Hesitation in 4WD

I have a 2020 OR that I bought new a month ago.

When I have it in 4WD, there is a significant hesitation driving or in reverse. It almost feels like my wheels can’t get traction and things are slipping.

The dealership said because it hasn’t thrown a code and no lights are on, there’s nothing they can do.

What are my next steps?

 

Are you on pavement when this happens?

 

Yep. And while it’s worse when it’s wet outside, it does the same thing when it’s dry if there is any resistance (curb, uneven pavement, etc).

 

Welcome to TW. Can you describe this hesitation in more detail please? Like start to finish, what is it doing? Is it clunking? throttle delay? actual wheel slip?

 

I wonder if you can get it in action, have someone record?

 

When I press on the gas, nothing happens until I essentially mash it to the floor. When I do press the pedal more forcefully, it will act as if it cannot get traction and do lots of slipping. As soon as I turn 4wd off, the problem goes away.

 

Don't do that on pavement...

 

Do you have the steering wheel turned while you are doing this?

 

This is what I was thinking, sharp turn on dry pavement in 4wd is going to bind big time.

 

Not usually. One great example is backing out of my driveway. There is a small incline/lip at the end of my driveway that you have to go over to get out. When it was storming last week, I went to back up in 4wd, and there was a ton of hesitation and almost like it couldn’t get traction. However, there was no standing water or anything that would prevent traction. My wife’s CRV had zero issues when she pulled out right next to me.

 

Yeah, don't use 4x4 on pavement unless you really have to - it will grab and bind and not want to drive and feel really funny (almost like slipping). Try using your 4x4 on grass and see if it acts the same.

Is this your first 4x4?

 

Does this only happen in 4wd?

 

I have a 4x4 Nissan NV (big ass 12 passenger van/SUV), and I’ve never had issues. But this is my first truck.

 

Yes, only in 4wd.

 

Is your 4WD indicator light solid (not flashing) in the gauge cluster?

What tire pressures are you running? Rears should be 1-2 psi lower than the fronts if you have an empty bed. This to keep the front and rear rolling radii the same.

 

Sick.

Those only come in 2wd. I've seen some cooler 4x4 conversions. Did you do it or the previous owner?





Your wheels are probably binding. See if it still does it with the wheels straight or if it only happens when the wheel is cut.

 

Try backing up in 4wd somewhere else, and see if it's still an issue. If you can easily duplicate the issue, that'll save you time at the dealer, but make sure you make it clear, you want to drive and have the tech or writer witness the issue.
Note; you don't need a CEL to report an issue, but that's why I say make sure you're driving and easily able to duplicate. If you don't, they'll most likely move parking spots and say all good, can't duplicate customer complaint!

 

I was surprised how slick the 4wd actuator works on these 2020 tacos compared to my gen1 tundra where there was a flashing green delay before 4wd locked in. Soon as i twist the 4wd knob on the taco it locks in no matter what, and without any clunking.

 

You are NEVER, EVER, supposed to be operating in 4X4 unless you are on a slippery surface. And wet pavement does not qualify. You bought a 4X4 truck and 4X4 is intended to be used in harsh OFF ROAD conditions. It is OK in DEEP snow on pavement or on ice. Continuing to use it on hard dry surfaces will result in breaking expensive parts.

Chances are the Nissan you drove is AWD which is a different system designed to be used on pavement. AWD does great in light snow, wet pavement, and even light duty off road driving, but isn't as good in harsher off road conditions or deep snow.

 

I assumed that as well until I took a couple seconds to do a google search. It's not AWD.