Question 1

What is the difference between all-wheel drive, full-time and part-time 4x4 systems?

Accepted Answer

A Full-Time 4x4 system operates by default in four-wheel drive and can travel safely and securely on all surfaces. The system uses either a clutch or a center differential to allow the front and rear driveshafts to turn at varying speeds. Whether the road is covered in snow or is dry as dirt, this system can be utilized confidently.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is almost the same as full-time Four-Wheel Drive (4WD). It is also a system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle at all times. It can be used full-time on all surfaces, including pavement, like full-time 4WD. The only difference is that a ''4-low'' setting is not available on AWD vehicles. Due to the lack of ''low range'', AWD vehicles are much less capable in off-road settings than full-time 4WD vehicles, but work perfectly well on-road.

Part-Time 4WD operates by default as a two-wheel drive vehicle. Unlike the full-time system, part-time 4WD doesn’t use a center differential. The system instead locks the front and rear driveshafts, making it better for use exclusively during off-road travel or challenging road conditions. When on dry pavement or under normal driving conditions, the driver should switch to the vehicle’s two-wheel-drive mode. If drivers use Part-Time 4WD excessively, they may experience driveline noise or binding that can lead to overheating or early part failure.

On-Demand 4WD systems operate primarily in two-wheel drive during normal driving conditions. When a slippery surface such as snow or mud is encountered, 4WD is automatically engaged and power is transferred to the secondary axle.

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Question 2

Why can't you use a part-time 4x4 system on dry surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Part-time 4x4 systems lock the front and rear axles together so the front and rear wheels turn at the same speed. If attempting to turn or drive on dry surfaces, binding (''crow hop'') and driveline noise (a ''bang'' or ''shudder'') will occur, which can lead to overheating and early part failure.

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Question 3

Why does "crow hop” occur?

Accepted Answer

Crow hop happens when using the 4x4 part-time system on dry pavement or during turns. 4x4 part-time systems don’t use a center differential, so the front and rear wheel axles are locked together. If attempting to maneuver or turn on dry pavement, the tires will lose traction, causing driveline noise, such as a ''bang'' or vehicle ''shudder''.

Question 4

How does the Selec-Terrain® dial work?

Accepted Answer

The different settings offered from Selec-Terrain® are designed for specific terrains or conditions. Each setting will optimize the vehicle’s systems for that terrain. Switching between settings is easy using the rotary knob. A variety of settings deliver ultimate driving stability by coordinating vehicle systems, including throttle control, transmission shifting, transfer case, traction control and Electronic Stability ControlDisclaimer: Always drive carefully, consistent with conditions. Always wear your seat belt and obey traffic laws..

Question 5

What if I never use the Selec-Terrain® switch?

Accepted Answer

Leaving the vehicle in AUTO mode will allow it to automatically select the correct drive system for the condition it senses.

Question 6

Does the vehicle need to be parked or moving to operate the Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension or Selec-Terrain® system?

Accepted Answer

Both systems can be used when parked or moving. The Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension System raises the vehicle to allow more clearance for driving through rocky terrain. If the vehicle is moving, you can manually select the height for the Quadra-Lift® system or have the vehicle automatically select the optimal setting.

Question 7

How fast can I go when using the Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension System?

Accepted Answer

With the Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension System, there are speed thresholds for various height settings. When traveling on the highway, the Quadra-Lift® system will automatically lower the vehicle to be more aerodynamic for better efficiency and handling. The vehicle can be raised to give more clearance when navigating off-road trails and can be set to automatically lower when it is parked to allow for easier entry and exit.

Question 8

When do I use the 4x4 Low-Range mode?

Accepted Answer

Low-Range is for extreme off-road situations needing more torque with low speed, such as getting out of a tough driving spot or steep climbs. More torque does not mean more traction though, so it can be unsafe on slippery surfaces like snow, ice or mud.

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Question 9

How fast can I drive in 4x4 Low-Range?

Accepted Answer

Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). When engaging or disengaging low-range mode, do it only when the vehicle is moving at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or slower. Avoid using this mode for normal driving.

Question 10

Can I shift into 4x4 Low-Range at any speed?

Accepted Answer

No. You can shift into 4x4 Low-Range when the vehicle is rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) by shifting an automatic transmission into Neutral or depressing the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.

Question 11

Can I shift into 4x4 Low-Range when stopped?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but this is not recommended. The teeth of the gears may not be properly aligned so difficulty may occur. The preferred method is to shift into the range when going 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) in Neutral. After shifting, return the transmission to the desired gear.

Question 12

When do I use the 4x4 High-Range mode?

Accepted Answer

High-Range mode can be used if you need more traction over surfaces like snow, ice or rocky roads and need to go faster than low-range mode (25 mph or 40 km/h).

Question 13

How fast can I drive in 4x4 High-Range?

Accepted Answer

High-Range is designed for off-road conditions (i.e. gravel, mud, sand). You should not go faster than road conditions permit.

Question 14

Can I shift into 4x4 High-Range at any speed?

Accepted Answer

The shift can be done while stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is moving, shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88 km/h).

