4WD use question

[post]

Have a 2003 liberty limited, 3.7. Don't drive it very much. Bought in 2006 and didn't have an owners manual. It's an automatic and has the lever for the 4WD next to the shifter. I am clueless what I should drive this in! 2H, 4H, N, and 4L are the options. I don't know what is what except that it usually has a light on the dash that says "part time" when I assume I am driving it in correct mode for normal road conditions. Not sure what any of these settings mean.

After you stop laughing and shaking your heads could someone fill me in please? This is the only vehicle I have owned with 4WD and honestly if the weather is that bad I stay home. Thanks so much!

 

[Leeann]

2HI.

If you're on mud, loose dirt, stones or the like, then use 4HI. If you're rock crawling, use 4LO.

For normal driving, use 2HI. Even if there's rain on the road, use 2HI. If there's snow on the road, use 2HI, unless we're talking about several feet of snow.

 

[post]

Thanks and 2H is when it shows "part time" lit up? What about driving on slippery roads like ice and snow covered? I drove it last week under those conditions and pulled the lever 1 notch. Roads were bad and it helped some.

 

[Leeann]

No. 2HI is when the lever is pushed all the way down. If the dash says "part time" with the lever pushed down as far as it will go, you need a new transfer case position sensor.

 

[nullptr]

Leeann is right. You have the Part-Time 4WD transfer case, which means you should only use 2H when you are on the road or above 45mph. Using either of the 4WD options can result in severe damage to the driveline.

You should only use either of the 4WD options when you are off-road and in a situation with poor traction where 2WD isn't cutting it.

2H = 2 wheel drive (rear wheels only, no lights on the dash)
4H = 4 wheel drive (high-range, 'Part-Time' light on the dash)
N = Neutral (decouples the engine from the wheels)
2L = 4 wheel drive (low-range, 'Part-Time' light on the dash)

From Wikipedia...

Part Time
These are vehicles that have no center differential. Since there is no center differential to allow for speed differences between the front and rear wheels when turning, a small amount of tire slippage must occur during turns. When used on slick surfaces, this is not a problem, but when turning on dry pavement, the tires grip, then are forced to slip, then grip again, and so on, until the turn is completed. This causes the vehicle to exhibit a 'hopping' sensation. Using an engaged part-time 4WD system on a hard surface is not recommended, as damage to the drive-line eventually occurs.

That said, Part-Time units are usually quite a bit simpler than their Full-Time counterparts, and may be stronger overall. They are just as good off road as the full time units, and may in fact be better (people will argue both ways). Both units in the Liberty are better than what you'll find in other SUVs like the Rav4, Escape, or CRV which are supposedly 'Full Time 4wd' but are really AWD and next to useless off-road.

 

[CactusJacked]

From the owners manual:
"FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Command-Trac Operating
Information/Precautions
The Command-Trac transfer case provides 4 mode positions - 2 (rear) wheel drive high range, 4-wheel drive high range, neutral, and 4-wheel drive low range.
This transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2-wheel drive position (2H) for normal street and highway conditions such as dry hard surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required the transfer case 4H and 4L positions can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts together and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by simply moving the shift lever to these positions. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components.
The PART TIME indicator light, located in the instrument cluster, illuminates when the transfer case is shifted to the 4H position.
The 4 LO MODE indicator light, located in the instrument cluster, illuminates when the transfer case is shifted to the 4L position. There is no light for the 2H or N (Neutral) positions".

So according to the manufacturer, the only time they recommend you definitely not use 4H or 4L is on dry roads. If you're in 2wd and your rear tires slip when giving it gas at a light, you're on a slippery surface, rain or snow. I don't drive in 4H in a slick rain though, but definitely do in any kind of snow.

 

[post]

No. 2HI is when the lever is pushed all the way down. If the dash says "part time" with the lever pushed down as far as it will go, you need a new transfer case position sensor.

Uh oh. For as long as I have owned this Jeep I have driven it with the lever all the way down (almost flat I guess) but the dash always says part time. So what is a transfer case position sensor? Is this something that should be fixed yesterday?

 

[post]

nullptr, Thanks!

CactusJacked, Thanks! I've never put it in anything but the 2H during rain. I admit I'm confused now. Have to go to Jeep next week since they want to put a tow hitch on my Liberty due to the recall. I really don't like the people at that dealership. They always want to sell me a new Jeep which I neither want nor need.

 

[nullptr]

Uh oh. For as long as I have owned this Jeep I have driven it with the lever all the way down (almost flat I guess) but the dash always says part time. So what is a transfer case position sensor? Is this something that should be fixed yesterday?

The position sensor really just controls the dash light. Unless the linkage itself is broken, but in that case the lever wouldn't have any resistance to it. If you have to go to the dealer, have them check it, it should be fairly cheap to change. If you're feeling up to it, I think there is a 'How To' on this forum that details how to change it.

 

[tommudd]

Uh oh. For as long as I have owned this Jeep I have driven it with the lever all the way down (almost flat I guess) but the dash always says part time. So what is a transfer case position sensor? Is this something that should be fixed yesterday?

All the way down is where you want it. The dash light as has been mentioned is an idiot light that is suppose to tell you that you have it in 4WD, but it gets mixed up and will shut off when its suppose to be on and vice-versa
Not a life and death repair

 

[post]

The position sensor really just controls the dash light. Unless the linkage itself is broken, but in that case the lever wouldn't have any resistance to it. If you have to go to the dealer, have them check it, it should be fairly cheap to change. If you're feeling up to it, I think there is a 'How To' on this forum that details how to change it.

