95 Rodeo no manual, would like to know how the 4 wheel drive engages

[jaulette]

Hello,
Just bought a 95 Rodeo on ebay for my son. I don't have a manual for it. I would like to know what the two buttons on the console are for and if they need to be on before you put it into 4 wheel drive. The buttons are WINTER and POWER.
Thanks,
Joe

[trooperbc]

first, if you want to get owner's and factory shop manuals for your new truck go to ebay, perhaps, or to the publisher/distributor
www.helminc.com

the WINTER and POWER buttons are for the electronic automatic transmission. WINTER simply starts you off in third gear so torque is less and you won't spin the tires in icy conditions. POWER button simply changes the shift pattern so that effectively each lower gear is held for a longer period and the shifting happens at a higher rpm; it is generally less economical on gas but more 'peppy' and can be helpful sometimes in hilly areas. but mostly it is just a matter of preference.
they have nothing directly to do with 4wdrive.

how do you like rodeo so far?

//bc

[jaulette]

BC,
Thanks for the info. I have ordered the manual off the link you gave me.

I like the Rodeo already. I think it will be a great vehicle for my son. I like the way it sits up a bit but not as bulky as the bigger suv's. I think he'll be much safer in it than a car. And it has pretty good pep too.

Thanks again,
Joe

[surferfletch]

My 17 year old daughter uses my Rodeo, too. How are you with body work?

[Cat Fuzz]

Check to see if you still have the auto-locking hubs. It will say right on there in red lettering. If so, with the ruck sopped, simply push the transfer case lever forward as far as it will go. Sometimes if you very slowly inch forward i will make it go in easier. If you have the auto hubs hey should engage automatically. To take it out of 4wd, pull the lever back all the way and back the truck up a few yards. The hubs should unlock, but sometimes they can be finicky. Keep trying. If they don't unlock, you will hear it.

[jaulette]

I do have the auto-locking hubs. Am I going to need a key to get those off to change a tire?

Tks,
Joe

[trooperbc]

Originally Posted by jaulette

I do have the auto-locking hubs. Am I going to need a key to get those off to change a tire?

Tks,
Joe

no! that fancy center piece is just a plastic cover. just pry it off. but wait. what do you mean a key? for what? are you talking about a locking lug nut?

//bc

[jaulette]

Ok...Looks like I'm going to need a lesson in locking hubs. Yes, the lettering is in red and I just assumed that they were for locking the tires. I will have to do some research I guess.

Had the Rodeo out quite a bit lately, rides like a champ and very solid. It did very well on the highway and I am pleased that it doesn't drink the gas up. Considering I just put $50.00 in the Ford Explorer.

Take care,
Joe

[trooperbc]

Originally Posted by jaulette

Ok...Looks like I'm going to need a lesson in locking hubs. Yes, the lettering is in red and I just assumed that they were for locking the tires. I will have to do some research I guess. ....Joe

ah, okay, now i understand. i don't know how deep you want to get into this. the locking part means the hubs, the wheel etc, are *locked* to the drive system so the front is powered just like the rear wheels.

the elementary explanation is: for 4-wheel drive, automatic locking hubs means you don't have to get out of the car and physically go to each front wheel and lock-engage the hubs so 4 wheel drive is active, and then to unlock you have to stop, get out and turn the gizmo at the wheel. (these manual hubs have certain advantages in simplicity and durability,etc.)

on your 'automatic' system you do it from behind the steering wheel by engaging the 4-wheel drive. to disengage you take it out of 4wheel drive with the lever *AND* back up in reverse a few feet which will disengage the hubs so they will no longer be driven by the transmission etc. but act like 'normal' nondriven wheels. (you can see it's not really 'automatic', but by comparison to manual it's easier).

your owners manual you ordered will help you here. also, don't you have an explanation on your driver's sunvisor?

www.wikipedia.com and www.about.com often have basic explanations of these kinds of things, if you are interested.

i'm sure someone else will chime in here now that they know the basics you want to know. you can also go to
http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewforum.php?f=1

and

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/postli...t=&Board=UBB68

hth

//bc

[trooperbc]

here's the article i was thinking of

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/four-w....htm/printable


//bc

[jaulette]

BC Thanks,
Got it now, I think...missed the info on the visor as it was black lettering on black. Looked at the links ya sent me as well. Very much obliged, ty sir.

Tks,
Joe