive can be when used on wet roads. On trucks that are used off road sometimes the back tire can have less tread on them, sand and dirt wear tires out quick. So if your on wet roads chance are that the front tires have more tread on them. so its possible to hydroplain with just the back, and the fronts can straiten you out under power.

Judboy · July 16, 2014

Just got off the phone with GM. It is perfectly fine to use Auto in the rain.

KARNUT · July 16, 2014

Just got off the phone with GM. It is perfectly fine to use Auto in the rain.

I already did the research but it was more fun this way. Some of the statements people made ( if you cant handle the rain then stay home) are the same people that have adaptive cruise, parking assist, etc. If it helps you get home safe use it.

Norcal Flyfisherman · July 16, 2014

I usually put a few sandbags in the bed of my truck in the winter (it doesn't rain here in the summer). It really helps with the traction in rain and snow, but doesn't hurt the gas mileage. Rides a little smoother too.

Judboy · July 16, 2014

Bottom Line: There are a set of clutch packs in the transfer case that allow slippage between the axles while turning. The front axle is loosely connected, and when the system detects wheel spin, it locks the clutches in a fraction of a second engaging traditional 4WD. It is similar to a quasi-AWD system. It is completely safe to use Auto-4WD even on dry pavement, so please don't spew nonsense saying otherwise. The system is designed to handle full-time use.

Isriam · July 16, 2014

dude, read the manual. it is NOT intended or designed for full time use.

AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel

Drive): This setting is ideal for use

when road surface traction

conditions are variable. When

driving the vehicle in AUTO, the

front axle is engaged, and the

vehicle's power is sent to the front

and rear wheels automatically

based on driving conditions.

Judboy · July 16, 2014

Yes, you made my point.

Isriam · July 16, 2014

lol drive it how you want. i've replaced enough transfer cases in chevys to know what happens when you drive for extended amounts of time in Auto.

MikeNH · July 16, 2014

Alright guys enough. It's probably pointless to use it in the rain but it can't be any harder on the system than snow/dirt road use.

MTB · July 17, 2014

I use mine in the rain, there I said it... Go ahead and shoot me. I used my 07 in the rain as well. The only problem I had with the 07 was a couple of times I left it in Auto for an Extended period. The switch became hot to the touch and the unit would not shift out of Auto 4WD back to 2WD... Each time I let the unit cool down and then cycled it through all the positions and modes and then back to 2WD... So far I have not had this issue with the 14.

KARNUT · July 17, 2014

I use mine in the rain, there I said it... Go ahead and shoot me. I used my 07 in the rain as well. The only problem I had with the 07 was a couple of times I left it in Auto for an Extended period. The switch became hot to the touch and the unit would not shift out of Auto 4WD back to 2WD... Each time I let the unit cool down and then cycled it through all the positions and modes and then back to 2WD... So far I have not had this issue with the 14.

Some of the Z71 had problems with the buttons there were a couple of times I would start mine in the am it would be in 4WD low. Never had a problem of random shifting while moving.