4WD Question
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9
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From: North East PA
4WD Question
I've had my 2003 Fort Ranger XLT 4x4 now for about a month. I engaged the 4 wheel drive while driving in an extremely heavy rain storm. How doew one know if the 4wd drive engages? Should I fell anything? I really couln't tell if anything engaged.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
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From: York, NE
4WD Question
The system shouldn't make any noise when it engages. Did a 4x4 light come on when you did it? If it did and you just didn't feel it, that would be normal. The best way to tell while driving is to come to a stop and try to spin your wheels. If it is engaged your tires wont spin and you should feel a strong launch. Another way you can tell is if it turns harder in sharp turns, it will give you bump steer, I think that's what it's called.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
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From: Central KY
4WD Question
Yes, you'll know if it's in 4-wheel because there are lights on the dash that tell you when the system is engaged. If you don't trust the lights, like the previous post said you'll know if it's engaged because when you steer left or right it'll be harder to turn.
Just don't tell the dealer that you engaged the system because it was raining. If you do, they'll probably refuse to repair any damage to the system because driving on pavement in 4-high or low when the temperature is above freezing is very hard on the driveline.
Just don't tell the dealer that you engaged the system because it was raining. If you do, they'll probably refuse to repair any damage to the system because driving on pavement in 4-high or low when the temperature is above freezing is very hard on the driveline.
Last edited by WXboy; Aug 13, 2003 at 12:04 PM.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: North East PA
4WD Question
Thanks for the replies. This is my first 4WD vehicle. The light on the dash did come on but when it didn't feel any different than 2WD, I wondered if it was really engaging. I was on the highway and didn't have an opportunity to turn the wheel but next time I try it I will be sure to turn it to see if I can feel the difference.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
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4WD Question
I would reiterate the comments of WxBoy; only use the 4wd when your wheels are losing traction or can spin such as in snow, sand, mud. Wet pavement is certainly less of a threat than dry pavement to your 4wd system but I avoid using it on all pavement. On a few occasions when on short tight wet on-ramps I have put it in 4wd just to get up to speed without sliding all over the road but even then I waited until I was off the circular part of the ramp... To be sure your system is working you could cut your wheels all the way and take foot off brake, in 2wd you will roll easily forward while in drive, in 4wd you will probably not move..
-JIm
-JIm
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