Dumb Question - "Automatic 4 wheel drive" button

[mwa3c]

I have been a user of 4x4 trucks for a veeerrry long time. most were pre-98 models accept the 2500 cummins dodge i just got rid of..

I am now the proud owner of a 99 k1500 Suburban and have a reeeeallly dumb question to ask.

What is the point of the "Automatic 4 wheel drive" button?

To me, it just seems like something that would wear out the transfer case.. in and out of 4x4 when it "thinks" i might want it..

Is there a real purpose for it that i just can not see?

 

[Molson02536]

I have been a user of 4x4 trucks for a veeerrry long time. most were pre-98 models accept the 2500 cummins dodge i just got rid of..

I am now the proud owner of a 99 k1500 Suburban and have a reeeeallly dumb question to ask.

What is the point of the "Automatic 4 wheel drive" button?

To me, it just seems like something that would wear out the transfer case.. in and out of 4x4 when it "thinks" i might want it..

Is there a real purpose for it that i just can not see?

4WD System Operation on 98 up (2nd Generation) SUV

The front drive shaft always turns on “shift on the fly” systems so the drive train is at the same speed in the front as the rear or the whole thing would break when engaging 4Hi or Autotrac when moving.

InstaTrac (NV243 case or NP1) has 3 buttons. AutoTrac (NV246 case or NP8) has 4 buttons and clutch packs in the transfer case and is the only system for on pavement driving!

Prior were the NV231 (87-93) lever and NP233 (94-97) electric motor and could not be driven on dry pavement in 4wd mode. Your VIN # is the only sure way the dealer can get correct parts/listings!

Hope this helps

Molson02536

 

[mwa3c]

Molson02536:

Many thanks! It didn't make much sense to me to have a "automatic 4x4" mode. It it reliable? The truck has a new transfer case in it (installed by a dealership before i drove it home on wednesday because the housing was leaking on the original)

 

[Molson02536]

Molson02536:

Many thanks! It didn't make much sense to me to have a "automatic 4x4" mode. It it reliable? The truck has a new transfer case in it (installed by a dealership before i drove it home on wednesday because the housing was leaking on the original)

Very reliable, as long as you do the service maintenance needs to give you may trouble free years.

Enjoy your new SUV.

Molson02536