Does 4x4 ''need'' to be cycled occasionally?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
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Does 4x4 ''need'' to be cycled occasionally?
Hello everyone, My 2011 FX4 is my first 4WD truck, I've got just under 20,000 miles on it now.
I live in west Texas, hot and dry for the most part, we are lucky if we get any snow during the winter. My question is, since my 4WD system is not needed 90% of the time. Should I cycle it occasionally, just to get fluids in the T-case flowing? I know that you are not supposed to run a 4X4 system on dry roads, but does it hurt anything if I find myself on a long straightaway such as the highway and I cycle 4-HI for 5 min or so? Not making any turns of course. Or is it really not necessary to cycle it at all unless needed?
Any other extra 4WD info would be appreciated here.
Thanks for any input here!
I live in west Texas, hot and dry for the most part, we are lucky if we get any snow during the winter. My question is, since my 4WD system is not needed 90% of the time. Should I cycle it occasionally, just to get fluids in the T-case flowing? I know that you are not supposed to run a 4X4 system on dry roads, but does it hurt anything if I find myself on a long straightaway such as the highway and I cycle 4-HI for 5 min or so? Not making any turns of course. Or is it really not necessary to cycle it at all unless needed?
Any other extra 4WD info would be appreciated here.
Thanks for any input here!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 451
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Yes, 4x4 systems should be turned on occasionally to ensure proper funtioning.
Most 4x4 systems are not designed to be used on dry pavement, even in a straight line. Best to test them somewhere off pavement. A dirt road, a grassy field, etc.
Most 4x4 systems are not designed to be used on dry pavement, even in a straight line. Best to test them somewhere off pavement. A dirt road, a grassy field, etc.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,510
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From: Sioux Falls Area
yes!
don't forget 4-low also.
it is a use it or lose it type deal.
we hadn't used 4-low on our Super Duty for a year or two and it was VERY slow to engage/disengage when i tried to use it this winter. after cycling it a couple times, it is much better....
so go find a gravel road once and a while. cycle in and out of 4-high, 4-low, and for those of you who have a '13&up put it in neutral at least a few times a year. otherwise the linkages get stiff and the electric motor tends to burn out ... which ruins your switch in the dash as well.
don't forget 4-low also.
it is a use it or lose it type deal.
we hadn't used 4-low on our Super Duty for a year or two and it was VERY slow to engage/disengage when i tried to use it this winter. after cycling it a couple times, it is much better....
so go find a gravel road once and a while. cycle in and out of 4-high, 4-low, and for those of you who have a '13&up put it in neutral at least a few times a year. otherwise the linkages get stiff and the electric motor tends to burn out ... which ruins your switch in the dash as well.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I don't think you'll have a problem as long as you're going straight; the problem with conventional 4WD is when the front wheels are turned they must spin faster than the rears to avoid breaking traction.
A few minutes at a time shouldn't hurt anything. I've never heard of anyone breaking anything by using it on dry pavement, but it's certainly harder for the driveline when the front wheels are turned. Handling can also be a serious issue, so don't forget to take it out of 4-hi!
A few minutes at a time shouldn't hurt anything. I've never heard of anyone breaking anything by using it on dry pavement, but it's certainly harder for the driveline when the front wheels are turned. Handling can also be a serious issue, so don't forget to take it out of 4-hi!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,659
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I cycle 4WD in all my vehicles once every few months (whenever I remember to do it) just to make sure it works. I don't think time matters. You're just making sure the solenoids still function. I roll a few feet in 4Lo. I might roll a hundred yards down the street in 4Hi, cycling in and out several times. Average person greatly exaggerates the risk of rolling on dry pavement. Don't make turns, keep the time short, and you'll be fine.
My Ecoboost gets a regular 4WD workout anyway, because I like to hole shot V8 guys whenever the right opportunity arises. It's part of my personal contribution to help Ford raise awareness about the Ecoboost.
My Ecoboost gets a regular 4WD workout anyway, because I like to hole shot V8 guys whenever the right opportunity arises. It's part of my personal contribution to help Ford raise awareness about the Ecoboost.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 33
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Do not use it on pavement. Find a gravel road or don't use it at all.
Too much chance of binding based on difference in tire diameter due to inflation or wear. Plus even in a strait line your steering will be affected.
Too much chance of binding based on difference in tire diameter due to inflation or wear. Plus even in a strait line your steering will be affected.
Resident smarta$$
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Oaks,PA
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 2
You are fine using it on pavement as long as you are going straight. I would avoid it if possible but you cannot always avoid it. In alaska you might have 3 miles of straight ice that you need 4wd for then all of the sudden you hit a dry spot in the pavement you cant switch out of 4wd for. Your drivetrain is not going to vaporize just because your tires hit pavement.
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