Maruti service centre guys drove my Jimny in 4H for 6 km on paved roads

The owner's manual of the SUV strictly warns against using the 4H mode of the 4x4 system on paved roads. I'm concerned this might have damaged the transmission.

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Dear Team-BHPians,

I recently had my Jimny AT serviced (3rd service, ODO count 2800 KMs). Upon receiving the car, I noticed the 4H light blinking and the lever engaged in 4H.

The owner's manual strictly warns against using 4H on paved roads. Since the service station is 6km away on paved roads with some sharp turns, I'm concerned this might have damaged the transmission.

The service centre offered a check-up, which is scheduled for Saturday morning. To best utilize their time, could you advise what specific checks I should request regarding potential 4WD system damage caused by driving in 4H on the pavement?

Any urgent advice would be greatly appreciated!

Here's what BHPian NomadSK had to say about the matter:

I don't think driving in 4H will harm your differential at moderate speeds, once engaged, it splits engine torque 50/50 between the front and rear axles. In this mode there generally isn’t any cross-axle locking unless it is manually activated. In this mode, traction control also works to help modulate torque across the axles, but in some situations, it won’t be enough to move a stuck vehicle. I don't have an idea about how Jimny's 4H works.

During rains, I drive in 4H mode to get more traction out of the surface and for better stability. The engine operates more efficiently in 4H mode since it doesn't need to work as hard to maintain speed. It's suitable for driving on surfaces where additional traction is needed without excessively loading on the engine.

Or am I missing something?

Here's what BHPian Dippy had to say about the matter:

I don't know why Maruti has mentioned that specifically in the manual for the Jimny but as far as my humble knowledge goes, there will be no harm done to the 4x4 if you drive in 4H on the road. Yes, driving in 4L on the road is a complete no-no.

I don't think you have anything to worry about. That said, do the inspection as you have planned.

Here's what BHPian Arjun.hb had to say about the matter:

I’ve had a similar experience at the Nexa service with my Jimny AT. It is an absolute no-no to drive a vehicle without a centre differential on a hard surface with 4x4 engaged. Transmission wind-up is the reason. Look it up, better explanation online than I can offer. Basically, the difference in rotation between front and rear axles is managed by a centre differential which the Jimny lacks.

Usually, transmission wind up is released by slippage. Small distance must have not caused much harm. But do make sure you register your complaint with the service manager. Whatever little awareness that can be created at the service centre helps.

Here's what BHPian Lone Ranger had to say about the matter:

I hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but the Jimny is not a full-time 4WD vehicle (unlike a Fortuner, for example). It does not have a center diff, just one per axle. I think you should escalate this to the Maruti TSM immediately.

From what I have seen with my own eyes, and from the accounts of other Jimny owners on this forum, most service centres have next to no idea about the car. Your case is especially egregious though, considering the four-wheel drive lever has been engaged quite deliberately, with some force. I think your best bet would be to get this in writing, that the screwup happened due to their lack of training and cavalier attitude, and that they are liable to fix any potential transmission issue that emerges in the next six months.

Do not allow the service centre guys to do any ‘checkup’ on their own, I think you are within your rights to ask for an engineer from Maruti to be present.

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