Auto 4 Wheel Drive

Bogle45 · January 7, 2007

I have the Auto 4 Wheel Drive or AutoTrac as some people call it on my 2000 Z71. I was just curious to know if it was a good idea to just leave it on all the time while I drive around. Is it something that I should just use while it is raining? When does everyone else use AutoTrac? What are your thoughts on it?

Trouttrooper · January 7, 2007

Your mpg will drop a little in auto 4x4 vs 2 wheel drive since your four wheel drive is "partially" engaged.

It won't hurt anything to leave it in auto, probably will put a little extra wear on parts of the 4x4 system.

My last truck had auto 4x4. I only used it in the winter on broken or solid snow covered roads. Never felt the need for it in rain.

95Sierra2500 · January 7, 2007

You'll hurt your mpg, but you really won't hurt any other parts. You may also notice a little driveline bind when trying to make sharp corners. There's really no point to leaving it in the auto mode for just driving around. If you feel the need in bad weather, however, it's a nice comfort to have.

HawkeyeOC · January 10, 2007

It does put some stress on the 4wd system so it's best to keep it off until you need it.

When I was dealing with drivetrain issues on my '06 the mechanics said they always knew the people that kept them in auto mode all the time. Components wear quicker. In California, it's rare that you need it on the highways.

Halen5150 · January 17, 2007

I use mine in the rain for city driving. Drove my '00 like that for years and never had a problem. It definitely helps when turning corners on slick roads.

chud53 · January 18, 2007

QUESTION, this is my first truck and my first 4x4 and ive only had about 6 months, but with the auto trac on its still somewhat difficult to make sharp turns, even in the snow (like we had today in TEXAS yeehaw) is this normal

Halen5150 · January 19, 2007

Sounds normal to me. Mine is hard to turn in the parking garage with the auto 4wd on. With auto 4wd on, if I start sliding when I corner on a wet road, I give it some gas, and the front wheels kick in and straighten the truck back out. Works good for me, and has saved me a few times from sliding sideways in the rain.

OFF-RD · January 19, 2007

Auto 4WD will make steering effort a little harder, because the trasfer case is allowing engine power to go to the front and rear driveshafts at the same time. That's normal.

The only time the front driveshaft gets zero power is in 2WD.