How To Put Your Vehicle in 4WD

Four-wheel drive can be a lifesaver in challenging road conditions, but knowing how to properly engage it in your specific vehicle is essential. Our Sales Consultant, Steffani, breaks down how to put your vehicle into 4WD for different Jeep and Ram models.

Understanding Your Four-Wheel Drive System

Before engaging four-wheel drive, it’s important to understand what type of system your vehicle has:

• Part-time 4×4 Systems: Found in Wranglers, Gladiators, and Ram 1500s
• Full-time 4×4 Systems: Found in Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Compass, and Renegade models

How To Put a Jeep in 4-Wheel Drive

Jeep Wrangler & Jeep Gladiator

These vehicles feature a part-time two-wheel drive system with options for 4-High and 4-Low.

To Engage 4-High (4H):

1. Maintain a speed between 7-30 mph
2. Keep the transmission in Drive
3. Shift directly into 4-High position

To Engage 4-Low (4L):

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Shift into Neutral
3. Pull the lever down to engage 4-Low
4. Shift back into Drive to complete the engagement

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Compass, and Renegade

These models feature full-time four-wheel drive systems.

To Engage 4WD Low (for extremely slippery conditions):

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Shift into Neutral
3. Engage the 4WD Low system using the dedicated control
4. Shift back into Drive to complete the engagement

Ram 1500 Four-Wheel Drive Operation

The Ram 1500 features a part-time 4×4 system with an automatic option. The vehicle normally operates in two-wheel drive, but if you begin to feel any wheel slippage while driving you can engage 4WD Auto.

• This can be done at any driving speed and will engage four-wheel drive automatically as needed.

When to Use Different 4WD Modes

• 4-High: Ideal for maintaining traction at moderate speeds on slippery roads, snow, or light off-road conditions
• 4-Low: Best for slow-speed, high-torque situations like deep mud, steep inclines, or rock crawling
• 4WD Auto (Ram 1500): Perfect for varying conditions where traction needs may change unexpectedly

Remember to disengage four-wheel drive when returning to normal road conditions to prevent unnecessary wear on your drivetrain components.

Additional Four-Wheel Drive Tips & Tricks

• Use 2H for normal highway driving.
• Switch to 4H for slippery roads at speeds up to 55 mph.
• Keep speeds under 25 mph when in 4L mode.
• Never shift directly between 2H and 4L – always go through 4H first.
• When shifting to 4L, slow down to 3 mph and put the vehicle in neutral first.
• Check your owner’s manual when unsure to avoid damage.