How to use 4WD on your Jeep Wrangler

The 1940s brought us the Jeep, a classic off road utility vehicle with the slogan of “Go Anywhere, Do Anything”.  Jeep is the undisputed leader in 4x4 technology!

Many Jeep enthusiasts do not know anything about shifting 4WDs. Veteran owners will know this gear shifter as the transfer case shifter, you might say it is the heartbeat of the vehicle. As it can handle the rough terrain when engaged properly. Around 70% of Jeep owners never take their Jeep off the pavement and then they will not have a use for the shifter.

Having a 4WD function does not mean you need to have your Jeep in 4WD mode always. 4WD in Jeep Wranglers is primarily used in situations where you need more traction.

The various gears have different uses, this can be beneficial know even if you do not plan on taking your Jeep off the pavement or also a refresher for a seasoned Jeep driver.

2H - Known as 2 Hi, this gear combination is considered a standard gear. Typically used when the surface is in normal rain or shine on the pavement. This is the gear your Jeep will sit in most of your driving time and there is not much that you are supposed to do when on these gears.

4H – Know as 4 Hi, this gear option is one spot down from 2H. Often used for normal speed driving, but more suitable when you need extra performance such as traction on snow/ice/slick surfaces, dirt roads or hard-packed sand. When this gear is engaged, the front wheels on your Jeep will significantly aid in traction by adding more stability to your vehicle.

4L – Know as 4 Lo, this is the optimal gear position when you need maximum traction as well as power at lower speeds. While it offers the least speeds, this is useful for off-roading on rocky surfaces, in deep snow, mud, sand, on steep inclines and declines. It is the most suitably conditions for your Jeep Wrangler to handle the toughest of road conditions.

Now that you know what the gears are called and what they are used for, this is how you switch between them.

Switching from 2H to 4H

If the pavement is wet, snowy, slushy or you are on loose gravel, pull the 4WD lever back one click and this will switch your Jeep over into 4H.

Switching from 4H to 4L

Slow your vehicle down to rolling speed of around 3-5 kph then shift into neutral, then into 4H. Complete the steps in reverse to return to 4H.

Just a quick crash course on your do and don’ts on how to use your 4WD gear shifter.

DO

-        Use 4H for road driving when pavement is slick or slippery up to 72-88 kph.

-        Check your owner’s manual for further information on using your 4WD option.

-        Rely on your tire pressure to work in conjunction with 4WD. When taking your vehicle off road, reducing tire pressure will give your tires a wider surface to grip and improve traction. Check your owner’s manual for appropriate tire pressure for specific off-roading conditions.

DON’T

-       Try and move directly from 4H to 4L or vice versa. First move from 2H to 4H, then out your vehicle in neutral and move to 4L.

-        Exceed speeds of 4 kph when in 4L.

NOTE

-      To disengage your 4WD, slow down, put your vehicle in neutral and, while rolling, push the level back to 4H. To put your Jeep back in regular gear, push the level from 4H to 2H.

-      Shifting into and out of 4L is possible when completely stopped, however it may be more difficult as the teeth may not properly line up while at a standstill.

-       4H can be used for speeds up to 88 kph, although it is recommended to go no faster then 75-80 and for wet, slick roads or loose surfaces.