switching into 4x4
 

This may be a dumb question but better safe then sorry.

I just got a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder and it has a knob which you turn to switch it into 4x4 mode.

How do I properly switch it into 4x4? Am u supposed to be driving when I switch this knob?

I switched it once when I was not driving and I tried to drive up, I drove about 1 meter and the car started pulling back on me. I didnt gas very hard but it didnt let me go past a certain point. Im freakin out because I dont want to snap something like the axle but thats what it feels like is going to happen. No error lights show up on the dash do it seems like everything is fine. Any suggestions? Please and Thank You.

if you are in 4WD in a 4x4, your front and rear propeller shafts from the 4WD gear box (known as transfer case) will be spinning the same speed... so if your front tires want to spin at a different speed than the rears (usually whne you're turning) then your drive line will "wind up" against the friction of your tires... usually that doesn't result in breaking anything, but it sure ain't healthy for your drive train...

don't use 4WD unless you are on a slippery surface... tho i i suggest using it once a week just to make sure everything works properly... go straight when you are doing this... and disconnect 4WD once your dash lights confirm you are in 4WD

yeah that makes sense, I felt that tugging / pulling back / winding-up when I was stopped and inching forward on flat pavement. That's why I am trippin' if I flip the switch when I am going faster it will completely snap. The "wind up" term seems fit for the situation so maybe that's whats what it is.

I read the manual and it says you have to be going up 50 when you do the 4x4 switch, I guess ill try it and see. Thx for the explanation narfy, I think most people don't know for SUV's like that 4x4 is only to be used at certain times... even the guy I bought the pathfinder from was using it on dry pavement.

I've owned built and driven countless 4x4's
Some mall cruisers and some much more capable rigs. It's rare a 4x4 couldn't be driven in 4wd when on dry even pavement. Even my 1974 4x4 with 37" Boggers can be driven around all day long with no ill consequence in 4wd.
Now way back in the day some ford pickups were offered with slightly differing front and rear differential gearing that would cause this problem they had reasons for doing so that I won't get into that here.
If you truck is bucking and kicking when in 4wd then there may be a problem. Look at your tire size are they the same all the way around? If not then they will cover a different distance per revolution causing what your describing.
Another potential problem and one you probably won't be able to solve on your own is the gear ratios in the front and rear differentials. Are they the same? If not it will have the same effect as having different tire sizes between the front and the rear.
A third issue could be seized up VLSD Many Nissans come equipped with a VLSD rear some center and maybe front. If any of these are seized then it will hop around like a jumping bean but only when turning.
Read the manual more carefully I'm sure it meant, do not shift into 4wd if going faster then 50km/h and to shift in 4wd low range you must be stopped and usually in neutral.

thx, yes this is what the manual actually said, I worded it poorly.

I think the 4x4 vehicles (which can drive on pavement) you are referring to are full-time 4x4. I googled around and seems a lot of people say part-time like on my pathfinder you should not drive on dry pavement - It also says that in the manual.

I double checked the tires and they are all the same. I havent yet tried driving and switching into 4x4H as instructed in the manual. That wind up tugging was only felt when I was stopped and flipped the switch (I might have even turned the wheel after). So maybe its because I switched it improperly.

Want to know all about your Pathfinder? NPORA

sick! thanks!

your pathfinder CAN be driven on dry grounds wihtout breaking anything... just feels very akward to do so, and it's not healthy for the drive train as it gets wound up...

my 4runner 4WD gets used on logging roads, snow, wet ground and mud/dirt only...

I know technically you CAN, but you really shouldnt. A lot of people advise against doing this.
for example: http://www.rubicon-trail.com/4WD101/driveline-bind.html

http://www.rubicon-trail.com/4WD101/...nsfer-case.jpg

only thing is, this guy drove fast on the freeway...

Im not a mechanic but after a lot of research, I have come to one conclusion, just dont do it.