don96exp

Original owner of '07 Tahoe, now have 31,000 mils on her. This truck has been esating up tires from day 1, heave wear, cupping, etc. I had 4 alignment done on it, and it's not the alignment. The 4WD selector is in the Auto position. When I make a hard turn from a dead stop you hear the front end clunk, the tires are chirping like they are locking up. I had two Explorers prior to the Tahoe, 4WD allways in the auto mode, never a problem. The dealer I bought it from was forced out of business by GM. The dealer I'm now going to says this is normal when you have the 4WD in Auto Mode!. I was told you should only use auto mode in slippery weather!! Why have an auto mode if you can't just leave in auto. I believe the front drive is nor disengaging properly, dealer wouldn't even look at it, just say'S DON'T use Auto Mode!!!
Has any one else experience this? If this is true, don't use auto mode, I guess I going to get alot of responses. I'm not sure what to do next? go to another dealer? any thoughts?

SabrToothSqrl

can't tell if trolling or just....

SabrToothSqrl

2 m (Two-Wheel Drive High): This setting is used
for driving in most street and highway situations.
The front axle is not engaged in two-wheel drive.
This setting also provides the best fuel economy.


AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive): This setting is
ideal for use when road surface traction conditions are
variable. When driving your vehicle in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is primarily
sent to the rear wheels. When the vehicle’s software
determines a need for more traction, the system will
transfer more power to the front wheels. Driving in
this mode results in slightly lower fuel economy than
Two-Wheel Drive High.

TA-DA...that will be $29.95.

Unless it's SNOWING TODAY, put it in 2WD.



4 m (Four-Wheel Drive High): Use the four-wheel high
position when you need extra traction, such as on snowy
or icy roads or in most off-road situations. This setting
also engages your front axle to help drive the vehicle.
This is the best setting to use when plowing snow.


4 n (Four-Wheel Drive Low): This setting also engages
the front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never
need this setting. It sends maximum power to all four
wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel Drive Low if you
are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow,
and while climbing or descending steep hills.
The vehicle has StabiliTrak®. Shifting into
Four-Wheel-Drive Low will turn Traction Control and
StabiliTrak® off. See StabiliTrak® System on page 4-6.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to N (Neutral) can cause
the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in
P (Park). You or someone else could be seriously
injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before
placing the transfer case in N (Neutral). See
Parking Brake on page 2-45.
N (Neutral): Shift the vehicle’s transfer case
to N (Neutral) only when towing the vehicle.
See Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-43
or Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-43 for more
information.
If the SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE message stays on,
you should take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
for service. See “SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE message”
under DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-64.

SWHouston

I am absolutely and positively convinced that I don't know what I'm talking about, but, I just have a hunch...

Have you checked your Wheel Speed Sensor(s) ?

don96exp

All, Thanks for the help. Finally went to the dealer, I'm still under the extended warranty. Service writer and shop foreman both say you should only the 4WD Auto mode in slippery weather, otherwise you'll damage the front diff!. After explaining to shop foreman that the issue feels like the clutches in a limited slip differentai are chattering or not releasing, he checked and said there is a bulletin that suggests changing the front diff fluid. I'll try that and post the results.

Zed 71

As mentioned above, do not use Auto mode on dry pavement. All the 4WD vehicles I have had included this requirement in the manual.

Was the Explorer a true 4WD or just AWD? I am not familiar with them.

I do not think that the front diff is a limited slip type. When you change the fluid, let us know what color it was and if you see metal shavings.

73shark

Not only does the front diff not have limited slip, the rear is an Eaton G80 locking diff. No clutches.

don96exp

'96 & 02 Explores were real 4wd drives.
Didn't know the front was not limited slip, it does have the locking rear diff.
I was going to have the dealer change the front fluid. Also never knew not to leave it in auto mode all the time, learn something new every day. Thanks to all.