4 wheel drive is loud?

[VT4runnin]

2010 Limited -
I haven't had the need to put the truck into 4WD any time recently until yesterday. We got some light snow and ice so I decided to give it a shot. I noticed that when driving in 4WD at approx 40mph it sounds like a jet engine is going off. Is 4WD not meant for certain speeds? It sounded like I was going 120 and the engine was about to explode. Thanks.

 

[Barry694]

4WD Noise

The only difference you should notice in 4WD High is the steering if you are on a dry or hard surface. Otherwise, the drive should be normal. You can safely drive and shift from any speed up to about 55 mph.

 

[VT4runnin]

Interesting. I put the car in Neutral to shift into and out of 4WD. I pulled over the noise was so loud. Maybe I'll have the shop look at it.

 

[bwirtz]

I've noticed more noise when driving down the highway in 4wd. Not as much as you've had, but enough to notice. Aside from the slight increase in engine noise, everything seemed exactly the same for me in 2wd or 4wd. This was going at 75mph (not changing at that speed, of course).

 

[JohnJerk]

Sounds like you were in 4 low.

 

[VT4runnin]

Sounds like you were in 4 low.

I was in L4L. When in H4L I don't notice any sound. L4L generates a ton of noise.

 

[rebelbowtie]

I was in L4L. When in H4L I don't notice any sound. L4L generates a ton of noise.

So is that locked 4wd low range?

 

[VT4runnin]

So is that locked 4wd low range?

What do you mean?

 

[rebelbowtie]

What do you mean?

Meaning and no offense because this will come across rude in text format but read your owners manual. I suspect this is your first 4x4 vehicle, the mode you describe is locked (center differential) meaning the front and rear axles turn at the same speed and low range meaning there is a further gear reduction in the transfer case to apply more torque to the wheels.

This 4x4 mode should never be used on pavement even if it's raining or snowing. It is intended for low speed and off road in mud or deep snow. Keep the vehicle in H4 with the center differential unlocked.

 

[Phaedrus]

You were doing 40mph in low range? What was your tach reading?

 

[VT4runnin]

Meaning and no offense because this will come across rude in text format but read your owners manual. I suspect this is your first 4x4 vehicle, the mode you describe is locked (center differential) meaning the front and rear axles turn at the same speed and low range meaning there is a further gear reduction in the transfer case to apply more torque to the wheels.

This 4x4 mode should never be used on pavement even if it's raining or snowing. It is intended for low speed and off road in mud or deep snow. Keep the vehicle in H4 with the center differential unlocked.

No offense taken. I think you're right too. I remember reading that when I first bought it two years ago. Haven't had the need to use L4L since so I just forgot that its not meant for pavement. I did look in the manual before adjusting but I guess I missed that page. Thanks!

 

[KidVermicious]

What do you mean?

Oh, dear.

Ok, your truck has a transfer case. This transfer case can send power to just the rear driveshaft with no gear reduction (2hi, high for high range), both driveshafts with no gear reduction (4hi), or both driveshafts with gear reduction (4low). You might have multimode and other whizbangery, but we won't get into that right now. The point is, you were in low range four-wheel-drive. Low range is great for slow speed offroading, but by it's nature it trades RPM for torque - if you were doing 40 MPH in low range, your motor was probably near redline. It WAS about to explode.

 

[VT4runnin]

Oh, dear.

Ok, your truck has a transfer case. This transfer case can send power to just the rear driveshaft with no gear reduction (2hi, high for high range), both driveshafts with no gear reduction (4hi), or both driveshafts with gear reduction (4low). You might have multimode and other whizbangery, but we won't get into that right now. The point is, you were in low range four-wheel-drive. Low range is great for slow speed offroading, but by it's nature it trades RPM for torque - if you were doing 40 RPM in low range, your motor was probably near redline. It WAS about to explode.

Thanks for the info. Good thing it was only for a few seconds at 40. I did watch the RPMs and didn't see the needle ready to burst.

 

[JohnJerk]

No harm done but time to read your owner's manual. I think there are cliff notes on the driver's visor also.

 

[Greg_Canada]

This is why there should be competent tech's at each dealer to teach you how to use your automobile...

 

[Curt Sauve]

Oh, dear.

Ok, your truck has a transfer case. This transfer case can send power to just the rear driveshaft with no gear reduction (2hi, high for high range), both driveshafts with no gear reduction (4hi), or both driveshafts with gear reduction (4low). You might have multimode and other whizbangery, but we won't get into that right now. The point is, you were in low range four-wheel-drive. Low range is great for slow speed offroading, but by it's nature it trades RPM for torque - if you were doing 40 RPM in low range, your motor was probably near redline. It WAS about to explode.

The 5th gen LE doesn't have 2H, just H4F for daliy driving, H4L locked center diff., and L4L locked center diff. with gear reduction.

 

[KidVermicious]

The 5th gen LE doesn't have 2H, just H4F for daliy driving, H4L locked center diff., and L4L locked center diff. with gear reduction.

Good to know, thanks.

 

[1engineer]

This is why there should be competent tech's at each dealer to teach you how to use your automobile...

First, @OP I mean absolutely no disrespect ok? Now, at Greg_Canada: Are you serious??? Can people not read anymore? Does anyone not want to accept any personal responsibility for their actions? Get a tech to teach you...how bout learn a little on your own first by reading and asking questions at places like this? If you are not comfortable with this type of vehicle buy a CUV or a Subaru. Those are great vehicles and require very little knowledge to operate effectively. Some things in life actually require a little work on the consumer's part.

 

[rebelbowtie]

First, @OP I mean absolutely no disrespect ok? Now, at Greg_Canada: Are you serious??? Can people not read anymore? Does anyone not want to accept any personal responsibility for their actions? Get a tech to teach you...how bout learn a little on your own first by reading and asking questions at places like this? If you are not comfortable with this type of vehicle buy a CUV or a Subaru. Those are great vehicles and require very little knowledge to operate effectively. Some things in life actually require a little work on the consumer's part.

This echoes another post in another thread...pretty good example though.

 

[ant-ny]

I am by no means a car expert, and my 2011 SR5 is still (and will probably remain) stock. After spending $35K+, the very first thing I did when I pulled it into the garage is read the manual front to back. My sales person knew probably less than I did when I bought the truck. Even now, I consult the manual often. Before the weather gets bad, I re-read the 4WD section, just so I know I won't f**k anything up. These new vehicles do have alot of options that may be unfamiliar to some. But, everything you possibly need to know about this one, or any vehicle, is right there in black and white. No need for a "tech" at each dealership. Be your own and read the manual, and for the few things that may be confusing, this site is great.