Without a four-wheel drive system, none of us are interested in buying Jeeps because they can’t do things like get out of deep snow, rock crawling, or do extreme off-roading. Let’s have some basics about Jeep Wrangler 4WD.
The Jeep Wrangler four-wheel-drive transfer case provides four (2H, 4H, N, 4L) and five (2H, 4H Auto, 4H Part Time, N, 4L) mode positions.
In this article, we talk about the difference between the 4H auto and 4H part-time and other four-wheel drive transfer case modes.
Jeep Wrangler 4WD transfer case positions
Jeep has a part-time and full-time four-wheel drive system. In a part-time four-wheel drive system, the transfer case has 2H, 4H, and 4L driving ranges, but in a full-time four-wheel drive system, the Jeep Wrangler has 4H and 4L driving ranges.
2H, or two-wheel drive high range, is used for hard and dry roads. In 2h, the front axle is not engaged, and all the torque goes to the rear axle, which is why this range will have the better fuel economy.
4H, or four-wheel drive high range, has two options. 4H auto and 4H part-time. The 4H Auto is helpful in variable driving conditions. In this range, the front axle is engaged, but all the power goes to the rear axle. When the system detects a loss of traction, the power is automatically split between all four wheels to get better traction. In 4H PART TIME, the front and rear driveshafts lock together to force all four wheels to drive at the same speed.
N or Neutral can disentangle the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and is usable for flat towing.
4L, or four-wheel drive low range, provides maximum torque to the wheels and slows the wheel speed. This range provides additional torque and pulling power, which is very helpful in off-roading. And do not exceed 40 km/h using this range.
4H auto vs 4H part time
4H AUTO
The four-wheel-drive auto high range is for variable driving conditions.
In the 4H auto range, the front and rear axles are engaged, but all the power is sent to the rear axle. But when the vehicle senses the loss of traction, it can automatically distribute the power to the front and rear axles.
The 4H Auto is intended for daily driving.
4H PART TIME
The 4H part-time range is helpful where additional traction is required.
In this range, the front and rear drive shafts are locked together, splitting the torque 50/50 on the front and rear axles and forcing all wheels to rotate at the same speed.
4H part-time is not for daily driving; using it on hard and dry roads will cause damage to the driveline and uneven tire wear.
Shifting (4H Auto to 4H Part time Or 4H part time To 4H Auto)
You can switch between 4H auto and 4H part-time while the vehicle is stopped or in motion. It is simple and easy. First, you can put your Jeep in the drive or park using the regular gear shifter and then use the transfer case lever to switch between 4H auto and 4H part-time.
The preferred shifting speed is about 0 to 75 km/h. The cold weather and high speed will increase the shifting efforts.
Don’t apply the accelerator while shifting the transfer case modes; apply constant force.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When to use 4H Part time
4H part-time is quite different from 4H auto. It is useful when you need additional traction on slippery roads. This range is not for daily driving; otherwise, you will damage your driveline and transfer case.
Is it OK to drive in Auto 4WD on the highway?
4H or 4WD auto is for streets, highways, and hard and dry roads. It can engage both the front and rear axles to get better traction.
Does 4WD Auto use more gas than 2WD?
The 2WD system engages two rear wheels, and the front wheels are free. And the 4WD auto engages both the front and rear wheels. Because 2WD engages only two wheels, it uses less gas.
Can you put Jeep in 4H while driving?
Yes, you can put your Jeep Wrangler in 4H either stopped or in motion.
Conclusion – 4H auto vs 4H part time
Four-wheel drive systems give you off-road freedom. You can rock crawl, climb steep hills, cross rivers, get out of deep snow, and much more.
The 4WD have different driving ranges: 2H, 4H auto, 4H part-time, 4L, and N. All these driving modes are useful for certain conditions.
The 2H and 4H auto is for daily driving, such as on highways and dry roads. The 4H part-time is for an icy or slippery surface. N, or neutral, can be used for flat towing, and 4L is best for off-roading.
This video will explain the difference between 4H auto and 4H part-time.