Before switching your vehicle from 4H to 2H, it’s important to understand and be familiar with your vehicles 4WD system. That’s because over the years there has been huge technological advancements in 4WD systems which is designed to make the operation of 4WD’s easier and more capable. That being said, switching from 4H to 2H has never been easier.
When driving a traditional 4WD you can safely switch from 4H to 2H while driving under 100kph/60mph. You can also shift from 2H to 4H while driving under 100kph/60mph. You should NEVER switch from 2H or 4H to 4Lo while driving. Bring the vehicle to a stop, select neutral and then engage 4Lo before pulling off slowly.
Irrespective of what kind of 4WD you own, it’s always advised to Refer to your vehicle’s owner manual for specific instructions on how to engage or disengage 4WD mode
Can You Switch From 4WD To 2WD While Driving? (4H To 2H)
Thankfully, with most 4WD’s you can safely toggle between 2H to 4H and back to 2H while driving as long as you’re traveling below 100kph/60 mph or less.
…avoid switching between low-range and high-range 4WD when you’re driving.
However, avoid switching between low-range and high-range 4WD when you’re driving. This can damage your gearbox and differential as the smaller gears teeth attempt to mesh and can cause catastrophic damage to your transfer case and drivetrain components.
Option 1 – Switching From 2H To 4H
Most modern 4WDs allow you to safely switch from 2H to 4H (4WD) while driving at speeds below 100kph/60mph.
- Reduce speed to under 100kph/60mph
- Remove your foot off the gas pedal
- Engage 4H
- Wait for the 4H light to stop flashing on the dashboard
- Continue driving carefully in 4H
Always ensure you are driving on a low traction slippery surface such as snow, mud, sand, grass, or gravel before engaging 4H.
Option 2 – Switching From 4H To 4Lo
Alternatively, when switching from 4H to 4-Lo (low-range), it is recommended to slow down to 5mph without the gas pedal depressed and the transmission in the (N) Neutral position. Older 4WDs without automatic locking hubs require you to stop the vehicle completely, exit the vehicle and manually engage the front hubs. Once the process is complete you can then engage 4H and 4L from inside the cabin
- Slow down to under 8kph/5mph or stop completely
- Remove foot from gas pedal (accelerator)
- Engage Neutral gear
- Engage 4Lo
- Engage 1st gear
- Slowly depress the gas pedal
Option 3 – Switching From 4Lo To 4H
In most modern and traditional 4WD’s it’s safe to switch from 4H to 4Lo while driving slowly. Always make sure you are still on a slippery low traction surface before disengaging 4Lo. Changing from 4Lo to 4H means you are engaging from smaller gears to larger gears in the transfer case and therefore no risk of damaging the teeth and spline inside the TC.
- Remove foot from the gas (Accelerator)
- Reduce speed
- Engage Neutral gear in the transmission
- Switch to 4H
- Engage the appropriate gear according to your speed (2nd/3rd)
- Continue driving
Option 4 – Switching From 4H To 2H
Always make sure you are driving on a high traction surface before you engage 2H and that you are driving in a straight line. This will avoid any potential drivetrain binding.
- Reduce speed to under 100kph/60mph
- Depress clutch
- Engage 2H
- Engage appropriate gear according to your speed (2nd/3rd)
- Release clutch and continue driving safely.
Watch – When To Use 2WD, AUTO 4WD, 4 HIGH or 4 LOW : A Beginner’s Guide (VIDEO)
Can You Switch To 4-Wheel-Drive While Driving: A Must Read!
If you would like to know when it is safe to engage 4-wheel-drive and when it’s not, this article is for you. We will discuss the risks involved when switching your 4WD from 4H to 4Lo and the proper procedure. This article also covers exactly what happens to the vehicle’s drivetrain and other components when you switch to 4H mode while driving.
Yes, most modern 4WDs allow you to safely switch from 2H to 4H (4WD) while driving at speeds below 60mph. Alternatively, when switching from 4H to 4-Lo (low-range), it is recommended to slow down to 5mph without the gas pedal depressed and the transmission in the (N) Neutral position. Older 4WDs without automatic locking hubs require you to stop the vehicle completely, exit the vehicle and manually engage the front hubs. Once the process is complete you can then engage 4H and 4L from inside the cabin
Let’s now look at when it’s absolutely safe to engage your 4WD and which surface conditions are compulsory to do so for a safer more controlled driving experience. Treacherous road surfaces like snowy roads, wet and icy surfaces, as well as soft loose sand amongst others, will be discussed in more detail.
Can You Change 4WD To 2WD While Driving?
Yes, it is safe to engage 2H after driving in 4H while driving. Most modern 4WD’s allow you to switch safely from 4H to 2H below 60pmh/100kph. Make sure you understand your 4WD system and are familiar with the operational instructions as set out in your owner’s manual.
Never switch from 2H to 4Lo without slowing down to under 8kph/5mph or stopping completely.
Never switch from 2H to 4Lo without slowing down to under 8kph/5mph or stopping completely. Doing so will cause grinding and a violent jerk inside the cabin and catastrophic damage to your transfer case and drivetrain components.
Is It OK To Drive In Auto 4WD On The Highway?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to drive in 4A on the highway. Auto 4WD is designed to be driven in conditions where traction is mixed. Perhaps on a rainy day or there are patches of snow on the road where other sections are clear, engaging Auto 4WD will be the best option.
Auto 4WD is designed to be driven in conditions where traction is mixed.
Auto 4WD will only engage 4H when it detects that traction is low. The 4A system makes use of multiple wheel sensors and a very advanced traction control system that constantly monitors wheel traction to detect slippage. This is done in milliseconds without any additional input required by the driver. When traction is good the Auto 4WD system will revert back to 2H. You have the best of both worlds of fuel economy and maximum traction in the 4A setting.
Can 4WD Be Turned Off?
Yes, 4WD can be turned off, but only if you are driving a part-time 4WD vehicle. In that instance you can switch from 4H to 2H which disables 4WD. When you are driving a permanent 4WD you cannot turn off 4WD as it constantly sends torque to both front and rear axles.
Yes, 4WD can be turned off, but only if you are driving a part-time 4WD vehicle.
A full-time or permanent 4WD system is designed to be driven on low and high traction surfaces safely. On traditional 4WD’s there is a component called a viscous coupling that allows the front and rear driveshafts to rotate at dissimilar speeds while cornering. On more modern 4WD’s that is permanent four-wheel drive, that uses an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed electromechanical transfer case (EMTC). This technically means the vehicle is always in 4H but switches between 2H and 4H on the fly. Very similar to Auto 4H.
Conclusion
If you find yourself driving in 4H on a dry, paved road, it’s recommended to switch to 2H to reduce wear and tear on your vehicle’s drivetrain, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce the risk of tire damage or drivetrain binding.