Jeep Wrangler JL 4WD Auto explained + HOW TO use it!!

[@dantimber]

To my knowledge this is the first detailed explanation of Jeep's 4WD auto mode. Thanks!

[@CheaperJeeperTV]

Actually I put one out on my channel on Feb 19, 2020. 😊

[@davidcarrico3385]

Excellent video. One note- 4H-Auto has been an option on the JL Sahara since 2018 when the JL came out. But as you said, it wasn’’t until later that they expanded availability to other models of the Wrangler JL.

[@EngineAdventures]

Two notes: All Wranglers and Gladiators with 4Auto use the Selec-Trac transfercase with a 2.72:1 low range. That includes the 4xe Rubicon. More importantly when shifted into 4 high or 4 low they completely bypass the clutches. Some other companies use the clutches in all transfercase positions except 2wd, which is very bad. I overheated a Ram 1500's transfercase that uses that type of system. Sleep soundly knowing Jeep does things right with their 4wd systems.

[@richards144]

When I look at the standard build for a 2024 Wrangler Rubicon X - it comes with Selec-Trac and the 4:1 Rock-Trac Heavy-Duty part-Time 4WD System. So I'm a bit confused by your statement. Did they change it for 2024? Or is there something I'm missing? thanks.

[@EngineAdventures]

@@richards144 sadly my statement is wrong in other ways. I was conversing with a Jeep rep and he initially gave me the answer above and said he would look into some other questions I had. When he got back to me he admitted he was wrong and had a few corrections. All 2023 Jeeps with the four-wheel drive auto position work through the clutches in 4wd high and 4wd low. I believe for the 2024 update they probably added this system to the Rubicon with the 4:1 ratio, but I could be wrong about that as well.

[@richards144]

@@EngineAdventures thanks. These changes can get a bit confusing and I’m also still trying to figure it all out.

[@yeesenchai]

My 2020 JT Rubicon also came with 4H Auto and 4:1 gear ratio, it’s an export model but I’m also quite confused when I got it.

[@djordjedjolic7641]

Finally someone to explain this! 👍👏👏👏 I'm looking at 2021 Rubicon 2.0T here im Europe, and I currently own Audi Q7. So I went to Jeep dealership to ask around, especially because in eastern Europe there can be some harsh winter snowy days. I asked about what setting I should use when driving on snowy, asphalt roads and snow covered highway, are all-terrain tires OK for that kind of use, can I use regular, winter tires when driving in winter on asphalt... There was much talk, but no real answers... Something like, you could use 4H, but only to 60mph, then maybe you can use 2H and go faster, and switch it to 4H and slow down when coming to snowy pathces. That seemed to complicated comparing to my Quattro drive in Audi, and they seemed to not know exactly what are they talking about so I decided to pause my decision about Wrangler. This video, made me start to think about Wrangler again. Kudos to you sir!

[@Redfour5]

Full time 4WD was a "requirement" for me. I also like a limited slip but if I could get the full time I could live without the LSD. I have wanted a Gladiator since they came out but wasn't willing to spend the money until the end of 2023 when they were marking them down 30% at some dealer with both dealer and Stellantis incentives. But, when you wait that long your choices on lots can get slim. But I finally found a dealer who had one in a Freedom. It was a score. I said full time 4WD was a requirement as I have experienced the "basic" 4WD, basic 4WD with a limited Slip Diff and full time 4WD in my Ram 1500's. The binding associated with 4 Hi part time in turns tends to force you to 2WD. I live in Montana and have a perfect scenario illustrating the "value" of both limited slip and full time 4WD vs part time only 4WD. My 2013 Ram 1500 was the basic part time 4WD. Our community mailboxes are at the bottom of a decent grade or road. So, you stop, get the mail get back in in 2WD and hit the gas and nothing happens except you help polish the road. Some of the mail boxes have been whacked because people hit the gas and their vehicle in 2WD slides sideways and hits the boxes. So, I'd have to reach down and put it in 4WD to get up the hill. Then on my 2015 Ram 1500, I had limited slip and that solved most of the "mailbox" problem by shifting traction from side to side. It was a big help but you often still had to actively shift from 2WD to 4WD in the ever changing road conditions. We will literally have six weeks to two months of variable road conditions like you discussed. LSD helps but doesn't solve the problem. so, I got my 2021 Ram 1500 and it came with "Auto" 4WD. It was like a come to Jesus moment. It just took care of the traction issues intrinsic to living in MT. And thus, once I got a Gladiator full time 4WD "Selec Trac" became a requirement. Now, pretty much, in the summer, I leave it in 2WD as there is a very slight advantage in MPG's AND a clutch pack is still subject to wear to a degree and I don't need the full time 4WD, so 2WD it is. And if I"m off road, well that's what part time 4WD is for. I seldom need 4WD low, but upon occasion I am sure glad its there and have used it to effect. So, here in early 2024, LSD is like 700 bucks as an option. I have that too,. Selec Trac or Rock Trac (Rubicon) full time 4WD is 800 bucks. I suggest NOT getting the extra removable bluetooth speaker at 600 bucks and just get the Selec or Rock Trac full time 4WD. Just do it... You won't regret it. I suppose if you live on a warm coast, you don't need it, but even there, you can get some serious rain on highways and full time 4WD also works on hydroplaning situations... So, keep that in mind...and it will NOT hurt trade in or resale value as you can tout it as an advantage to your Jeep vs 90% of the rest...

