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Step 1
ASSESS YOUR SITUATION
The key to successful use of your four wheel drive gears in your vehicle is to figure out what your driving condition will require. If you are unfamiliar with the basics of your four wheel drive gears, refer to the article listed in the resources section - this will help you identify what the different gears mean and when to use them.
Look around you, are you in snowy conditions or ice? Did you vear off the road into a ditch? Are you in extreme terrain that requires a lot of power at slow speeds, like a steep off-road hill climb? Or are you simply towing a large boat or trailer behind you? Once you've decided which gear you need to use move on to Step 2. -
Step 2
4H is your most common 4X4 gear.ENGAGE YOUR FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
Once you have determined which gear will work best for you, it's time to engage the vehicle. This is very similar to switching gears with your normal stick shift. If your vehicle is moving, safely bring it to a complete stop and then simply push the clutch in with your left foot and adjust the shifter to the gear you need. -
Step 3
Once you've shifted your stick shift to the appropriate gear, slowly disengage your clutch. Make sure you realize what gear you are in when you let the clutch out, if you are nervous try making the 4X4 gear switch while in neutral, once more comfortable you can switch while in 1st gear and get moving right away. You should see a dashboard light warning you that you are in a four wheel drive gear. Once in four wheel drive your vehicle will operate as normal but with several exceptions.
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Step 4
4H is similar to your regular driving experience but your speeds should not exceed 45-50 mph. Shift through your normal gears as necessary and drive with appropriate caution. 4H should be used only as long as driving conditions warrant, using it otherwise can cause unnecessary wear on your transmission and drive-train as well as lower fuel economy.
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Step 5
4L is a much more intense driving experience as you will notice the vehicle does not drive as normal. Speeds are dramatically lower and the vehicle may lurch at even the slightest increase or decrease in gas pedal pressure. Refer to the article listed in the resources for reasons behind this.
4L is only to be used in extreme situations where normal 4H does not pull through for you. Rock crawling, climbing out of a ditch or slogging through deep thick mud are all good examples of places to use your four wheel drive low gear. You should not exceed 1st or 2nd gear while in 4L. Once you have manuevered out of your situation, immediately shift it back into 4H using the same process outlined in Step 2. -
Step 6
2H is your default vehicle settiing for normal driving.Once normal driving conditions return or you feel comfortable driving in two wheel drive, it is time to disengage your four wheel drive. Simpy slow the vehicle to a safe stop and press firmly down on the clutch. Shift your 4X4 stick shift back into place where it says 2H and proceed from a stop as normal. Be sure to double check your dashboard warning light has turned off.
