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2004 AWD Eddie Bauer w/ 118,000 miles. First time in snow two weeks ago here in North Carolina. Not sure the AWD mode was working. Would I notice ANY tire spin in this setting? I was not able to get up my driveway in AWD and had to try low range, which worked fine.
in fact, i like to use 4-low once and a while just to make sure it will go in and out easily.
ESOF is often a "use it or lose it"
i like to use 4-high and 4-low relatively often, just so i know it will be there when i actually do need it.
it's kinda fun running it through the gears in 4-low
to answer your question, when using the Auto-4wd, you should notice just a bit of wheel slip before the front wheels kick in. on mine it is rather noticeable when the front locks in, no real noise, but you can feel the front wheels grab. When using 4-high, you shouldn't notice any wheel slip, unless you are spinning both the front and rear, which is possible on ice.
I try to avoid 4 low at any time unless Im rock climbing..which I never rock climb.. 4low is uneccesary going up a hill (in your situation)..
The driveway is very steep and I had to back down - Steep enough that if you get out of the truck, the door will simply shut on you. About 3 inches of packed wet snow on the drive and some slush. I was not getting up the drive, and was simply spinning my wheels until I tried lo range.