How can I tell if my 4wd is engaging?

[auh]

After putting stock wheels/tires back on my QX4 if I switch it into auto or 4h I can't tell if its engaging or not. With the old aftermarket wheels it was loud and it used to make a slight clunking thud when I would put the switch back into 2wd. Now I don't hear or feel anything. I felt a slight thud yesterday but it was only once and I was switching it on and off a lot yesterday with how many streets were completely flooded in Chicagoland.

[auh]

also would I get any warning light if it stopped working? because I'm not and all of the 4wd status lights are working fine

[gwhunt23]

I believe the thud has to do with how your steering wheel was pointed when shifting in and out of 4WD.

However, let's consider a few things in your case:

1) Does your Qx4 have complete "push-button" 4wd (the knob with settings for 2wd, auto, 4hi, 4low)? Or do you have a traditional 4x4 shifter next to your auto transmission gear selector?

2) If you do have complete push-button 4wd, your dash has indicator lights which change as you turn the knob. It goes like this: 2WD: Rear wheels lit greenAuto: Four wheels lit green4HI: Four wheels lit green AND center differential lock indicator lit yellow4LOW: Four wheels lit green AND center differential lock indicator lit yellow AND 4LO indicator lamp lit green. This indicator lamp flashes when shifting from 4HI to 4LOW.

3) There are warning lights which flash "4wd" continuously if there is a problem with sifting the transfer case or if there is any other malfunction with the system.

4) Still not convinced that you're in 4WD? Shift to 4HI while on dry pavement. Turn the wheel to one direction and slowly creep forward. Your tires should spin or if you have good enough traction, you will come completely to a halt because the center differential is locked. (driving in 4HI or 4LOW on dry pavement is not recommenced)

[MagicM]

go into a small parking lots and go around a corner, if you can't make it, it's on XD

[Adnan]

pull in an empty parking lot and nail the gas and turn to any directionif it fish tails or does anything cool LOL 4wd isnt engagedalso you can tell from the steering wheel..its a lighter feel in 2wd then 4wdi usually leave mine auto under wet conditions and i hear a whinning effectfrom the transfer case when i let go the throttle at low speeds.and also when i turn it off i hear a clunking effect from the transfer case

[synjones]

I have gone through the above forums its great that we are getting lots of information on the wheels.I have 2x2 vehicle can i transfer it to 4x4.Can i have some more information on this.

Synjones

[bmlawless]

Simply put the vehicle in 4WD and roll forward with the wheels turned all the way to one direction. If the car "hops", then the 4WD is engaged. This won't work in Auto, just Lock.

[pathfinder9035]

when u shift in to 4wd the 4wd indicator will come on.

[02pathfinderle]

pull in an empty parking lot and nail the gas and turn to any directionif it fish tails or does anything cool LOL 4wd isnt engagedalso you can tell from the steering wheel..its a lighter feel in 2wd then 4wdi usually leave mine auto under wet conditions and i hear a whinning effectfrom the transfer case when i let go the throttle at low speeds.and also when i turn it off i hear a clunking effect from the transfer case

hi adnan i do the same thing i put mine in auto wen its raining out but on the highway doin bout 50or more i hear a whining noise too, i was wondering if this is ok to do to the car putting it in auto during rain or wet conditions

is that whining noise normal if the auto is engaged