Let me preface my questions by saying that I am relatively inexperienced when it comes to 4wd. I have driven several Explorers, Outbacks and Audi's, all of which are really automatic AWD. This past August I bought a 4WD 2002 SR5 that I enjou more than any other vehicle I have owned. I took out this afternoon into some deep snow and there were times when the rear end lost traction and the tires started to spin. The "Slip Indicaror Light" came on and the engine dropped power. This happened several times.

I am assuming that the reason the engine slows is to facilitate the tires regaining traction but it seems strange than when I try to accellerate nothing happens until I take my foot off the gas and the tires bite in. My concern is there are times (like when I am in deep snow) that I don't want my truck to lose momentum.

What am I missing or not doing right or is there a mechanical problem that I need to have checked-out?

Thanks

What you are experiencing is the VSC, or vehicle skid control, system kicking in and reducing engine power. All you need to do is press the center diff lock switch to the left of your steering wheel. When you lock the center diff two things happen, first you now have a traditional 4wd system and should not be operating on dry pavement, second VSC is deactivated until you unlock the center. You will notice on your dash when you push the 4wd button the 4 green wheels light up, when you hit the center diff lock an orange light will come on in the middle and the VSC Off light comes on. If there is a bit of snow here and there or its just a bit slippery just use 4wd, if the snow is deep or you are doing real off roading lock the center.

Pat,

Thanks for explaining that so clearly. That clears things up. I was driving in snow that was 10" - 20" deep. I don't even like to have the vehicle in 4WD on the road.

Thanks again.