'01 QX4 AWD Question

[jenkstrojan07]

Hey All

I have a 2001 QX4, when the all wheel drive is in 4WD Hi and I try to turn, the car resists the turn, even when I try to gas it; also there is a loud grinding noise if it is a tight turn. Is this normal? This only happens with its in 4WD Hi, not in Auto or 2WD

Thanks

[SnowSurfLax]

If you're on dry pavement, yes, that's completely normal. The grinding is a BAD noise.

You should only engage 4HI or 4LO when you are are driving where there is slippage, i.e. snow, sand, gravel, etc.

Otherwise you create what is called "binding" and you start to shear metal gears.

[QX4ME]

I haven't learned what the diff is between 4HI and 4LO. If I leave it at 4HI but shift trans lever to "2" or even "1", would it be the same as "4LO"?

Thanks

[Andrew224]

No, it's not the same. My advice to you is to read the owners manual before you damage your truck!

Andrew

[QX4ME]

I know how to use them. What I don't know is nature of its design. Owner's manual doesn't have that info.

[SnowSurfLax]

You should have a placard behind the driver's side sunshade with the description of when and where to use which gearing.

If you don't know the difference between 4HI and 4LO, you don't know how to use it. You may know how to engage it, but you don't know when and where to use it. You didn't even know you were damaging your rig.

[QX4ME]

I used it exactly based on the placard instructions as well as the owner's manual. I used 4Lo in Reno where it was so slippery. I drove really slow and very secure. Once out of slippery surface I switched to Auto or just 2WD.

I was guessing that since 4Lo provides max torque, can't drive fast, it seems like putting in lower gear, say "1". I know I could be totally wrong on that. Just curious to know the difference in design between 4H and 4Lo. Most places only say how to use them.

I know with 4H and 4Lo, all four wheels are "locked" to rotate at the same rate...