[@mowcowbell]

Leaving the 4xe in 4H Auto will also allow the drivetrain to give you 100% of the available power.

[@mursebobby408]

I’m trying to consider whether or not I should add this on the 2023 Rubicon XR that I’m ordering in a couple weeks…it’s crazy how hard it is to find out how exactly this works, etc. Thanks for the info

[@dieseJL]

No problem! P

[@joshuacripe1514]

I made the switch from the diesel to 4xe, the tax credit allowed me to get the highest trim available for what a base Rubicon would have cost. Miss the diesel noises and range

[@JohnSmith-tu9kv]

I buy mitsubishi triton because of the all wheel drive option, so handy and easy to use, I think they use a 3rd diff to do it rather than clutchs, never thought about it till watching this video

[@healthyamerican]

would love to have a wrangler with 4h-auto

[@HANK_SCORPI0]

Finally! a proper explanation. Thank you.

[@connorgaston9535]

I wish the term Full Time 4WD wasn't being used for this system. Its working in an automatic way to engage the 4wd system. Its not truly full time like you're implying. Its automatic in how its engaging the power to the front wheels instead of manually moving a lever. Vastly different than a true Full Time 4WD system, like a Land Cruiser that's truly sending power to the front and rear axle all the time. The shift lever in the wrangler even says "4H Auto" not "4H Full Time"

[@chinothedreamgiver1629]

Great breakdown on the 4x4 auto

[@CARTOMIZE]

In the middle east we had the 4hi auto in the rubicon from 2018 i had a2018 it had it and now i have a 2019 and it has it also but we never got the 4*e

[@amandaleitch9639]

Such a beauty 💗 Saved me in all this snow ❄️

[@stephenny4207]

Excellent demonstration! No speed limits in auto but Lockers will have a max speed limit. Very worried about stability problems with lockers on the highway explicitly the rear locker.

[@lolotus4borderless]

Love all your content, awesome! Thank you 😊

[@andrewsearles5688]

I’ve got a 4xe on order and excited to get it. Btw it’s pronounced 4 by e Like 4x4 is 4 by 4.

[@amandaleitch9639]

You will love it. I don’t regret trading in my 2.0T at all!

[@dieseJL]

4 by e… noted

[@jeepr77]

What’s with the heavy breathing in the camera

[@healthyamerican]

lets see you do a video so we can nit-pick

[@dieseJL]

I don’t pay the camera operators so we at least allow them to breathe

[@itzreece6347]

@@dieseJL lmao I noticed the heavy breathing also but I probably would be breathing the same way being out in the cold. Thanks for the video and the most recent one for the JGC 4X4 system.

[@jimmy6835]

it was me i am sorry

[@davidparadis490]

@@dieseJL in the old days, we never allowed the help to breathe...they were thankful just to have a job.

[@apettit7]

Very well done thank you

[@vaseemnasiruddeen]

Is there a max speed when using 4 auto

[@pook-tengyao3282]

I wonder too

[@88rushrocks]

Great information I bought the 2024 Willy’s

[@sleary123]

Cameraman sounds like he just ran a marathon! Great video though!!

[@aaronyoung6903]

So…..I traded my 2015 wrangler Rubicon in for a 2024 Wrangler Rubicon X with the Recon package. It does have the 4h auto setup. I can say it’s not that impressive compared to the 2015 4h setup. It just does not seem to bite well when driving in the snow. It’s almost embarrassing taking off from the light and the Jeep tires all spin trying to get traction. And no, I’m not foot to the floor when taking off. I messed with it in auto and part time. Is anyone else not that impressed with the setup? It does have BFG Ko2s. My 2015 had KM3s and that thing was a tank in the snow. Anyone else experiencing what I am? I love the Jeep otherwise. Love the new power seats! I’m regretting having made this switch to 4h auto setup. If this does not prove well I might look elsewhere for a proven 4WD system.

[@richthevirtuoso]

Hey all! I wonder if there is any difference between the 2023 JL transfer case and my 2017 sport? Can I put the 2023 rocktrac in my 2017? They are both auto, 3.6L,

[@davidbrzuchalski4925]

Does the Off-Road Plus button have any affect when you are in 4H-Auto?

[@user-fh6mt3xf8p]

Bre Krautkramer sat down for a cold bashpast.

