Question about Nissan X-Trail transmission

[Supergopher]

Hello everyone

I just bought a Nissan X-Trail XE Ti with AT. I have a few questions about the all mode transmission.

I read in the owner's manual, p. 5-20 Starting and driving, "LOCK mode will change to AUTO mode automatically, when the vehicule is accelerated."

1) At what speed is the mode switching from LOCK to AUTO? I read 30 km/h in an article of La Presse wrote by Eric Lefrancois. My dealer said it switch at about 50 km/h... Who is right?

2) Is it working the other way? If I slow down, is the transmission going back to LOCK?

3) My dealer said that I should pass to LOCK mode when the vehicule is not moving. The owner's manual state that "when driving straight, shift the 4WD lock switch to 2WD, AUTO or LOCK. Do not operate the 4WD lock switch when making a turn or reversing".

Should I forget the recommandation of my dealer and use the 4WD mode switch while moving forward ?

Thanks for your help

Supergopher
Montreal

[XTrail1]

The owners manual is the bible, the lock mode will be used rarely used in my opinion. Personally I would resort to it only when in a pickle ie. snow bank, ditch, mud etc. otherwise the auto mode is the way to go. In the summer I use 2wd unless we get a heavy rain.

[Supergopher]

Hello Xtrail1

Thanks for your reply. If you have to travel in a rough trail where only 4X4 can pass, you would prefer the AUTO mode?

I do a lot of fishing and hunting. I choose the X-Trail because of the All mode. Any information about this system is welcome...

Regards

Supergopher
Montréal

[The General]

Most AWD systems will alow a "locked" mode up to 30 km/h. This includes the Grand Cherokee and others. It will not return to lock mode only because it may not be necessary.

I agree with XTrail1. Use only when you need it. Even when you are driving off the road, leave it in "Auto" and let the system do the work. If the terrain gets really bad, then lock it.

[ghog]

Supergopher,
The AUTO mode is all you'll need for your fishing and hunting needs. Go to LOCK if you're in a really rough spot where you'll need all-wheel traction for a sustained distance. Aussie X-Trailers seem to use their vehicles extensively in the backcountry and use LOCK on the beach or in the desert -- that kind of thing. For, say, a logging road in Canada, AUTO does the job just fine. Keep in mind, when you're in AUTO, the X-Trail will always pull away from a stop in AWD, and only shift to 2WD once you're under way. If there's any hint of a loss of traction, it goes right back into 4X4. Works great.
I have a camp at the bottom of a steep, rocky slope that turns into a waterfall in the spring. I can crawl out of there in AUTO with no problem. I rarely find places where I need LOCK, but it's good insurance in case you get in over your head somewhere.

[wasabi4ever]

I agreed.

I only use 2WD in summer and AWD in winter... thats all you'll need.
The only time i can think of for using LOCK is when you are stuck in the mud or going at a really really slow speed trying to climb up a rocky slope or trying to go into a rough trail.

Other than that... AUTO is the best. It only use 4x4 when it really need to so save you gas.