4WD Auto and burning smell

[OKGN_RAM]

We have a 2024 1500 Rebel GT, 6k miles, and when using 4WD Auto mode there is a noticeable vibration in the steering wheel and a burning clutch fluid or transmission fluid smell. We took it to the dealer for service and were told to not use the Auto mode - just use 4WD High instead.

The vibration and burning fluid smell do not happen in 2WD mode or 4WD High. Has anyone else found these issues with 4WD Auto?

Thanks

 

[markabby]

not to use auto mode?? it's under warranty...tell the dealer to correct it. unless i'm istaken, the drive train is covered for 100k. don't let them slide..get it corrected.

i found that when driving on a snow covered road, the AWD is better than 4WD.

 

[Riccochet]

What are the conditions you are trying to use 4WD Auto in? It should only be turned on during rain/snow or gravel roads. If you are on dry pavement you're going to burn the clutches up.

 

[OKGN_RAM]

Rainy and light snow/icey conditions.

 

[mikeru]

What are the conditions you are trying to use 4WD Auto in? It should only be turned on during rain/snow or gravel roads. If you are on dry pavement you're going to burn the clutches up.

That would be for 4HI not 4Auto. You can theoretically drive in 4Auto full time without hurting anything. Actually that's what the wife does with our 2020 Limited. She's been doing that since it was new. The OP has an issue with his truck. If one dealership refuses to address it they should take it to another, as well as involving @RamCares

 

[rzr6-4]

While I agree that 4auto sux and I would never use it, it should still be functioning correctly. Take it back to the dealer and "strongly encourage" they do their job beings it is under warranty.

 

[markabby]

my reasoning behind the AWD was once, while driving on the NYS thruway, we hit 8" of unplowed snow going past Erie, PA and all the way to Rochester, NY. I tried 4WD and the truck didn't drive too well, so, i switched to AWD and it was a beast and held the road firmly. This was my former 2011 Ram 1500.

Just my personal experience. AWD only puts power to the wheels that are slipping

 

[OKGN_RAM]

Thanks for your replies. I was just wondering if this was a common issue. I’ll go back to the dealer and get it fixed.

 

[Musky Mike]

I use 4 WD Auto all the time when there is snow on the road. Sometimes it's full snow covered road, sometimes it patches of snow, then dry/wet, then snow again. That 's what 4 WD Auto is for. Never had any smell, even on parts of the dry road.

 

[dsherman26]

That's appalling that the dealer would say to use 4 Hi instead of Auto when the complaint is about a burning smell in in 4 Auto. As others have said 4 Auto is fine for all conditions, 4 Hi is not or you'll be squealing your tires around turns on dry or wet pavement and it's hard on the drivetrain. It's under warranty, dealer (perhaps a better one) needs to fix it. Putting in 4 Auto has worked well for me in mixed conditions.