I've just bought a new Panda Cross When activating 4WD - by turning the control knob clockwise - the off-road light on the knob is illuminated and a message is displayed briefly in the dash. The manual advises that at approx 30mph, 4WD will be deactivated automatically. However, there doesn't appear to be any indication in the dash display to confirm when this has happened and that the car is no longer in 4WD. Also the light on the control knob remains lit in the off-road position until the ignition is turned off. Can anyone please tell me whether this is correct or is there a fault with the information display? Thanks.

4x4 will automatically engage - just leave the control on ‘auto’.
Selecting ‘off road’ forces 4x4 (up to 30mph) but also alters other settings such as limiting the ESC system, altering the throttle response, and allowing ‘diff locks’. Only turn it this setting when you know you’ll get stuck - eg in a seriously boggy field or in very deep snow - and do not use it on tarmac. Otherwise you may cause damage. (This is why it disconnects over 30mph, but re-engages when speed drops again)

My 4x4 - I have only once needed to force the 4 wheel drive once - the rest of the time (in mud etc) it seamlessly kicks in and out on the ‘auto’ setting (note: the 4x4 doesn’t have a button to select ‘auto 4x4’, as that is its default anyway. The Cross adds ‘hill descent’ but otherwise has exact same selections and capabilities as the ‘regular’ 4x4)

In both cars, there is no indication that 4x4 comes in - other than you don’t get stuck! In ‘off road’ mode (or when the 4x4’s ELD button is pressed), you *do* get an indication that the diff locks have operated, by the flashing of a yellow ‘diff’ icon (purists will say its not a diff lock. I know, but the effect is practically the same)

There is no fault with your car. To return it to ‘auto’ 4x4 mode, turn and hold the knob until the ‘auto’ light shows. It will remember the setting when the ignition is turned off.

Hi. Thanks for that. However I think my Cross (2019 model) is configured differently. There's no 'Auto' setting and I don't think it defaults to 4x4. Rather the default position is 2WD unless you consciously switch it to 4WD. In addition - as you say - there's a hill descent control function which can only be activated from 4WD and at very low speed. I'm concerned that you're saying one shouldn't engage 4WD on tarmac as there's no indication in the manual that this could cause damage. Is it possible that my version of the Cross is a different animal?

Mac99 said:

Hi. Thanks for that. However I think my Cross (2019 model) is configured differently. There's no 'Auto' setting and I don't think it defaults to 4x4. Rather the default position is 2WD unless you consciously switch it to 4WD. In addition - as you say - there's a hill descent control function which can only be activated from 4WD and at very low speed. I'm concerned that you're saying one shouldn't engage 4WD on tarmac as there's no indication in the manual that this could cause damage. Is it possible that my version of the Cross is a different animal?

Click to expand...

The position marked '1' on the diagram in the handbook is the 'auto' setting (see page 88 of the handbook, screenshot below). This means it delivers 98% of the drive to the front wheels, unless it detects a need to transfer up to 50% of the drive to the rear wheels all by itself, and reverting to 2WD as it needs to.
The handbook makes no reference to not 'forcing 4x4' when on tarmac - but still it best avoided as (if the wheels cannot slip to release built up loading, especially during tight turning moves - because there is no front-to-back centre differential) this can add strain to the drive train components. Try it and you'll 'sense' the wheels straining. In a slippery situation the wheels can release this strain by sliding on the wet/soft ground. Earlier models of the 4x4 came with a supplement to the manual that did a better job of explaining the system - see here https://www.fiat-lancia.org.rs/Manuals/other/Nuova_Panda/100015519.pdf (and spot the random French bit!)

Thanks for the further explanation - much appreciated. I'll certainly heed your advice about only using the off-road setting when absolutely necessary. Glad I took the trouble to join the forum!

If you fancy a long, but rather informative read, have a look at this older post in this forum. A few of the replies drift off topic, but generally it explains how the 4x4 works in a comprehensive way: https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-iii/449916-fiat-panda-4x4-system-how-does-work-4.html

thanks for this - having experienced "binding up" in an old subaru in 4wd on tarmac I can say it doesn't feel good and wouldn't like to do it to La Rossa (my 4x4 panda)