Hi guys I am new here (have come across from the dark Isuzu world!)
I have an 02 Tribute auto.
At what stage can you press the lock button on the dash for 4WD (by that i mean is there a speed that is too fast or must you be stationary etc?)
Any info would be a great help as the manual supplied is in Japanese!
I look forward to being part of this forum.
Thanks

 

Hi there, welcome. I'm new too, and also missing the owner's manual for my 2002 Tribute AWD.
We have a Nissan Murano in the household, and it's AWD system will only kick in below 20 km/hr (~ 12 mph). It's not full-time AWD, nor intended to be driven in AWD mode at higher speeds. It provides additional traction for low speed situations only (like driving thru sand, snow, ice, or other situations where low speed traction is required).
I assume the Tribute system would be similar, unless someone with an owner's manual can advise otherwise.

Cheers, Mark

 

Hey Mark, same like you I have both SUV's and you are right Murano's awd will disengage after 12 mph. Unlike the my 2001 Tribute the owners manual does not mention about any speed restriction/override for its awd. I rarely use the system being that it is on auto mode, it will kick in automatically when needed. My own rule is to disengage the ON mode if my speed is more than 15 mph whenever I use it.

From the owners manual:
Operating modes of the 4x4 system:
The 4x4 auto mode provides four-wheel drive with full power delivered to the front axle at all times and to the rear axle as required for increased traction. This is appropriate for normal on road operating conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, snow and gravel.

The 4x4 ON mode provides four-wheel drive with full power to both axles at all times. It is only intended for severe or off-road driving conditions, such as deep snow and ice(where no dry or wet pavement remains uncovered) and shallow sand or mud.

Either shift can be done at a stop or while driving at any speed (from the manual).

Hope it helps.

 

I also think that if the system detects good grip, it will kick you out of 4x4 so as to protect the diff. (I think this is in the manual too)

 

Awesome thanks for the info guys!
So is it fair to say that if you leave it in 4wd ofter manually selecting it,it will go back into 2wd by itself when 4wd is no longer needed?
Cheers

 

The owner's manual does not mention about the system automatically disengaging the awd when no longer needed or after a certain speed, and I have not seen it or tried it. I always turned it off whenever I reached 15 mph. Remember, It's not full-time AWD, nor intended to be driven in AWD mode at higher speeds.

Nissan Murano's awd system is designed to disengage at a certain speed (according to the owner's manual) and their system is very similar.

 

I actually tried it and it worked. Maybe, you should try it too before. It's electronically controlled, when you're kicked out the little car icon for 4x4 turns off.

 

Ok and thanks for the info.

Cheers.