2020 GMC 1500 AT4 Smells like clutch burning the last 5-10 miles while in 4wd

[mike9087]

We have been in some deep snow recently in the mountains, so I have been in 4wd almost full time the last 10 miles id say. Got out of the truck this morning and it smelled like clutch burn. Any reason why this is happening or what's causing this? Truck has approximately 60,000-70,000 Mile on it. 

[newdude]

52 minutes ago, mike9087 said:

We have been in some deep snow recently in the mountains, so I have been in 4wd almost full time the last 10 miles id say. Got out of the truck this morning and it smelled like clutch burn. Any reason why this is happening or what's causing this? Truck has approximately 60,000-70,000 Mile on it. 

 

 

How's the fluid level in the transfer case?  Has it ever been changed?  

[mike9087]

I have not checked the transfer case fluid in a little while but yes it has been changed at the recommended interval at 45k per the service manual

 

[newdude]

53 minutes ago, mike9087 said:

I have not checked the transfer case fluid in a little while but yes it has been changed at the recommended interval at 45k per the service manual

 

 

 

Were you in AUTO or 4HI?  

[calgator73]

It sounds like your brake linings are overheating trying to compensate due to loss of traction.  I'm assuming that you were running 4 auto with traction control engaged.  Probably should be 4high which also disables traction control and stability control.

[newdude]

46 minutes ago, calgator73 said:

It sounds like your brake linings are overheating trying to compensate due to loss of traction.  I'm assuming that you were running 4 auto with traction control engaged.  Probably should be 4high which also disables traction control and stability control.

 

 

4LO disables those not 4HI.  You can turn them off below 35mph but Stabilitrak fires back up over 35mph.  4LO does the full disable.  

[calgator73]

3 hours ago, newdude said:

 

 

4LO disables those not 4HI.  You can turn them off below 35mph but Stabilitrak fires back up over 35mph.  4LO does the full disable.  

Thank you for the correction.

[mike9087]

19 hours ago, newdude said:

 

 

Were you in AUTO or 4HI?  

I always run 4HI I knew early on never to run auto and either stick it in 2HI or 4HI never needed 4Low yet

[Gangly]

Clutch and brake wear can smell similar, anybody who has been to a quarter-mile track will attest to that.

 

My guess is your traction control system is working HARD in the snow and your brake system is getting heavily used as a result.  Go into 4Hi and turn off your traction control, or go into 4 LO and it will turn it off by default settings.