* Manual Locking Hubs: These require you to manually engage and disengage the hubs. There's a ring or lever on each hub that you turn to lock or unlock them. This is done before driving off-road.
* Automatic Locking Hubs (Technically, these are "automatic" but behave differently than what the question implies): These are often referred to as "automatic" but they aren't truly automatic in the sense that they automatically engage and disengage based on speed. They engage automatically only when wheel speed sensor detects rotation. In other words, if your wheels are turning, the hubs will lock. If they aren't turning, they won't lock. These aren't something you manually engage or disengage like manual locking hubs. They are designed for 4WD use and will essentially remain locked until your 2wd shift position is selected.
To determine which type you have:
1. Look at the hubs themselves: Manual locking hubs will have a visible lever or ring. Automatic ones might have a small indicator showing locked or unlocked status, but they typically won't have a lever you manually operate.
2. Check your owner's manual: This will definitively tell you what kind of hubs you have and how to operate them.
If you have manual locking hubs: Turn the ring or lever on each hub to the "locked" position. You should feel it click into place. This is usually done *before* engaging 4WD. If you only need 4WD on the highway or similar surface, you don't want to lock these.
If you have what you call automatic locking hubs: You don't manually engage them. To use them, simply engage the 4WD system, and the hubs should engage automatically when the wheels begin to turn. They will remain engaged while your 4WD is selected.
If your 4WD system isn't working correctly (not engaging or disengaging), then the problem is likely in the 4WD system itself, not the hubs. This requires professional diagnosis.
