2wd vs Auto

[ripinlip]

Hi guys - On Saturday I started my journey with a ‘18 HC after not having a truck since 1995 - wow, what a difference! I want to keep this for 20 years

 

I tried searching but couldn’t find an post so I am curious - Any merit in running 2WD when I’m out and about in town vs the Auto setting ? Pros/Cons?

Thanks in advance

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Supreme Pizza]

If your rig is the same as mine, you do not want to have it in "AUTO" unless its necessary. That button locks in the front end, so that the transfer case can quickly send power to the front end when needed. Having the front end locked in 24/7 will lower your gas mileage, and cause significant wear and tear on your front end. 

 

You should only use "AUTO" when your in intermittent low traction areas - like when the road has patches of snow/ice. Maybe certain off-road conditions, or towing uphill on gravel. 

[m3n00b]

11 minutes ago, ripinlip said:

 

Hi guys - On Saturday I started my journey with a ‘18 HC after not having a truck since 1995 - wow, what a difference! I want to keep this for 20 years

 

I tried searching but couldn’t find an post so I am curious - Any merit in running 2WD when I’m out and about in town vs the Auto setting ? Pros/Cons?

Thanks in advance

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I only use auto in weather.  It's basically awd and can be fun in the rain.  For a truck that hardly ever sees any 4wd time I think it's good for all that stuff to move whenever possible.  You definitely don't want to be in 4wd on dry pavement as that puts a ton of strain on the system.

[Ry•Rye]

Agreed. I only use auto in rain/snow pretty much. I have a few certain hills I go up to work everyday with curves. I noticed in 2wd Everytime my backend slides out a bit. Every single time. If I put it in auto going up the hills same speed and acceleration it never slides and get perfect traction.

Sunny dry day= 2wd.
Rainy/snow=auto

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[ripinlip]

Solid advice guys. I’m in Reno,NV so it’s predominantly dry save the occasional snow which I can use auto if necessary


Related question - is that selection truly “on the fly” or is like other “on the fly” systems where you should be going no more than xxx mph while changing? I’m guessing that is spelled out in the manual - haven’t had a lot of time to dig through that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Slizzo]

10 minutes ago, ripinlip said:

Solid advice guys. I’m in Reno,NV so it’s predominantly dry save the occasional snow which I can use auto if necessary


Related question - is that selection truly “on the fly” or is like other “on the fly” systems where you should be going no more than xxx mph while changing? I’m guessing that is spelled out in the manual - haven’t had a lot of time to dig through that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

It's pretty on the fly. Computers are smart enough to engage the front wheels only when needed and when it's "safe" for the truck to do so.

[Supreme Pizza]

On the fly. 

[swathdiver]

Take the time to read the manual.

[Darmichar]

7 hours ago, ripinlip said:

Solid advice guys. I’m in Reno,NV so it’s predominantly dry save the occasional snow which I can use auto if necessary


Related question - is that selection truly “on the fly” or is like other “on the fly” systems where you should be going no more than xxx mph while changing? I’m guessing that is spelled out in the manual - haven’t had a lot of time to dig through that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2WD to Auto to 4WD and back can be done on the fly at any speed. Into or out of 4LO, you will need to be in neutral moving 3MPH or less for it to engage. 

 

If you try to do something you're not allowed to do while changing, you'll get instructions in the DIC on how to do it correctly.

[Donstar]

As swathdiver says, take time to read your manual.  Much of it may seem obvious but you'll find many things have been added or changed since your '95 was built.  

[truckguy82]

Fyi, auto in rain is not necessary after you ditch the POS factory tires.

 

My 2wd grip just about doubled when I got new tires, I bought cheap ones too.

[xMEATxHAMMERx]

I don't see any change in fuel economy when in auto vs 2wd. Assuming your 4wd system is working correctly, the 4wd won't engage until a wheel starts to slip. Gm did have an issue with that, and my 15 ltz was effected by it. It caused the 4wd to fully engage when ever you weren't in 2wd. That being said, I keep it in 2wd unless it's raining or snowing.

And as always... Enjoy your ride!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Sierra Dan]

1 hour ago, truckguy82 said:

Fyi, auto in rain is not necessary after you ditch the POS factory tires.

 

My 2wd grip just about doubled when I got new tires, I bought cheap ones too.

I agree with this, unless you are on a hill in the rain at a stoplight.

I often go into Auto mode if I am in this situation, otherwise my truck sits and spins even with good tires.

At least with and empty bed. These trucks are light in the rear empty.

[US Dashworks]

deffinately dont use the auto unless your in snow. Selecting auto does not turn the vehicle into a AWD type driveline, taking tight turns with auto selected will bind up the driveline.