How to Use the Four-Wheel Drive Hub Lock?
2 Answers
The 'LOCK' position is the switch to immobilize the vehicle. When the car key is turned to this position, it locks the steering wheel, preventing significant movement. 'AUTO' represents automatic four-wheel drive. In automatic mode, the system will automatically adjust whether to engage the front drive, while the 'LOCK' position disables the front-wheel drive mode.
To use the four-wheel drive hub lock, first park the vehicle, shift into neutral, and engage the parking brake, then exit the vehicle to operate. Manually turn the knob at the center of each front wheel from the FREE position to the LOCK position. This action effectively creates a rigid connection between the front wheel hub and the axle, preventing power loss during off-road slippage. After locking, get back in the vehicle, engage low-range four-wheel drive, and you can tackle steep climbs or mud pits. Once you've cleared the obstacle, remember to park, disengage four-wheel drive mode, and then exit the vehicle to turn the knobs back to the FREE position. A quick note: some older models may produce slight metallic clanking sounds after locking, which is normal. Never attempt to turn the knobs while driving to save time—this can cause gear teeth to clash and fail. Regularly spray some WD-40 into the knobs to prevent rust, especially after driving through mud or water.