[@futureman3489]

what about those who has no 4H auto? can we use 4H part-time on the road where the ice or light snow and might be no traction in some zones in a 45mph speed?

[@calgreco8607]

So front is not straight axles; CV joints? How do those hold when buried in mud or hit by a rock or log?

[@briangeffert7628]

Once I noticed the cameraman’s breathing (with headphones on) couldn’t hear anything else. 😒

[@pook-tengyao3282]

Well done!!!

[@privateuser3725]

I was trying to order a Rubicon with the full time/auto 4wd in the 3.6L but that doesn't seem like an option...am I missing something or is it only available in the diesel and 2.0L?

[@scottmosley651]

Are you describing 4WH Auto mode? I understood you shouldn’t go over 45 mph with that.

[@LoStudio90]

Hey, nice video about the 4wd system, thanks. We are living in Greenland near the northpole😄 We are getting a 4xe Rubicon, for me, it's really important to understand the 4wd, because we get alot of snow, so in case of you are stuck in snow, we would try different modes to get unstuck. I understand your explanation, but what does the front + rear and rear only button do? I mean, if you select part time 4H, it will lock the diff, so why does it have separate button to Front + Rear and rear only?

[@dieseJL]

There are three differentials let’s say, front axle to rear axle, rear axle left wheel to right wheel, and front axle left wheel to right wheel. The lever on the floor for 4WD only controls the lock between the front and rear axles. 2WD is only for the rear axle to be driving the vehicle, then the different 4WD modes are just how that center differential acts regarding the joint between the front and the rear. The switches you’re talking about are for the locks on each individual axle left wheel to right wheel. You actually won’t be able to use these unless you’re in 4WD part time or 4LO. For snow all I would ever use is 4HI Part Time or Full Time. If you really got stuck in deep snow then you could use the switch on the dash to lock the rear axle in 4 Part Time or if you need both front and rear you’ll have to switch to 4 Low.

[@LoStudio90]

Thank you a good explanation! Greetings from Greenland!

[@LoStudio90]

One question again, can you switch between 2h, full time 4h and the rest while moving or do you need to make a full stop before switching the modes?

[@jmullins316]

Do I have to turn it back to 2weel drive when I park the car, or can I leave it in 4 Wheel auto all the time when it is bad out for a few days? As well when I turn it on should I have in in Drive or Reverse first or can I turn it on when in park? Thanks. Great video 9:10

[@boster8368]

i leave my jl wrangler in 4h always unless i need true 4WD then switch to 4WD part time or 4LO if needed

[@j.r.777]

So what happens if the 4WD engages when off roading and you’re turning a sharp corner?

[@dieseJL]

It depends if there’s wheel slip or not. If there is, then the jeep knows you need 4wd so it engages. If not, it stays in 2wd.

[@HCanTuncay]

Shouldn’t full time 4WD or 4Auto actually be called part time, and what they call part time 4WD should actually be full time 4WD. To me 4Auto should be part time as it’s only 4wd when needed, and 4H should be full time as it’s 4WD at all times while in that mode… so confusing if you’re not familiar with Jeeps

[@dieseJL]

Think of it as how you can use it. For ‘full time’ you can leave the Jeep in that mode all of the time. It won’t hurt anything or make the driving experience worse. For ‘part time’ you’re only supposed to use it part of the time like when you really need 4wd.

[@BennyTygohome]

How long do the clutch packs last in tcase? Great new color on that jeep. Very nice

[@dieseJL]

I think they will outlast the jeep! They’re no different than transmission clutches really.

[@tpv59]

THANK YOU. I do NOT understand the 'part time'. Is it not 4Wd FULL TIME ?? yes/no WHY do they call it, '4WD part time' please? Thank you and regards.

[@dieseJL]

Think of it as how you would use it... 4 Part Time you are only supposed to use it part of the time. 4 Full Time you can leave it in all of the time.

[@tpv59]

@@dieseJL THANK YOU sir. Very Much APPRECIATED. Hav a gd 1 !!

[@diabledesbois]

Merci!

[@boster8368]

4h is AWD 4pt is 4WD that all you need think of

[@larryhaight3366]

Great explanation. But if you are going to talk about 4xe features, please learn to call it 4 by e. referring to it as a 4 ex e detracts from your credibility. Just think 4x4 (4 by 4).

[@K4LKDana]

Sorry but it’s pronounced 4 by e , not 4xe

[@angelabell6316]

Your cameraman sounds like he just hiked 10 miles after stopping for burgers. It was so distracting I didn’t hear anything you said.

[@LHSclassof2008]

Making me crazy when you say 4xe 😆 should be spoken as “4 by e” like you wouldn’t literally say 4x4. It’s 4 by 4 Great video otherwise! Thank you!

[@n5sdm]

10 min......10 blabbering minutes. You could have done this in 60 seconds. 2 minutes at most and been less droning on.