couldn't find if this question has been asked before, so here goes.
i have a 2001 tahoe 5.3 with the pushbutton AWD transfer case (don't know exact RPO code), 260k miles, runs pretty well. typically, i just leave it in 2hi for normal driving. when it's raining, i sometimes will put it in auto-AWD because the roads in atlanta don't have the best drainage.
when driving at normal speeds in AWD, i don't notice that anything is different. during very low speed, high turn maneuvers (like backing out of a parking space), it feels like my front wheels are binding, almost like they were hooked to a locked diff. it seems to do it turning both ways, and when going in either forward or reverse.
i don't know the condition of the front diff fluid or the transfer case fluid, but i wouldn't guess either of them were very clean. those are both on the "round tuit" list.
i am wondering if this is a symptom of something wrong? it's been awhile since i've read up on how everything is hooked up when in auto-AWD, but i thought it was supposed to essentially be off until it sensed a large spin difference between the front and back wheels. are slow speed, very tight turns enough to cause the t-case to engage? or does this mean that something is essentially turned on all the time? i only put it auto in the rain and i don't ever take it off road, so i'm not worred about more damage or a lack of performance. i haven't tested if it acts the same way in 4hi/4lo. i remember when i drove subarus that running slow speed figure 8's was a good diagnostic test for the transfer case.
i'm open for any knowledge or suggestions.