Probably not up to it myself. Youngest son went to school and has a degree in auto and diesel mechanics. Doesn't work in the auto industry but he might be willing to do this for me.

As for resistance...the few times I have moved the lever I placed the regular drive gear shift in N while idling and then pulled up the (what is it called?) 4WD lever. It seemed smooth like a gentler pull than an emergency brake. I have no business owning this Jeep! I bought it because of the look. Silver with the bolts on the (fenders?). It's just a cool SUV! Comfy too. I'm embarrassing myself now. Sorry!

 

[boboborino]

no no! No need to be embarassed! Try driving and push the lever even further down. The difference in position is minimal between 4H and 2H. You are right, it is a great looking vehicle! Another thing you can do is look for a local off roading club, either jeep specific or one that is open to all makes and models, stop by one of their monthly meetings and ask them to help you out. We ALL started at some point in time. They will help you out and who know maybe in a couple years you'll be doing major upgrades to your rig. Now you don't laugh, it may happen, I've seen it happen. Anyway good luck and ask away any other questions you may have.

Bert

 

[post]

All the way down is where you want it. The dash light as has been mentioned is an idiot light that is suppose to tell you that you have it in 4WD, but it gets mixed up and will shut off when its suppose to be on and vice-versa
Not a life and death repair

Thank you! That's a load off my brain! Idiot lights seem to follow me. This Jeep loves to throw a code for multiple cylinder misfire once a year during rainy season. Runs like a dream. I've only had to replace the water pump when I bought it and then had it tuned up just because...not sure but back in the day that's what we did when we bought a used vehicle after we changed the oil and filters etc. Just put new tires on and had brakes and rotors a year ago. That's it. Now I have to get this tow hitch which means I won't get blown sky high if someone rear ends me. That or I'll have to buy a small trailer and find stuff to move on it? I feel better now. Thank you again! I almost feel like going out for a drive in the mud/melting snow combo we have now. I mean I know what the shifter settings are now, lol. Oh well...it's dark out and I forget how to turn on those extra lights. Not normal ones or high beams...fog maybe? I found them back in 07 but never used them again. Like I said, I'm not good enough for this Jeep.

 

[post]

no no! No need to be embarassed! Try driving and push the lever even further down. The difference in position is minimal between 4H and 2H. You are right, it is a great looking vehicle! Another thing you can do is look for a local off roading club, either jeep specific or one that is open to all makes and models, stop by one of their monthly meetings and ask them to help you out. We ALL started at some point in time. They will help you out and who know maybe in a couple years you'll be doing major upgrades to your rig. Now you don't laugh, it may happen, I've seen it happen. Anyway good luck and ask away any other questions you may have.

Bert

Thanks Bert!

 

[boboborino]

Also look at the top of your glove box, there is a special cubby for your owners manual, it may be hiding in there.

Bert

 

[post]

Also look at the top of your glove box, there is a special cubby for your owners manual, it may be hiding in there.

Bert

Lol, ok. Not sure I've opened that since the first time and thought it was empty! Any other secrets in the Liberty? I did find the plug ins in the back of the "trunk part". Someone once asked where the ashtray was and I told them to open the window and get rid of the cigarette because I didn't think I had one or a lighter for that matter.

Oh, I just tried something. That idiot light went off when I switched it to 4H. Weird, huh?

 

[tommudd]

Well lets see, did you know that the sunvisor can be slid over about 3 inches ? For instance when you have it to the side you can slide it back more to block the sun better.
One person I know had owned his Jeep for 5 years and never knew that one:icon_lol:
Tuneups ( swap spark plugs) should be done every 30,000 miles since you mentioned tham

 

[profdlp]

If you've never used the 4WD you probably just have a funky switch. I'd find a very straight road and try cycling it through 2H and 4H and back to work the switch back and forth a few times and possibly free it up. The reason I mention "straight" road is that problems can occur if all four wheels have a good grip on the road and you turn a little in either direction. The front and rear wheels will want to rotate at different speeds while in a turn and can't in 4WD. On a slick road they'll just slide but on a dry surface it will put more stress on the suspension and differentials than you want. I cycle my Jeep in and out of 4WD at least once a month - even in the summer - but only when I know I can go "zero she flies" until I'm back in 2WD.

Avoid 4L until you find your manual and know how to do it and what to expect. It's not a big deal, but you want to be barely moving when you engage 4L and not go very fast in 4L in any case, not that you really can.

Like nullptr mentioned, the switch only turns the light on and off. As long as you know where the lever is positioned you don't need to worry about. A quick search here will tell you how to replace it. It is an easy job and a fairly cheap part and would be worth it when you get around to it, if only as a reminder to disengage it when you hit dry road, for instance during a snowstorm where sections of road have been well plowed and others have not.

 

[ltd02]

Well lets see, did you know that the sunvisor can be slid over about 3 inches ? For instance when you have it to the side you can slide it back more to block the sun better.
One person I know had owned his Jeep for 5 years and never knew that one

Dang, schooled again. :emotions34:

 

[profdlp]

I had no idea about the sunvisor. That is probably because in Cleveland we generally had no idea that there was a sun, either. :blah: