leaving my 03 pathfinder in 4 wheel drive mode

[Hawairish]

Hawairish: I may be wrong .. but I think the QX4 and the Pathfinder LE past 2002 have the same set up. Mine have all been 02 LE's -- so I'm only going by that configuration.

I'm not sure what I am going to do when this one has to go -- maybe I will get lucky and find another perfect one ... this is my third. I like that I have the locking center when I need it and have the "Auto" for the rest. I have a big property and the ground clearance and toughness of the Paths system is desirable over most of the AWD systems in all the crossovers.

Not sure either, but I know early QX4's had a slightly different system that was a combo between the mode switch and manual shifter (i.e., it had both). They eventually went to a switch-only setup.

[rhondas]

its a up grade at the beginning pulling in for about 15 feet then it levels off and becomes flat .I have left it in the 4 wheel drive mode selection switch on the dash only when there is snow on the ground so under the tires would be snow packed then blacktop.
I place the automatic transmission in park , I pull out the emergency brake . then when I shut off the engine is when I hear a thud noise under neath . its either the transfer case going out of gear or the front differential making the noise . maybe it like they say a normal sound when switched in the all wheel mode . I never tried this in 4H or 4L selection.

[Hawairish]

Cool, thanks. Yeah, sounds fine to leave it in 4wd at the top. If it's in Auto mode, I believe the thump is normal because it cuts power to the shift solenoid. But, I'm not sure if it does that in the locked modes...I don't know what keeps it engaged if it's not a mechanical linkage like the part-time system.

[rhondas]

your answer sound most logical , some day for the h--- of it i'm going to try the 4WH and the 4WL positions on the switch . thanks

[99Qx4GroundUp]

This has to be the most informational, entertaining thread that I have came across so far. It's given me a lot of insight into what I didn't know a lot about, while having me laugh out loud in my office.

Thanks guys.