4-Wheel Lock Issue on 2006 Murano

It would only work that way if you had limited slip differentials. Otherwise whichever wheel spins the easiest is the one that gets the power (front and back).

My GF just bought a Santa Fe. Would I expect her 4-wheel lock to do the same? Exactly what then is the advantage of 4-wheel lock in a situation like mine, if any?? Please give me an example of an SUV that has "limited slip" differential??? Thanks very much for your help! Frank

According to specs, the Murano has a "locking center differential." So what was wrong??

A locking center differential is different than locking front and rear diffs. When you lock the center diff, both front and rear diffs get 50% of the power. But those diffs then distribute the power to the wheels and if they don't lock whichever tire can spin the easiest does.

Please excuse me but I need to follow up on this: (1) In a situation like the one I was in, is there any advantage to hitting the "4-wheel lock" switch vs. not hitting it? (2) Why is it called a "4-wheel lock" if it doesn't lock the four wheels? (3) What specs should I have been looking for when I bought the vehicle so that I would have had usable traction on all four wheels? And what specific vehicles should I have considered? Thanks again!

Marketing? Traction control should try to keep the wheel with the least traction from spinning by applying the brakes to that wheel, but in practice it's not as good as true locking differentials.

Instead of trying to argue points in this NG, perhaps the OP should contact his Nissan Dealer and have them explain how the 4-wheel lock system should work and the why's of why it didn't.

I could (and will) eventually call the dealer, but can you guarantee I'll get a straight answer there??? I like to get a diversity of ideas. Isn't that what newsgroups are all about??

#1. I can't guarantee you'll get a straight answer here.

#2. You don't want a diversity of ideas, you want a straight answer! See #1.

The four wheel lock on the Murano simply forces the system to evenly distribute power beween the front and rear. So if the right front grabs, the left rear will grab. This is true with all 4WD system in this modern day, unless you have a locking differential. I am not aware of ANY available that are configured for fully automatic engagement, although someone may know better than I. Typically locking differentials apply to rear wheel drive vehicles where 4WD is the drive train (such as a Nissan Pathfinder). The issue you face with locking differentials is that it not only becomes very difficult to turn the wheels (left and right) because both wheels want to spin at the same speed, but it also will ultimately wear and damaged the drive system if left in place on a non slick surface.

Willy