Sluggish in reverse and on turns in 4HI

HedsIc · **Posted:** Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:28 pm

Sorry if this is in the wrong spot. I wasn't sure if I should have posted here or the FQA section

I have a 2006 KJ Sport. About 84k miles on it. I just got it a few weeks ago so I haven't had much of a chance to play around with it. For the hell of it today I put it in 4HI (parttime) while I was in the parking ramp here at work. I noticed that when I turn the wheel far to go around the corners it makes a weird whining noise under the hood and feels like it starts to loose power so I have to push on the gas much more just to keep going. It does the same thing when I put it in reverse and feels sluggish like it does not want to go and I really have to push on the gas(noticed it while parking). But it only does this in the 4HI setting where my dash will show PARTIME. Is this normal or do I have an issue I should get checked out? It doesn't seem normal to me but at the same time not only is it my first Libery every but it's my first 4x4 vehicle I've ever owned as well so I wanted to check with you guys.

I've also noticed that when I have the headlights on if I am rolling up 2 windows at the same time I can see my headlights dim. At the same time they brighten if I am parked and push on the gas a little I will see them brighten. I don't have any other Liberty's around me to compare these 2 issues to and I tried to do a search but didn't find anything (either I suck at searching or the issue is unique to me). The vehicle starts just fine with no issues so not sure if I have an alternator issue going on or what.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:43 pm

Do not use part time 4wd on pavement,or wet pavement.Causes driveline bind which is what you are experiancing with the heavy turning.Time to read the owners manual on how and when to operate the part time 4wd and 4low selections.

HedsIc · **Posted:** Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:52 pm

Ok will do. I just found the manual this morning actually. I thought it didn't come with one. Didn't realize there was al little hidden slot above in the glove box lol. It was the first time I used the 4x4 stuff in it. I've had it for a few weeks now and when I was in the parking ramp was like "hey I'll put this on for a moment while I find a parking spot just to at least say I finally used it once"

Was really hoping it was not a major issue since I just spent over a grand on a lift kit I'm waiting to arrive from JBA which left me flat broke for any repairs lol

I will take your advise and go over the manual though just to educate myself better on everything.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:56 pm

Hi HedsIc,

From your first question, I'd be willing to bet this is your first 4x4. No worries, I was there once too. Welcome to LOST! :JEEPIN:

Ok, your KJ's 4 wheel drive system is Command Trac, which is very different than you'd find on an all wheel drive car, like an Outback. Your Jeep's Part Time 4x4 system locks the front and rear wheels together so that they turn at the same speed. That makes for some serious off-road capability, but it is not good on dry (or even wet) pavement where your wheels already have traction. When you take a corner, the geometry of the circle makes it so that the front wheels need to spin at different speeds than the rear, which is why your Jeep is struggling on your parking ramp at work. This situation will bind the transfer case, leading to serious issues like a broken t-case chain or even blowing up the t-case (I'm not exaggerating-- I've seen pics of t-cases with holes in the side). I would say you are lucky so far, but from now on just use 4-hi and 4-low on dirt, snow, or ice, or any surface where you need traction, but where the wheels can spin at their own speeds.

As for your second question, I would say that you're just adding electrical load when putting up all the windows, so there is a little less oomph for your headlights. When you step on the gas, your alternator generates more current, brightening them back up. If you are worried, I think most auto parts stores (Advance, AutoZone, etc.) will test your battery and alternator for free. If you still have the original battery from 2006, you are probably getting close to needing to replace it.

Hope this helps. Read on the Jeep company website about Command Trac. http://www.jeep.com/en/4x4/ You can also download an owners manual from the Jeep site if the previous owner didn't include that. It is very important to learn about your 4 wheel drive system and when to use it (and when not to).
Cheers,
LFH

lfhoward · **Posted:** Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:57 pm

Looks like TJKJ scooped me while I was typing! :jester:

HedsIc · **Posted:** Thu Jan 24, 2013 1:08 pm

OK, Hopefully I didn't cause any lingering problems. Yeah this is my first 4X4. Thank you so much for all the info. Still so overwhelmed after trying to research lift kits recently lol. Don't worry I won't be asking any questions regarding that now lol.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Thu Jan 24, 2013 1:26 pm

Probably there won't be any lingering effects from such a short run on pavement with the 4x4 on. You'll be fine!

Thanks for doing your research about the lifts. Since you have done your homework, don't feel bad about asking for help. That is, unless you ask us if you can get 6 inches of lift from stacking a spacer lift on top of a spring lift... Then we might give you a little h3!l. :SOMBRERO:

What JBA kit did you end up going with? He sells quality stuff, so you won't be disappointed.

HedsIc · **Posted:** Thu Jan 24, 2013 1:52 pm

Tom Mudd helped me out with a lot of my questions. I whent with the Tommudd 3.5 Econo lift kit http://jeepinbyal.gostorego.com/tommudd ... it-kj.html

I haven't found much on here about anyone else running it but from what I have researched Tom knows his stuff so I trust what all he told me about the kit.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Thu Jan 24, 2013 2:01 pm

Sounds good. Tom knows his lifts, so you are in good hands. The reason there aren't a lot of postings yet about that lift kit is because it's only been for sale at JBA for a couple of weeks. It's a new offering. Of course, many Jeepers have run some unofficial version of it for years because they talked to Tom about what works well for the money.

HedsIc · **Posted:** Thu Jan 24, 2013 3:35 pm

ahhhhh that's cool. Yeah I gotta say I'm really glad I ordered through JBA. They have been really awesome and really fast proccesing. I still need to order the bumpstops and I assume extended break lines but aside from that I can't wait to get it lifted.

Sluggish in reverse and on turns in 4HI

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