I just bought a 02 Ford Explorer XLT last week. This is the first vehicle that I had that has the 4x4 option. So I am not familiar with this at all. When is the ideal time(s) to be using each option(auto, high & low)? And do you just have to push in the button to have ot work? Thanks...

Chris

 

First of all you dont want to run the 4x4 when the pavement is dry only when it wet. But some my argue that it should only be used in snow, ice, gravel, mud or dirt, due to all four wheels spinning at the same time it could cause steering damage. You can leave it in 4x4 auto all the time, what it does is its in 2wd until the computer detects wheel slip then it engages into 4x4. the low range option is for speeds of up to 35 mph and you want to use that if you need a lot of traction or your stuck some were, it gives a lot more torque and power then high range, but you cant go over 35 mph with it, you'll know too, because its like a lower gear and your tranny will shift from first to second at like 2-5mph, and the 4x4 high you can go at any speed, if your doing any kind of off roading or driving in mud gravel or sand, or on non paved surfaces or in snow or ice, i would turn it to 4x4 or 4x4 low, because the engagement does not happend instentley it take a few sec, but you will get the hang of it, on a snowey day try out the 4x4 and 4x4 low, i alway use the 4x4 high, unless am going up a hill, and need the increased traction and not the speed to avoid spinning the tires. Yea and pretty much all you have to do is turn the dial to and in about 5 sec it will be engaged you will get a light, also if your moving you might hear clanking while the front drive shaft comes up to speed, you might also hear it when your stopped it all normal. you might also notice a differece while steering sharply it will want to pull a little but thats all normal. GOOD luck with the new Explorer and welcome to FTE