[solamarpreet]

Hi BHPians,

I got a brand new Jimny Alpha MT and am going through the instruction manual right now on how to correctly engage the 4H and 4L modes. According to the manual when switching from 4H to 4L and vice versa depress the clutch pedal fully and make the switch. However, switching from 2H to 4H and vice versa there is no mention of the clutch.

I searched on YT and found 2 videos where the gentlemen never engaged clutch when switching from 2H to 4H and 4H to 4L. Can someone knowledgeable educate me on what the correct procedure is?

Thanks

[Chetan_Rao]

This Suzuki Australia video should clarify:

https://youtu.be/ljiChd9VxMM?feature=shared

[solamarpreet]

So the clutch is to be depressed everytime then according to the video even when going from 2H to 4H. Thanks

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by solamarpreet

So the clutch is to be depressed everytime then according to the video even when going from 2H to 4H. Thanks

Not necessarly, IIRC, 2H to 4H is shift on fly. Meaning, within the boundary speed you can enagage and disenage 4H, while driving.

4L however, you will need to stop, possibly be in Neutral and then engage. Also, coming out of 4L will be similar.

[Icehead]

Based on research conducted using online platforms, engaging the clutch or shifting the gear system to neutral will facilitate smoother transmission, whether it's in 4H or 4L mode.

[Shreyans_Jain]

2H to 4H and back is shift on fly. Upto 100kmph, IIRC.

4H to 4L, vehicle needs to be stationary, gearbox in neutral, clutch pressed for the manual. Same for 4L to 4H.

[BlackBeard]

Originally Posted by solamarpreet

According to the manual when switching from 4H to 4L and vice versa depress the clutch pedal fully and make the switch. However, switching from 2H to 4H and vice versa there is no mention of the clutch.

I searched on YT and found 2 videos where the gentlemen never engaged clutch when switching from 2H to 4H and 4H to 4L. Can someone knowledgeable educate me on what the correct procedure is?

If you have to shift between 2WD and 4WD-H (and vice versa) while the vehicle is in motion, take these additional precautions:

1) First of all the steering wheel needs to be pointing straight
2) Be in neutral gear until the process successfully completes;
3) If you have to be in gear, the throttle pedal should be depressed or just
slightly pressed.

Definitely avoid 2WD<->4WD-H shifting while the vehicle is driving downhill on engine braking
Instead, shift the gearbox in neutral position first, and drive downhill on the foot brake temporarily (if safe doing so) until the 2WD<->4WD-H shift successfully completes.

If you (dis)engage between 2WD and 4WD-H while applying a significant throttle (or while being on strong engine braking), a wheel slippage might occur during the shifting phase, and this is very bad for the transmission system.

When shifting from high range (4WD-H) to low range (4WD-L) and vice versa, make sure that the vehicle is completely stationary first!

While it is technically possible for a skilled driver to shift (4WD-H<->4WD-L) while the vehicle is going rather slowly (you might have discovered that by a chance), you are taking a big gamble while doing so!

Originally Posted by Icehead

Based on research conducted using online platforms, engaging the clutch or shifting the gear system to neutral will facilitate smoother transmission, whether it's in 4H or 4L mode.

Depends on the system I guess. e.g the Mitsubishi super select 4WD system doesn't require it. Its shift on the fly. 2WD-RWD>AWD>4WDH(L)>4WDL(L)
Of course 4WDH to 4WDL & vice versa has to be at standstill.

[Icehead]

Originally Posted by BlackBeard

If you have to shift between 2WD and 4WD-H (and vice versa) while the vehicle is in motion, take these additional precautions:

1) First of all the steering wheel needs to be pointing straight
2) Be in neutral gear until the process successfully completes;
3) If you have to be in gear, the throttle pedal should be depressed or just
slightly pressed.

Definitely avoid 2WD<->4WD-H shifting while the vehicle is driving downhill on engine braking
Instead, shift the gearbox in neutral position first, and drive downhill on the foot brake temporarily (if safe doing so) until the 2WD<->4WD-H shift successfully completes.

If you (dis)engage between 2WD and 4WD-H while applying a significant throttle (or while being on strong engine braking), a wheel slippage might occur during the shifting phase, and this is very bad for the transmission system.

When shifting from high range (4WD-H) to low range (4WD-L) and vice versa, make sure that the vehicle is completely stationary first!

While it is technically possible for a skilled driver to shift (4WD-H<->4WD-L) while the vehicle is going rather slowly (you might have discovered that by a chance), you are taking a big gamble while doing so!




Depends on the system I guess. e.g the Mitsubishi super select 4WD system doesn't require it. Its shift on the fly. 2WD-RWD>AWD>4WDH(L)>4WDL(L)
Of course 4WDH to 4WDL & vice versa has to be at standstill.

Indeed, you are correct. Since the thread was about the Jimny and, being a Jimny owner, I found it perfect and engine-friendly.