Auto 4WD

[mistermcgoo]

Meant to make a post about this a couple weeks ago, but I'm just getting around to it now..

 

 I just got a new to me 2018 z71 with 25k miles. I noticed that it was set in "auto" mode.. Now after some research on here I've heard numerous people say that it's horrible to keep it in auto 24/7. Hence why I always made sure my 2016 was always in 2WD unless I absolutely needed the traction of all 4 wheels.

 

I have no idea how long the previous owner kept it in this mode.. for all I know it could have been in auto for the full 25k or perhaps the dealer switched it on when looking over it/servicing it as a trade-in to check for functionality. Just no way of telling for sure. Obviously it did not stop me from getting the truck, as the rest of it both mechanically and aesthetically is in excellent shape.

 

 My question is, is there anything I should keep an eye out for? Warning noises or symptoms that may pop up if indeed it had been in auto for a long time?

[Jacoby]

Nothing wrong with running it full time in auto. Lots of folks do it. There might be a tad bit more wear to the drivetrain over time but nothing to worry about. Flip it back to 2wd and don’t think twice about it. 

[mistermcgoo]

1 hour ago, Jacoby said:

Nothing wrong with running it full time in auto. Lots of folks do it. There might be a tad bit more wear to the drivetrain over time but nothing to worry about. Flip it back to 2wd and don’t think twice about it. 

Glad to hear that! Puts my mind at ease.

 

I wonder why there's so much worry on here about leaving it in auto all of the time..

[truckguy82]

1 hour ago, mistermcgoo said:

Glad to hear that! Puts my mind at ease.

 

I wonder why there's so much worry on here about leaving it in auto all of the time..

Because the user manual says leaving it in 4auto “may cause additional wear“

[KARNUT]

Because the user manual says leaving it in 4auto “may cause additional wear“

And lower fuel mileage.


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[Jacoby]

2 hours ago, mistermcgoo said:

Glad to hear that! Puts my mind at ease.

 

I wonder why there's so much worry on here about leaving it in auto all of the time..

Straight from GM

 

AUTOMATIC 4 HI
If road conditions frequently alternate between high- and low-traction areas, consider using the “AUTO” setting found on select GMC electronic transfer cases. This setting allows your GMC to automatically distribute torque to the front axle by anticipating the need for additional traction.  Shifting into “auto” engages the front axle, but the transfer case sends power primarily to the rear wheels in normal conditions and the clutches modulate torque forward to provide stability and enhance traction to the vehicle.  Although not always optimal for efficiency and wear of your vehicle 4wd driveline, AUTOMATIC 4 HI can be used on any road condition without risk of damaging your vehicle.


[Yondu]

The whole point of auto is for driving the vehicle when it's both slippery and dry.  If it is in auto, it's fine.  That said, I use 2wd if I don't see any potential for slip.  

 

4hi can be clunky on dry pavement and should only be used in extreme conditions or off road.  

 

I won't buy a truck that doesn't have an auto 4wd, it's great when driving and you experience random ice /snow patches on otherwise dry highways and roads.  

[truckguy82]

I didn’t even know what auto4wd was when I bought my truck. Didn’t even know it existed. Other than the 6.2, it’s probably my favorite feature of the truck.

 

2wd =

+ better fuel economy, more power
- traction

awd =

+can be used in snow, slush, rain or dry
-fuel economy, power loss from drivetrain

4wd hi/lo

+locks the front and rear axles together for extreme off road, lower gear for crawling

-can’t be used in slush/rain/dry

 

there is no other drivetrain in any vehicle (other than other trucks with a similar system) that has all the benefits without any of the downsides

[dieselfan1]

6 hours ago, Yondu said:

The whole point of auto is for driving the vehicle when it's both slippery and dry.  If it is in auto, it's fine.  That said, I use 2wd if I don't see any potential for slip.  

 

4hi can be clunky on dry pavement and should only be used in extreme conditions or off road.  

 

I won't buy a truck that doesn't have an auto 4wd, it's great when driving and you experience random ice /snow patches on otherwise dry highways and roads.  

Auto 4wd is awesome for shitty days like today.

 I usually put it in 4hi when it gets to be around 6"deep. 

[Phantom_ss13]

20 hours ago, dieselfan1 said:

Auto 4wd is awesome for shitty days like today.

 I usually put it in 4hi when it gets to be around 6"deep. 

Love those wheels. Just a quick question. Is the rim barrel chrome or non chrome? I've been thinking of getting those wheels.

[dieselfan1]

3 hours ago, Phantom_ss13 said:

Love those wheels. Just a quick question. Is the rim barrel chrome or non chrome? I've been thinking of getting those wheels.

The barrel is silver.

These were takoffs from a 2019 Suburban premier . $2999 option. ouch