4wd Has a 30+ Sec Delay to Engage

[keith&julie]

What causes this to happen? I have tried it stopped, moving, no acceleration, running straight, under acceleration, nothing changes how quick it engages. It sucks when at a slippery intersection and it can't be engaged to get moving right away. Is there something that needs adjusted or replaced or reset?

 

[DC Dude]

What causes this to happen? I have tried it stopped, moving, no acceleration, running straight, under acceleration, nothing changes how quick it engages. It sucks when at a slippery intersection and it can't be engaged to get moving right away. Is there something that needs adjusted or replaced or reset?

This is normal. Why don't you just leave it at 4WD if you are so concerned about response time?

 

[Burt]

What DC Dude said.... Also, I use my 4WD for more preventative measures than post-mortum.

 

[M1911]

As above, just leave it in 4WD during the winter. You've got a Torsen center diff.

 

[martini]

It's a good idea to exercise the actuator as much as you can, meaning switch to 4H, 4L, diff locked regularly. I know the manual says to drive in 4H at least once a month for 10 miles, which I would think would mean to also flip it to 4L and lock/unlock the center diff. Mine only takes about 5 seconds to engage 4H, but I do know the tricks I usually will be slowly (5 mph) rolling forward when switching to 4H from 2H. If I'm stopped I'll put it in neutral if it takes more than 3 seconds to engage while it's in drive and if that doesn't work within a could seconds I'll put it in reverse and or toggle between drive and neutral which usually works. I do exercise the actuator at least once a month usually more like once a week, many times just playing around at stop lights.

 

[Acidmeld]

When i bought mine i dont think the guy before me ever used 4wd. It took almost a minute to go into 4hi the first time i tried. I use it all the time now, at least 1/4 of my driving, and it takes less than 5 secs to actuate now.

 

[ky_runner]

I agree with Acidmeld.... You need to engage it regularly to keep things properly lubbed (okay stop giggling and get your mind out of the gutter! LOL) If I'm not mistaken, the manual recommends engaging 4HI for about 10 miles/ month.

Also try:
- shifting while rolling at low speed with wheels straight as opposed to being at full stop with foot on break
- if you have to shift at stop (intersection) try: foot off of break and shifting between N D & R