Sounds like a few people on here should read the owners manual.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD AUTO mode
can be used. In this mode, the front axle is engaged, but
the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. Four-wheel
drive will be automatically engaged when the vehicle
senses a loss of traction. Because the front axle is engaged,
this mode will result in lower fuel economy than
the 2WD mode.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to lock
the front and rear driveshafts together forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for specific
shifting instructions.
The 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased
tire wear and damage to the driveline components.
Highlighted the sections that people contest here all the time. The problem is that they mistakenly assume that:
"For variable driving conditions, the 4WD AUTO mode can be used."
means you
can't use 4WD Lock on roads that are partially slippery and partially dry. You most certainly can. Nowhere in the manual does it state that you can't. It states that you aren't supposed to use it on dry hard surfaced roads. Period. I've asked the service department about this when I bought it, again after I bought it and read people in the internet spreading their own interpretation around, and I've asked independent mechanics. The answers were all the same:
Yes you can absolutely use 4WD Lock on 50/50 slippery/dry conditions, the wording in the manual is to prevent people from driving along the highway in July in 4WD Lock. That's it. 4WD AUTO is a convenience feature, not a necessity for variable conditions, but apparently some people confuse that.
