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Gen 4 2WD-L
- major clanger
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12 Sep 2026 10:11 #265248
by major clanger
Gen 4 2WD-L was created by major clanger
Hi,
I would like to be able to use 2WD-L for low speed trailer reversing etc. Ive read few threads but Im getting a bit confused; Do I switch the 2 vac solenoids using a double pole switch causing the front hubs to stay disengaged when 4WD-L is selected or do I switch the wire from the transfer box that tells the controller to go into 4wd mode?
Thanks
I would like to be able to use 2WD-L for low speed trailer reversing etc. Ive read few threads but Im getting a bit confused; Do I switch the 2 vac solenoids using a double pole switch causing the front hubs to stay disengaged when 4WD-L is selected or do I switch the wire from the transfer box that tells the controller to go into 4wd mode?
Thanks
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12 Sep 2026 15:15 #265249
by Lambert
Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
R.E.D Retired Extremely Dangerous
Bellerophon (2024 grello van) daily dose of disappointment.
Replied by Lambert on topic Gen 4 2WD-L
I've just used manual hubs to achieve it but my understanding is to use a switch to manually operate the vacuum solenoid system.
Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
R.E.D Retired Extremely Dangerous
Bellerophon (2024 grello van) daily dose of disappointment.
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14 Sep 2026 19:53 #265264
by Busta
Replied by Busta on topic Gen 4 2WD-L
My experience is with the gen3 but I'm guessing the system is similar on the gen4 because Suzuki don't like change.
The gen 3 has a 4wd switch on the transfer case with 2 wires going to it. When you shift the transfer case lever into a 4wd position the switch is closed and this signals the vacuum system to lock the front hubs. If you unplug the connector from this switch and then connect 2 new wires into the connector and run them into the cabin to a simple toggle switch you now have the means to choose when to lock the hubs. If the 4wd switch on your gen4 transfer case has 2 wires to it then just do this.
It's a simple mod that works great. The only thing you must not do is activate the hub switch while the car is moving AND the transfer case is in 2wd. The correct procedure is to select 4wd with the lever first (so the front driveline is engaged and rotating at road speed), then engage the hubs with the switch. Going back from 4wd to 2wd it doesn't matter what order you do it in.
The gen 3 has a 4wd switch on the transfer case with 2 wires going to it. When you shift the transfer case lever into a 4wd position the switch is closed and this signals the vacuum system to lock the front hubs. If you unplug the connector from this switch and then connect 2 new wires into the connector and run them into the cabin to a simple toggle switch you now have the means to choose when to lock the hubs. If the 4wd switch on your gen4 transfer case has 2 wires to it then just do this.
It's a simple mod that works great. The only thing you must not do is activate the hub switch while the car is moving AND the transfer case is in 2wd. The correct procedure is to select 4wd with the lever first (so the front driveline is engaged and rotating at road speed), then engage the hubs with the switch. Going back from 4wd to 2wd it doesn't matter what order you do it in.
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15 Sep 2026 09:04 #265267
by major clanger
Replied by major clanger on topic Gen 4 2WD-L
Thanks Busta, that makes sense.
I found a copy of the workshop manual and it details the 4wd controller. There are 3 switches shown; 4wd, slow off and vacuum. The 4wd and slow off are in parallel between earth and a 2 wire connector. My belief was that I could cut into the 4wd switch wire and simply put in a switch but because of the 2nd switch in parrallel this would likely not work and I need to do as you describe.
Thanks again
I found a copy of the workshop manual and it details the 4wd controller. There are 3 switches shown; 4wd, slow off and vacuum. The 4wd and slow off are in parallel between earth and a 2 wire connector. My belief was that I could cut into the 4wd switch wire and simply put in a switch but because of the 2nd switch in parrallel this would likely not work and I need to do as you describe.
Thanks again
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15 Sep 2026 11:54 #265268
by Soeley
Black 2019 Jimny SZ5
Soeleys Jimny
Replied by Soeley on topic Gen 4 2WD-L
Just found this
PLUG AND PLAY
switch .
Black 2019 Jimny SZ5
Soeleys Jimny
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- major clanger
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16 Sep 2026 09:05 #265271
by major clanger
Replied by major clanger on topic Gen 4 2WD-L
Interesting, well found. Looks like he is using Bustas method with a switch blank in the handbrake consul, pressumably because they dont have heated seats in India.
I found another Indian fella doing a switch in the dash version, looking at the picture of the loom he supplies it has 2 relays so I guess he is switching the vac solenoids which was the method I was considering.
I found another Indian fella doing a switch in the dash version, looking at the picture of the loom he supplies it has 2 relays so I guess he is switching the vac solenoids which was the method I was considering.
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