4 wheel high feel

[66stingray]

since i bought my yukon in July I never had the opportunity to shift it into 4 wheel high. I have always kept it in 2 wheel drive mode per instructions from the dealer.

I recently decided to shift the drivetrain to 4 wheel high to make sure it works and also to get a feel for the truck. I made sure I switched while parked and gave the drivetrain a chance to shift. Immediatley afterwards, the truck was really groaning/grinding while making turns, almost like the diffs were locking up. I was shocked as how much noise the diffs were making. I did this with no snow or mud on the ground and not driving over 40 for a short distance.

Is everyone else experincing this or what? Ive had a 4x4 suv before but it was full time awd and never groaned this way. Well, actually it did. Right after i changed the rear diff if was grinding/moaning but after a short while, it loosed up and felt fine afterwards.

 

[tdriver113]

If you drive on dry pavement in 4 wheel high range the drive train can bind up and cause vibration and noise. It's recommended on loose surfaces only. Snow, mud, or off road.

 

[DWebPro]

My Tahoe makes noises as well when turning, I thought it was just mine...

 

[PG01]

Read owners manual, no 4wd on dry pavement......no reason to...ever.... unless u need to pull something and need more grip, but dont turn the wheel....ever....on dry pavement.....in 4wd......ever......ever.....ever

 

[nj16yukon]

Figured I would piggy-back on this thread rather than start a new one...I used 4WD High to get out of my driveway after the recent storm here in the NE. Forgot that I was still in 4WD a drove a few blocks on dry pavement. I really thought something was wrong when making a turn; with the cold weather I was sure I had a stuck caliper or something. Didn't realize how careful you have to be with these 4WD systems (I'm in a 2016 Yukon XL). Can this cause damage in the short distance I drove?

My next mistake was thinking "Auto" mode meant 2WD, unless 4WD was needed (like so many of the "AWD" cars/SUVs on the market today). Apparently that's incorrect? Should I be leaving it in 2WD all the time, unless conditions really call for something different? Thanks in advance!

 

[PG01]

Figured I would piggy-back on this thread rather than start a new one...I used 4WD High to get out of my driveway after the recent storm here in the NE. Forgot that I was still in 4WD a drove a few blocks on dry pavement. I really thought something was wrong when making a turn; with the cold weather I was sure I had a stuck caliper or something. Didn't realize how careful you have to be with these 4WD systems (I'm in a 2016 Yukon XL). Can this cause damage in the short distance I drove?

My next mistake was thinking "Auto" mode meant 2WD, unless 4WD was needed (like so many of the "AWD" cars/SUVs on the market today). Apparently that's incorrect? Should I be leaving it in 2WD all the time, unless conditions really call for something different? Thanks in advance!

As long its not making noise now, i believe you are fine, but, im not riding in your truck and i cant feel or hear what your truck is doing.
Driving in auto does no harm, imo, its basically locking the hubs and not pulling a lever into 4wd. An Extended period of time, yes, but for the short term i believe you are ok also, but again, i am not there.
2wd for everyday, auto and 4hi for snowy/slushy conditions(some like auto for rain also)
It would hard for anyone to say you are perfectly fine over the internet so since the truck is still new, and has a warranty for the powertrain, it wouldn't do any harm to bring into your dealer to have a look. just tell them you heard something when you put it in 4wd, you dont have to go into detail.
All of this is in the manual, or online. I hope i helped ease your mind a little and helped a little.
Good luck with the truck

 

[nj16yukon]

Thanks Pete, appreciate the feedback. Everything seems normal back in 2WD, but not a bad idea to have the dealer check the 4WD systems. I guess I was just surprised how erratic the behavior was in 4WD on dry pavement, but I've read about others experiencing this same "binding" sensation when turning. Thanks again for the info.