Hi there,

I recently got myself a new Patriot and have been enjoying the experience of driving it. I have been reading articles on the web about the 4WD system/lock and if it should be used in everyday driving operation.

I noticed my patriot has the 4WD indicator lit in the instrument panel. It been like that since I collected it from the dealer. My question is will having the 4WD lock on for every day driving cause any issues to the transmission, fuel economy or tyres?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.


Thanks
Rick

I don't believe it would cause any harm to the transmission or tyres (or tires either, for that matter :)), but it would reduce fuel economy.

Pull up on the 4x4 lever and see if it goes off. I wouldn't leave it like that as it could cause some wear, but I doubt anything critical would occur.

And you want to test to ensure everything is good while you still have the warranty. Just in case there's an issue with the light, or lever, or...

Have you tried the 4x4 Lock Lever & doesnt the 4x4 light go off when you operate the lever ???

Hi there,

I recently got myself a new Patriot and have been enjoying the experience of driving it. I have been reading articles on the web about the 4WD system/lock and if it should be used in everyday driving operation.

I noticed my patriot has the 4WD indicator lit in the instrument panel. It been like that since I collected it from the dealer. My question is will having the 4WD lock on for every day driving cause any issues to the transmission, fuel economy or tyres?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.


Thanks
Rick


Hmmm, it should be OK, but it's probably best switched off. Try it and let us know if the light goes off OK.

You can feel the difference in the snow, it really works !

Miff

Thanks folks for the replies. I'll try flicking the lever tonight on the way home from work to ensure the light goes off and will see how the fuel economy goes after that.

It was just me wondering if I was supposed to be driving with it on during normal "on road driving". When I went for a test drive in the Patriot it was on and the dealer had it on when I collected the car. Don't want to damage anything :)


Have to say am looking forward to giving driving the Jeep in snow a go. Just waiting for the Scottish winter.


Thanks for the replies
Rick

Yea switch it off!! you wont break anything---you dont need it 99% of the time . The 4x4 will swich itself in & out automatically if the sensor detects slippage on any given wheel. You will only need to lock it in manually for beach,snow , muddy steep hill work.