Using 4 wheel drive.questions

[jazzz]

If I am at idle.Warming up Qx4. Do I just turn knob to shift into 4the wheel drive or must I be moving or in neutral.? I don't have manual can some one guide me? ?on the safe way to use for snow or overall please.

[patqx4]

There should be a nice guide on the back of your sun visor that explains very clearly how to use each setting.

[bryanmenard]

Manuals are available online at: http://www.infiniti-techinfo.com/deptog.aspx?dept_id=55

You have All-mode 4WD. You can shift into AUTO or 4HI at any time as long as you're not going in reverse or turning. I leave mine in AUTO all the time and never use 2WD, dry or wet. To engage 4LO, stop and put it in neutral before switching to 4LO. The manual recommends making changes in the selector switch while driving straight. If you engage while stopped, you'll feel a jolt when you start going.

The front hubs are permanently engaged. There's no auto-locking like on some other 4X4 vehicles, so forward motion is not technically required. Generally speaking, I switch it while in motion, but there's no reason you can't do it.

[bryanmenard]

Also never use 4HI on paved roads unless there is significant slippage (deep snow, sand, etc.). Never use 4LO except of you're completely stuck in mud, sand, etc and you can't get out in 4HI. AUTO is probably the best mode to be in for winter driving. I use 4HI when I'm at the beach. There's no snow where I live. I only use 4LO if I'm stuck or going through incredibly loose sand.

[bryanmenard]

auto-mode-always-4wd-t548182.html

This was a good discussion on the AUTO mode. AUTO shifts power from the rear wheels to the front as needed. It functions as an automatic all-wheel drive. It engages when necessary, shifting up to 50% of the torque forward. It does not shift left-to-right, only front to rear. The differential is unlocked and the power is variable, anywhere from 100% rear to 50% front/50% rear

In that post, there were some people incorrectly stating that all AUTO does is engage 4HI when there's slippage. That's not the case. In 4HI, the system locks at 50/50 front rear and has no variation...it's an off-road mode. AUTO is infinitely variable, safe to use all the time, dry or wet. To save a little fuel economy or to take a smog test, you can put it in 2WD. I personally use AUTO all the time.

[jazzz]

Thanks very helpful

[bryanmenard]

The All mode system really is very decent. I use Auto most of the time and it makes the acceleration smooth and level, with noticeably less "rear dive" when getting up to speed. I use Auto all of the time except on a dry highway trip. The Auto mode loses about a mile per gallon on the highway. I get about 18 highway at 75 mph in Auto vs. 19 in 2wd. The difference is less when you're going 65. If I'm anywhere in town, always in Auto. Eliminates fishtailing virtually. On a dry highway it's going to be running 100% rear anyway so I switch it into 2wd under that circumstance...no need for it to be on but otherwise always auto.

[skiski329]

I just want to clarify, because i had a simular question. Going into 4Lo i want to put my automatic transmission into N then go from 4Hi to the N, then into 4Lo, finally putting the automatic transmission into D? and then getting back into 2 wheel drive, do i put the 4 wheel drive shifter into N first or the automatic transmission into N first?

[bryanmenard]

In all instances, Car in neutral first, then move the selector lever. Download an owners manual above or look behind your sunvisor for info.

[skiski329]

^ Thanks!