I hope someone who actually knows about SUVs answers this! Ok I just bought an Explorer with 4WD and I dont understand how to maximize my gas mileage and performance of my vehicle. It has a tow packag... My next question is it has 3-4x4 setting, 4x4auto, 4x4 low and 4x4 high ...is it run's all the time in all wheel drive mode?And it's set in overdrive mode at start on,when overdrive has to be off and what exatly overdrive use is?
2006-07-02 16:12:11 · 6 answers · asked by boby b 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
Other than the normal advice most people give, there is no real way to boost gas milage.. the performance, you could probably find some go fast stuff on the net that will cost you hundred's of dollars and still not give you any feel power.
To correct everyone on the 4wd.....
In 4x4 auto, the car will normally run in 2wd, if it senses too much wheel spin from the ABS sensors, it will turn on the 4wd for as long as it's needed ... This is where you want to leave it.
in 4x4 high, it can be switched in at anytime up to 55 mph on the fly and will connect all 4 wheels to the transmission .
4x4 low can ONLY be engaged after the vehicle is in neutral and is completely stopped. It gives 4wd with more pulling power as it goes thru reduction gears at the sacrefice of top speed (usually about 40 in 4 low)
Overdrive mode is what gives you your fuel economy as it has a taller gear when going over about 45 mph. It is usually the 4th or 5th gear in a transmission.
Overdrive only has to be off going up tall bridges/hills and when towing something about 1/2 the weight load limit of the truck or more, as the extra weight will kill the transmission if left in overdrive in those two circumstanses.
But under normal driving leave OD on and 4x4 to auto
when you go 4 wd riding then take out of overdrive and 4x4 high
when trailer towing something heavy, 4x4 auto, OD off
Hope this helps
2006-07-03 10:51:57 · answer #1 · answered by gearbox 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you leave it in Auto then it will run in 2 wheel drive until it senses a loss in traction and it will automatically shift into 4 wheel drive low.
If you turn the switch to 4 wheel drive low then it will shift into 4 wheel drive while moving or standing still.
If you shift into 4 wheel drive high while moving it will shift it to 4 wheel drive low and will only shift into 4 wheel drive high when the car is not moving.
4 wheel drive high is for getting out of a stuck in the mud or snow situation
Overdrive is for highway driving and if selected will drop the transmission Down to a lower gear when you rapidly accelerate to help you climb a steep hill.
Overdrive is selected by default each time you start the car and to deactivate it after starting push in on the button located on the end of the gear shift lever and a light on the instrument panel will come on showing that automatic overdrive is off.To activate it push on the button again.
For best economy in city driving turn the overdrive off and the 4X4 in auto.
For highway driving put the 4X4 in auto and on hilly terrain turn the overdrive on.
2006-07-02 17:42:44 · answer #2 · answered by G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't say what mileage you are getting but my guess is 15 mpg or less. 4WD is a gas hog and in that model, it's always in 4WD. Overdrive is also always working unless you press the button to turn it off, but that would defeat its purpose which is to maximize fuel mileage.
As for performance, there are some aftermarket computer chips than can be added to the processor but you might want to check with a dealer about their experience with these regarding warranty coverage and performance enhancements.
2006-07-06 06:04:08 · answer #3 · answered by mikey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
overdrive is highway use, economy gear, honestly I had your car it was a piece of poop. I bought a 91 s-10 blazer 4x4 I love it.
My explorer needed transmission, 4 wheel and engine service also gutless in the mountains.
2006-07-02 17:31:00 · answer #4 · answered by Brandy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does not run in all wheel. . . . 4 X 4 auto is suposed to come on if your back wheels spin, mine doesn't work so I wouldn't know. Over drive is just crusing, like highway, interstate or long distances, overdrive off in teh city. Your gas milage is gonna suck in that v8 no matter what you do.
2006-07-02 16:18:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
for better gas milage try not to use your ac to much
2006-07-02 16:17:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