Automatic/Locking Feature on Front Hubs
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New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 13
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Automatic/Locking Feature on Front Hubs
I recently purchased a 2002 Limited Ex. It did not have an owners manual so while I await the arrival of a new one from the dealer, I had a question about the front hubs. There is an automatic and a lock feature.
I'm trying to figure out why anyone would want to manually lock the front hubs when there is a button on the dashboard to engage the 4 wheel drive?
I know they are there for a reason.......what are they for??
I'm trying to figure out why anyone would want to manually lock the front hubs when there is a button on the dashboard to engage the 4 wheel drive?
I know they are there for a reason.......what are they for??
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
Automatic/Locking Feature on Front Hubs
Welcome to FTE
The lock feature is so that in case the auto lock ever fails (since it is vacuum actuated I believe) you can still engage the front hubs. Also, some report that the hubs need to roll to engage...........so if you are already stuck they won't engage and you will need to do it manually (I've never tried to get stuck and then engage 4X4 so I don't know.....I always have 4X4 engaged first).
Hope this helps.
The lock feature is so that in case the auto lock ever fails (since it is vacuum actuated I believe) you can still engage the front hubs. Also, some report that the hubs need to roll to engage...........so if you are already stuck they won't engage and you will need to do it manually (I've never tried to get stuck and then engage 4X4 so I don't know.....I always have 4X4 engaged first).
Hope this helps.
New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 23
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Automatic/Locking Feature on Front Hubs
i have a 2000 X with the same hubs, but mine are frozen in the auto position. the dealer said it'll cost many $$ to fix. he recomends they be locked and unlocked every once in a while to keep the working. i have checked on some used lots and have found that most of them are frozen in the auto position.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
Automatic/Locking Feature on Front Hubs
Originally posted by crustydoughboy
i have a 2000 X with the same hubs, but mine are frozen in the auto position. the dealer said it'll cost many $$ to fix. he recomends they be locked and unlocked every once in a while to keep the working. i have checked on some used lots and have found that most of them are frozen in the auto position.
i have a 2000 X with the same hubs, but mine are frozen in the auto position. the dealer said it'll cost many $$ to fix. he recomends they be locked and unlocked every once in a while to keep the working. i have checked on some used lots and have found that most of them are frozen in the auto position.
.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Automatic/Locking Feature on Front Hubs
Originally posted by crustydoughboy
he recomends they be locked and unlocked every once in a while to keep the working. i
he recomends they be locked and unlocked every once in a while to keep the working. i
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 394
Likes: 6
From: SEVA
Automatic/Locking Feature on Front Hubs
An earlier post said the hubs must be engaged prior to getting stuck.
I got into a minor situation, and the limited slip rear would not get me out. I simply pushed the 4WHL-HI button, and crawled right out. I've used 4WHL-LO when the driveway is snow covered.
BTW .... Mine are frozen in the auto position, too. The previous owner did nothing but highway miles on my 2001 (bought it this past January w/ 55K miles on it).
I got into a minor situation, and the limited slip rear would not get me out. I simply pushed the 4WHL-HI button, and crawled right out. I've used 4WHL-LO when the driveway is snow covered.
BTW .... Mine are frozen in the auto position, too. The previous owner did nothing but highway miles on my 2001 (bought it this past January w/ 55K miles on it).
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