What happens to the automatic transmission when one tows a RWD veh (w/drive shaft disconnected from the rear differential) in the 4WD HI mode? The normal mode is to tow in 2WD mode. In both cases transmission is in neutral.
I'm a bit confused about your post. Please bear with me, I'm going to ask some questions that will hopefully set your situation straight in my mind.
The "normal" definition of a RWD (rear wheel drive) vehicle is exactly that: only the rear wheels drive. But from your post, it sounds like what you have is a 4WD (four wheel drive) vehicle, is that correct?
The fact that you mention 4WD HI implies that there is also a 4WD LO, correct?
When you say "tow", do you mean four-down or with the front wheels on a dolly?
When you say "In both cases the transmission is in neutral." Is the transmission in neutral or the transfer case in neutral (assuming that's an option), or are BOTH in neutral?
Could you post the make, model, year, drive-train details (engine.tranny (auto/standard)) etc.? Any of that could help as well.
So, if I have this right, then your question is:
"What happens to the automatic transmission when one tows a 4WD vehicle (w/drive shaft diconnected from the rear differential) when in the 4WD HI mode? (Please specify: Four down towing or dolly towing?)
The answer may depend upon whether or not the transfer case was in neutral (if so equipped), automatic or manual transmission, and possibly the make & model of the vehicle. Or at least, I think it might. Hopefully someone on the forum can be more help than I.
~Rick
2005 Georgie Boy 3625 DS on a Workhorse W-22 (Class A)
Rick, Gail, 1 girl (12-Angel), 1 girl (7), 2 boys (8 & 5), 1 plump Golden Retriever.
2001 Honda Odyssey with Demco Aluminator tow bar & tow plate, SMI Silent Partner brake controller.
Well I think if he's in "4WD HI" mode that would imply the transfer case is not in neutral wouldn't it? My guess - and it surely is a guess - a) that since he removed the rear shaft the transfer case has no neutral, only 4 Hi and 4 Lo; and b) that IF the OP has auto-locking front hubs and they stayed unlocked he is fine. If they decided to lock up it would seem to me you could do some damage to your automatic transmission even if it is in neutral.
Dave
Life doesn't come with a safety fence around it... enjoy it anyway.
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