“Auto” 2/4WD Stuck in 4x4?

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GTNator

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I have a 2017 Escalade ESV with 4x4. I typically keep it in 2 wheel drive unless there’s snow on the ground. However about 3 weeks ago it had been raining a lot and my truck slipped a bit going around a corner so I switched it to Auto and forgot about it over the last 3 weeks.

Everything was fine until this morning when I noticed a very soft howling noise from the wheels upon acceleration. The noise sounds exactly like the vehicle does when it’s in 4Hi, leading me to believe that my vehicle has engaged itself in 4x4 (through the Auto setting). The problem is the roads are perfectly clear; there is no reason for the vehicle’s computer to select 4x4 in the Auto setting.

So I switched the setting back to 2 wheel drive and the noise went away. As a test I switched to 4Hi and the noise came back (normal and expected); I then put it back in Auto and the noise remained. I tried this multiple times, back and forth And every time Auto is selected, I can hear the wheels engaged in 4x4.

My guess is the Auto setting is not working anymore and is incorrectly only selecting 4x4 and not 2 wheel drive.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Was the dealer able to figure it out?


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Anyone?


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Just got it back from the dealer. They said it’s normal, but I don’t think so. I still believe that Auto means 2wd unless the computers detect slip and then it goes into 4WD. Got to reread my owners manual to be sure when I get a chance this weekend.


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I use 4wd auto regularly during inclimate weather and I have never heard any different noises switching from 2wd -4wd auto and back again.
 
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I use 4wd auto regularly during inclimate weather and I have never heard any different noises switching from 2wd -4wd auto and back again.

Try it on dry clear surfaces and drive around 35-45MPH, once with 2WD, and once with Auto, then once with 4WD. Report back! Does the Auto and 4WD sound/feel the same, AND different from 2WD?


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ATX 14

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Try it on dry clear surfaces and drive around 35-45MPH, once with 2WD, and once with Auto, then once with 4WD. Report back! Does the Auto and 4WD sound/feel the same, AND different from 2WD?


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I know there isn't any different sounds or feel going from 2wd to auto and back. I check out going to 4wd, auto and 2 wd tomorrow on the way in to work. I'll update after that.
 

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I ran my tahoe from 2wd to auto with no change in sound or feel. I then went from auto to 4wd with no change in sound or feel. I then reversed the process back to 2wd with no change in sound or driving feel. I was driving on dry asphalt between 35-45 mph. I did not make any turns which may have altered the driving feel while I was in 4wd.
 

Adam10532

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I ran my tahoe from 2wd to auto with no change in sound or feel. I then went from auto to 4wd with no change in sound or feel. I then reversed the process back to 2wd with no change in sound or driving feel. I was driving on dry asphalt between 35-45 mph. I did not make any turns which may have altered the driving feel while I was in 4wd.
I have the same issue
I have a 2016 Yukon Denali XL 4 wheel drive. Today out of all days I just decided to put on auto all wheel drive "auto". It switched over like normal nothing noticeable. But when I reach the speed of 50 miles an hour plus there was a noise coming from the outside that the best I can describe reminded me of big old Super Swampers on a big truck . I immediately looked under the truck didn't notice anything I put it back in 2 wheel drive mode and jumped on it no noises only an all-wheel-drive any suggestions anybody know this problem I much appreciate it thank you.i

Update :just dropped it at the dealership this evening I will report any findings
 
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