1998 Qx4 auto 4x4

[Drakart]

I have a quick question here. My 98 qx4 has the knob to go from 2wd to auto to lock. Today I was driving with it in auto and noticed when I made a corner that it was engaged and was hard to make the corner due to the front tires trying to turn also. As soon as I pop it to 2wd I can feel it come disengaged. Shouldn't the 4x4 auto only work when it feels the back tires break loose. That's how it worked when I first got this 1998 Qx4. I'm kinda confused because when I got it 9 months ago it worked how it was suppose too. It only engaged when the rear end broke loose. Now it's immediately in as soon as I put it in auto. I would really like to drive it in auto this winter without it always being engaged in AUTO 4x4. Please help me. Thank you.

[JPK Omaha]

On dry pavement you should have it in 2wd. If there is snow or ice, then use auto. Check for explanation of how it all works in your owners manual.