A transmission question

[Terrano]

Hello, people!

I wanted to ask a question... I have no problem understanding the use of 4H, 4L, or 2H on the transfer gear-box (I don't know if it is a correct term, I got it in the dictionary ;-)))But when do I need to use the neutral? Once, several years ago, when shifting from 4L to 2H, I accidentaly switched to N and managed to not notice it ;-))) When I put the gear into first, and tried to move, I could not understand why the car did not want to move ;-)))

 

I cannot say the question bothered me terribly, I just thought about it now for some reason... I can understand the effect of N, but when do I use it?

 

Thanks for replies.

[94extreme]

when you switch from 4hi to 4lo you're suppposed to have the tranny in N

 

as to N on the transfer case... if you need to be dragged out or something and you're in 4 wd then sometimes you'll need N there to be able to get free

[denisb]

It actually dissengages the transfer case so that when your towing your vehicle the tranny is not turning at all. That's why you see a lot of Trackers and other small 4x4 vehicles towed behind big a$$ motor homes.

 

In the case of having an automatic tranny, even if you put your tranny in neutral, there are still parts turning in your tranny causing friction and heat without circulating the oil to cool it off.

 

Sooooo, heat is not good for a tranny, and that's how people burn auto trannys towing vehicles on long trips.

 

In the case of a manual tranny, you stand chances (even though very slim) that your tranny falls in gear and cause simillar problems.

 

The transfer case being set to neutral can eliminate this without adding any mechanicals to the vehicle.

 

Denis

[treywurst]

If you need to be pushed or pulled you will need N....

[Terrano]

OK, thanks for the explanations ;-)