I have a Ford Explorer XLT 2006. I am still confused on the 4x4 auto.

Sounds correct. verify with your owners manual in the glovebox.

the button should depress. when in 4x4 auto it will only activate when it senses a wheel(s) are spinning then it provides more traction until it determines all four wheels are moving at the same speed again then you will be in 2wd drive again. you push 4x4 high when you want to be in 4x4 all the time without the vehicle deciding if it wants to be or not.

I've found that the 4x4 Auto button does NOT depress because, after all it's supposed to be automatic. If you need to turn the 4x4 on, then depress the 4x4 HIGH button. The auto shuts off automatically when it no longer senses the need for it, but I generally shut it off before, but depressing the 4x4 AUTO button.

Well if the button does not depress how do you select it? if you have it 4x4 high how would you select that you want auto

It's AUTOmatic ... comes on by itself when it feels the need. If you're driving in snow or mud and it senses that you're going to need 4x4, it will come on by itself. The little light on the dash will indicate that it's on. You do have the option of turning 4x4 HIGH on if you choose to do so.

Yeah i know that. if the vehicle is in 4x4 that is how you get it out you select automatic you apperntly didnt read my first answer

i work at a ford dealership i work on these vehicles day in and day out. i think i know what im talking about you can select auto because that means the vehicle is in 2wd until it deems necessary that it needs 4x4. it is a selection because if you are in 4x4 high how else would you get it out of four wheel drive you cant keep pressing 4x4 high. you select the auto option which is 2wd

4x4auto - power to all four wheels used for normal street and highway driving 4x4high-used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads or in off road situations . not intended for use on dry pavement 4x4 low uses extra gearing to provide maximimum power to all four wheels . Intended for off road applications such as deep sand,steep grades or pulling heavy objects. . 4x4 low will no engage when the vehicle is moving. --- According to 2002 explorer manual pg 204

You guys don't know how to answer technical questions, because you are users and not technical engineers. An engineer would explain the components and what they are doing during operation. Like, there is an electronic CLUTCH in the TRANSFER CASE and it ENGAGES when the ABS computer senses the rear wheels are spinning FASTER than the front wheels. 4x4 auto , AUTOMATICALLY engages AS NEEDED. The rest of the time it is NOT ENGAGED. SO YOU ARE IN 2WD.....until you spin the rear wheels. OK?

mark is smarter than us! thanks