Question 15

How long can I drive in 4x4 High-Range?

Accepted Answer

With a part-time system, prolonged driving in 4x4 High-Range is recommended only for wet, loose or slippery road surfaces. With a full-time system, you can drive high-range on normal conditions for as long as conditions permit.

Question 16

How do I prepare my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Always check your vehicle before going off-road. Make sure your battery is fastened, all hoses are in good condition and oil and fluids are topped off, including fuel. Be sure that all four tires are in good condition and have the proper tire pressure. Avoid travelling alone, especially into unfamiliar territory.

Question 17

What should I be aware of?

Accepted Answer

Once off-road, put your vehicle in 4WD whenever you anticipate a need for additional traction. It's difficult to engage 4WD after you get stuck. You'll also want to get into the habit of looking over your hood, scanning left to right so you can clearly see what you're approaching on the trail. If you're just watching the left tire, there's a good chance you'll get the right tire in trouble. Avoid putting your head outside the vehicle to see what's coming. Many trail masters recommend keeping your thumbs up and out of the way of the steering wheel spokes in rough terrain. If your tire suddenly falls off a rock, your steering wheel could quickly rotate and injure your thumb. Generally, vehicles with power steering, like all Jeep® vehicles, lessen the chance of sudden steering wheel rotation.

Question 18

How fast do I drive?

Accepted Answer

Speed and power are not required in rough off-road driving. In low-range 4WD, the low gearing and low speed of Jeep® 4x4 vehicles at idle will generally pull you over obstacles. In many cases, with manual transmissions, letting the clutch out slowly and allowing the vehicle to crawl over obstacles in the lowest gear is the best scenario. As a matter of fact, on the Rubicon Trail, the average speed is a mere 1-5 miles per hour.

Question 19

How do I maintain momentum in snow or mud?

Accepted Answer

Generally, when snow or mud is present on the driving surface, it is the right time to engage your on-demand or part-time 4WD system. If you have an all-time system like Quadra-Trac I®, there is no input required from you. In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD-LOW if necessary (Quadra-Trac I and Quadra-Trac® SRT® do not offer a low range). Don't shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain momentum. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will be lost. If you begin to lose traction in snow or mud, turn your steering wheel back and forth rapidly. This will generally help the wheels bite into fresh terrain and pull you through. If traction is lost, STOP. Wheel spinning will just dig you in deeper. The key is to maintain forward momentum.

Question 20

What are the tips for driving in sand?

Accepted Answer

For better traction in sand, drop air pressure 10-12 pounds below normal pressure on conventional tires. (Return to normal pressure after use in these conditions.) Try high-range 4WD to maintain forward momentum. Depending on the condition of the sand, low-range 4WD and alternative gear selections may be necessary. Also try to make wider turns if at all possible. Tight turning slows the vehicle abruptly and can get you stuck. Again, maintaining forward momentum is key.

Question 21

How do I handle hills?

Accepted Answer

When climbing or descending hills ALWAYS go straight up or down. It's also smart to know what's on the other side before going up. At the base of the hill you should apply more power. Ease up on the power as you approach the top and before going over the crest. If you stall on the ascent, back straight down the hill in reverse. For downhill travel, always use the lowest gear with a manual transmission. When descending a hill in low-range, do not disengage the clutch and allow the vehicle to coast. Severe damage to your clutch disc may result. Allow the gears and engine compression to slow you down, using the brakes only to fine-tune your speed. If equipped with an automatic transmission, use low-range and the lowest drive setting. NOTE: NEVER drive up a hill at an angle. If the hill is very steep and you don't feel confident that you or your vehicle can make it up, don't attempt it. Never get sideways on a steep slope as this can lead to vehicle instability. Off-roading can be very challenging. Remember, go as slow as possible. Use common sense with safety being the foremost concern.

Question 22

What about climbing over rocks and other obstacles?

Accepted Answer

We call it "crawling" for a reason. Use a low gear and low-range 4WD and just let the vehicle crawl and idle (with as little throttle as needed) when going over obstacles like rocks or logs. Never straddle rocks. A vehicle with 10 inches of ground clearance will not go over a 12-inch rock! Maneuver the tire on top of the rocks and crawl over them slowly. If you hear scraping, don't panic. Your Jeep® 4x4 vehicle's skid plates and rock rails (this equipment varies depending on what Jeep 4x4 vehicle and packages have been purchased or leased) will take the brunt of the beating. Dropping tire pressure 3-5 pounds improves traction and helps avoid tire punctures. (Return to normal pressure after use in these conditions.) Remember, the ideal speed for rock crawling is 1-3 miles per hour.

Question 23

How should I behave on the trails?

Accepted Answer

Always leave the trail in better shape than you found it. Observe posted signs and stay on trails and recreation areas approved for off-roading. Use your good judgment in protecting the beauty and solitude of the area. Don't leave anything behind and, better yet, pick up and remove any trash that others have discarded. And if the terrain looks especially fragile, take an alternate route. For more information on how to Tread Lightly, visit treadlightly.org.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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