JEEP 4x4 Question?

Question

I have Jeep Grand Cherokee....when should I use 4x4... I know it's not good to use it at all times. And before i use it, should I put it in Neutral before switching it to 4x4.. I just got Jeep...(:

2000 Jeep

Answer 1

Depends on your 4WD system on your jeep. If it has a 2WD option that is where you should optimately have the transfer case unless you are driving on slick or wet roads then you could use 4WD all time. Part time 4WD is only for slick roads, snow, ice, mud, sand, etc. It should never be used on dry pavement. 4WD low range is for more torque for heavy pulling, or for helping to recover a mired vehicle.

As for putting the vehicle in neutral before engaging it isn't necessary, but if you use 4WD low range, you must be rolling forward and then pull the lever into low range (note: the grinding noise is normal.) if you try to engage low range at a stop the gears will not line up and when you attempt to place the transmission back into gear the transfer case will jump out of gear and can cause injury or death from losing control of the vehicle.

Enjoy your jeep and take care of it, and it will never let you down.
If you have further questions or send me the type of 4WD system that your jeep has I can explain in detail each position for you. Not knowing which system you have i.e. quadra-trac, quadra-drive, its hard to explain.

Answer 2

My best friend's gf used to think that she needed to use 4x in the rain, on pavement! This is not the case. Once you have your jeep for a while you'll know where and when you'll need it. 2 wheel drive vehicles will go a lot of places that people think that they won't so remember that there are very few places that we drive that require 4 wheel. Muddy rutted roads (like a logging road) are places where you are sure to need 4x4. If you are not getting traction; if your wheel is spinning you need 4x. You are going to be going slow when you need it, and terrain will be uneven and or slick. You might as well stop to put it in 4 wheel then you can plan your acceleration, momentum and strategy for getting past the particular section. You might need 4x to pull something a short distance (in the dirt, up a hill). 95% of the time you won't need 4x4. It's only there to get you through the toughest times.

Be sure to use it periodically anyway every couple of months or so. Use it on dirt, grass, gravel, or unpaved surfaces and forget 10-15 miles. Just use it enough so that everything "remembers" how to work and gets lubricated. If you go muddin' wash the mud off before it gets good and dry. This will keep the stuff working when you need it.

Answer 3

I personally have a GC Limited Edition, it is full time 4WD. I think after a certain speed it disengages but am not absolutely sure about it.

It all depends on road conditions. You most likely do not need to put it in neutral, that should be a shift on the fly system just release the accelerator then engage 4WD. Now to put it in 4WD low range you would need to put it in neutral at a dead stop, but unless you are needing extra torque and 4WD, there really are very little reasons to be using 4WD low range. Also never use low range when descending a hill with snow, ice, or muddy.

As far as running in 4WD all the time, it only causes wear and tear on mechanical parts and tires, but using 4WD once in a while is not good either. Use it at least once a month for about 10-15 miles to keep things lubricated and rust from settle in.

Answer 4

As the proud owner of a Jeep Sport TJ, I must congratulate you on your choice of vehicle to purchase.

You're right ... you should not use four-wheel drive constantly (nor do you need to ...), but I have used the feature in deep snow and on icy roads to improve traction. I'm not sure about putting it in neutral though ... all I have to do on mine is make sure I'm fully stopped (no switching on the fly) and pull up a lever to activate. If this is a new Cherokee in your front driveway, then you should have a copy of an Owner's Manual ... this will definitely give you proper information.

Happy four-wheeling!

Answer 5

It is a good idea to put the Jeep in neutral before placing it in 4 wheel drive. 4H is used when there is slippery road surfaces, such as gravel or mud. 4L is used when you are practically "bogged", used when mud is thick. You should have a manual that explains this or check you sunvisor, that's where my instructions are in my Jeep Wrangler Sahara.

Answer 6

Check the owners manual for this answer. According to mine there are two diffrent types of 4X4 drivetrains for my year model. One you can safely us at highway speeds for long periods of time (fulltime 4H) and the other can only be use at under 55mph (parttime 4H) . And of course theres 4L for max traction but to be used at very low speeds. According to the owners manual it is safe to shift into 4H when traveling at or under 55mph without shifting into neutral. Personally I really don't like going into 4X4 unless I'm at a full stop.

Answer 7

It depends on what year. Read your owners manual. If it is electric shift, you can shift at any speed into 4H. You have to be going around 5mph to shift into 4L. If it is standard older model, you may have to lock in hubs, put into neutral, then shift transfer case into gear, then back into drive. You must be moving the whole time for all of the gears to mesh and not cause damage.
You can use 4H on snow covered roads and icy slushy roads. Do not use it on dry even roads or you will cause excess wear on your tires and your axles inside your differentials. Use 4L when you need to crawl through mud or snow or on steep inclines to keep from spinning. Use 4L at slow speeds only.

Answer 8

i own a shop,and on those you can shift on the go,and you only need to use it when it wont get traction in 2 wheel drive or your on a slick surface,be careful though,4 wheel drive is hard to get use to,in some cases it will pull you in to a slide if your on ice,it will go the opposite direction of what you turn the wheels too,use it only when needed,and practice with it in the snow,learn what it will,and will not do,its a good thing to have,but it can make you go off the road also,good luck,i hope this help,s.

Answer 9

One more thing to think about. It's a lot harder to get you unstuck than to keep you from getting that way. Pretty much, as soon as you get off road and you think there's even a remote possibility of you even slipping and not just getting stuck, go ahead and engage it. Just remember to disengage it when you get back on paved surfaces. 4wd hi can be engaged while still in gear and, according to my manual, at any safe highway speed. 4lo needs to be stopped and in neutral in automatics and stopped and out of gear in manuals (although mine tends to be a little easier when rolling about 1-2 mph).

Answer 10

and just an ego-busting side note.. 4 wheel drive does you absolutely no good if the snowbank you end up on is higher than your ground clearance (no wheels touching the ground)