Newbie Question - 4WD Auto / Part-Time

[coit]

Hey folks, first post and brand new first-time Jeep owner!

I’ve been searching but unable to find information on my truck’s 4WD shifter, which doesn’t match what is shown in the Owners Manual or Users Guide.

Any pointers to good reading material?

I’ve learned a lot already, looking to learn more from the experts!


Edit: The TL;DR summary is that apparently my Overland came with incorrect shift knob applied that had 2H-4H Auto-4H Part Time-4L.

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[noside85]

What kind of info in particular?

 

[coit]

What kind of info in particular?

The most basic of info, really.

What’s the difference between 4H, 4H Auto, 4H Part-Time? Do any of these work more similarly to AWD vehicles? From what I’ve read, 4H locks the axles together and isn’t typically used over the road, where an AWD system varies the power delivered to front and rear axles.

No information in the manuals on this.

Also, when can these modes be shifted into?

 

[Foxtrot]

4H (also known as part time), locks the front and rear axles together to provide more traction. Don't use on the street except in poor conditions or you can cause binding or damage. It can be activated at any time, stopped or moving, at speeds up to 55mph I believe. I wouldn't recommend doing this though.
4H auto, similar to awd in purpose, but uses the same transfer case as 4H. Perfectly safe to use on the street as the 4H is only activated when the computer senses that it's needed (works differently than the old 4h auto systems but that's another thing). Not available on all gladiators though.
4L, same as 4H except it regears the driveline to provide extra torque at the expense of speed. Refer to the manual on how to engage it. Definitely don't use on the street.

 

[coit]

4H (also known as part time), locks the front and rear axles together to provide more traction. Don't use on the street except in poor conditions or you can cause binding or damage. It can be activated at any time, stopped or moving, at speeds up to 55mph I believe. I wouldn't recommend doing this though.
4H auto, similar to awd in purpose, but uses the same transfer case as 4H. Perfectly safe to use on the street as the 4H is only activated when the computer senses that it's needed (works differently than the old 4h auto systems but that's another thing). Not available on all gladiators though.
4L, same as 4H except it regears the driveline to provide extra torque at the expense of speed. Refer to the manual on how to engage it. Definitely don't use on the street.

So 4H Auto will essentially operate in 2WD mode on dry streets? I’ve never owned an AWD vehicle but I have driven several rentals, and I remember one of the more recent showing how the power was being distributed between the two axles, changing during periods of heavy acceleration and such.

Is there any value in running in that mode occasionally just to let it get a workout?

 

[Foxtrot]

Yup, 4H auto is pretty much 2wd on dry pavement. It won't do some of the things awd does in terms of balancing power between front and rear, it's either on 50:50 or it isn't.

The downfall of running it all the time is mileage, it isn't much but many people report a loss of mileage of about 1mpg or so, even if the roads are perfect. The benefit is you can set it and forget it. Essentially if you're driving in say Colorado in the winter, you won't have to worry about anything going from a dry main road to an icy side road.
It certainly won't hurt anything to pop it into 4h every once and awhile. When in 2h, the chain to the front drive shaft doesn't spin and therefore doesn't get lube, so kicking a transfer case into 4h every so often can potentially reduce corrosion and dry seals. Activating 4h auto can probably accomplish the same thing, but the computer control probably doesn't care.

 

[coit]

Yup, 4H auto is pretty much 2wd on dry pavement. It won't do some of the things awd does in terms of balancing power between front and rear, it's either on 50:50 or it isn't.

The downfall of running it all the time is mileage, it isn't much but many people report a loss of mileage of about 1mpg or so, even if the roads are perfect. The benefit is you can set it and forget it. Essentially if you're driving in say Colorado in the winter, you won't have to worry about anything going from a dry main road to an icy side road.
It certainly won't hurt anything to pop it into 4h every once and awhile. When in 2h, the chain to the front drive shaft doesn't spin and therefore doesn't get lube, so kicking a transfer case into 4h every so often can potentially reduce corrosion and dry seals. Activating 4h auto can probably accomplish the same thing, but the computer control probably doesn't care.

Tried to shift out of 2H on the drive this morning, and I could not get the stick to move at all. I've read that it is stiff at first, but wow I was afraid to pull any harder.

 

[Foxtrot]

Heh, not sure how hard you pulled, but yeah, they can be real stiff at first. Use will help break it in over time.

 

[Reeb65]

Tried to shift out of 2H on the drive this morning, and I could not get the stick to move at all. I've read that it is stiff at first, but wow I was afraid to pull any harder.

Just a suggestion but if your dealer did not go over this with you i would go back and have them do a full walk through of all the systems you are not familiar with. You can get a lot of great information here but giving you newness to a 4x4 a little person to person time maybe a better place to start.

 

[Airmousam]

@Foxtrot Interesting, did not know about the 4H auto feature...you mentioned not available on all Gladiators...can you pls elaborate? Thanks!

 

[coit]

Just a suggestion but if your dealer did not go over this with you i would go back and have them do a full walk through of all the systems you are not familiar with. You can get a lot of great information here but giving you newness to a 4x4 a little person to person time maybe a better place to start.

Yeah I think that is definitely a good idea.

 

[furrymurray]

Welcome to the community Colt. I love hearing about first time Jeep owners joining the ranks. You can get a ton of valuable information hear but I recommend finding a local 4x4 club near you to join. Most clubs will accept you with open arms and teach you all about the four wheel life.

 

[SandSurfer]

The most basic of info, really.

What’s the difference between 4H, 4H Auto, 4H Part-Time? Do any of these work more similarly to AWD vehicles? From what I’ve read, 4H locks the axles together and isn’t typically used over the road, where an AWD system varies the power delivered to front and rear axles.

No information in the manuals on this.

Also, when can these modes be shifted into?

Unless something has changed, the only transfer case settings on the Gladiator are, 2H, 4H, N, 4L. There is plenty of information on how to use the 4WD system starting on page 290. I agree that the dealer should have given you a better demonstration of this!

 

[bhbdvm]

@Foxtrot Interesting, did not know about the 4H auto feature...you mentioned not available on all Gladiators...can you pls elaborate? Thanks!

I think this 4WD system is only available on the Overland model. All other models use the 4WD Part time and should NOT be used on any surface with good traction such as a dry road/pavement and only used where the wheels have the ability to slip such as mud, dirt, snow, etc.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Tried to shift out of 2H on the drive this morning, and I could not get the stick to move at all. I've read that it is stiff at first, but wow I was afraid to pull any harder.

The first time was difficult, but not so bad after that. This is what works for me: Be at a dead stop on flat surface or slight incline, Put into drive, let off the brake but don't touch the gas, should start moving forward, slip it into Neutral, grab the stick and pull, it should slide from 2H to 4H without too much effort.

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