What should I be using

"Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man" (jordaneer1)
09/02/2014 at 22:08 • Filed to: None

So oppo, I just bought !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! A 2000 Mercury Mountaineer with almost 170k on it (literally less than 90 miles until 170k) and it has full time 4WD, I was wondering what I should be using, should I be using Auto, or 4x4 high? and what really is the differnce between the three (I know 4 high is for higher speeds and less torque, and 4 low is for more torque and lower speeds).

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

DISCUSSION (18)

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
09/02/2014 at 22:11

When in doubt, auto.

Alex from Toronto > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
09/02/2014 at 22:15

4 high is basically normal driving 4 low I think should only be used when you get stuck. Leaving it in auto should be fine.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
09/02/2014 at 22:16

When I rocked the escape, I kept it on Auto, but it was FWD biased. I'm supposing the Mountaineer is RWD biased, right?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
09/02/2014 at 22:16

Auto = Basic driving conditions (light snow/rain/dirt roads/etc). Leave it here unless you get into a tough spot.

4-Hi = Heavy snow or lots of mud, medium speeds. Don't try and do 80mph for 300 miles in 4-hi in an older SUV unless you like to replace differentials.

4-lo = Low speed extreme conditions like steep elevation changes, very deep mud or snow. Do NOT stomp the gas and try to maintain a high speed. But DO use it to get some traction when you need to get up an unplowed drive or out of a muddy situation.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
09/02/2014 at 22:16

Unless you are in mud or similar circumstances, auto.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
09/02/2014 at 22:17

Auto is what you'd want.

dogisbadob > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
09/02/2014 at 22:18

Probably auto, which is "2 high" on regular roads in good weather. Using the 4WD on good pavement will tear the drivetrain.

A cool, informative website called 4x4abc has some great articles about the part time 4wd your Mountianeer has, and how to use it properly . Here is why you should leave it in auto most of the time and never use the part time 4wd on dry pavement . If you do, you'll destroy your axles .

And remember, NEVER use Firestone tires :p

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
09/02/2014 at 22:18

Yeah, I believe so. My dad has a 2004.

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > dogisbadob
09/02/2014 at 22:19

cooper tires are on it right now, and thanks for the links!

dogisbadob > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
09/02/2014 at 22:19

Yes, it's a rebadged Explorer, back when they were still trucks.

dogisbadob > Alex from Toronto
09/02/2014 at 22:21

Wrong!

2 high is basically normal driving! (2 high is the default mode in auto)

Using 4 high on dry pavement will do extensive, expensive damage.

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
09/02/2014 at 22:21

not a clue, that would be my guess, my moms '05 escape is FWD biased as well, but she can't select 4wd when she wants, the car does it itself, (to me I like having control if it is in 4wd).

dogisbadob > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
09/02/2014 at 22:23

sorry, I had to! And you're welcome

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
09/02/2014 at 22:33

Unless it's a FWD model, Ford could have removed that feature in '05, because mine was 2001, and it had a knob similar to yours on the dash.

Just to be sure it an AWD, the height of an Escape allows you to lie underneath and can easily to see the drivetrain.

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
09/02/2014 at 22:36

It says 4WD on the center console. I think its just like asymmetric AWD is my guess, that it only works when it detects slippage.

Alex from Toronto > dogisbadob
09/02/2014 at 22:36

Kinja'd!!!

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > dogisbadob
09/02/2014 at 22:47

haha, demuro gave me the same thing. http://jalopnik.com/congrats-man-j…

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
09/03/2014 at 16:48

That's the way ours was. It was an 05.