[CaryBosse]

...

Or maybe tape a mouse trap to the headlight knob - I bet it would only take a few 'snaps' to teach your fingers where to go and where not to go.

I can see it now, a DIY on how to wire a Taser to the headlight switch to insure you don't turn the wrong knob.

 

[_Montana_]

I think I would have taken this one to the grave with me...

Get some ranger bands or a glow in the dark paint marker. I've seen people do it for climate control knobs as well. It is an odd location for the 4wd switch.

 

[bondo dust]

I have the same issue why oh why are the knobs the same. How about buying RC car tires and cut one up to you have a tactile difference. I often have to really LOOK to see which switch is witch. I know where the knob I want but find the wrong one on the reaching. I guess feeling for both makes a lot of sense. **** I went to turn on the headlights in the fog and now in 4wd. ARRGH..🥵
Luck

 

[AZDieselGuy]

Exiting the vehicle, my knee moved the 4wd knob from 2wd to 4wd Lo. I didn't notice it right away. Now I check the knob before starting the truck.

 

[snowwy66]

Maybe adjust the seat slightly back or down?^^

 

[AZDieselGuy]

Maybe adjust the seat slightly back or down?^^

Only did it 1 time when the truck was brand new.

 

[fondupot]

Headlight switch is on the Left.
4x4 switch is on the Right.
End of confusion.
🤦‍♂️🤡🌏

Right!

 

[Red Mule]

Left is lights!

 

[NYSciGirl]

Last night while driving in some nasty weather, I switched from 4wd to 2wd. I accidentally grabbed the headlight knob & turned the lights off! My wife (& me, a little) freaked out. Of course it was in a rural area so it was “country dark.” City slickers, that means darker than dark, 😉.
Has anyone put anything on ONE of the knobs to differentiate the two by feel?
View attachment 440946

Amazon.com: Jimen Compatible with Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon 2014-2022, 8PCS Center Console Audio Volume AC Button & Turn Signal & Wiper Switch & 4WD Light Control Knob Ring Cover Trim (Black) : Automotive

Buy Jimen Compatible with Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon 2014-2022, 8PCS Center Console Audio Volume AC Button & Turn Signal & Wiper Switch & 4WD Light Control Knob Ring Cover Trim (Black): Center Consoles - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Bison2021]

warning - don’t try this at home…

Yes - I’ve done it on the freeway twice and it annoyed the piss out of me! Funny thing is I committed to a fix and just beat it into my head that, “The right is not the light” every time I even thought about the switches…

Well now I can’t get that stupid phrase out of my head so no mod needed… I’ll probably need a lobotomy to get the stupid phrase out of my head.

So fair warning, don’t commit to it cause it’s hard to take back and make go away…

 

[Ev123]

Last night while driving in some nasty weather, I switched from 4wd to 2wd. I accidentally grabbed the headlight knob & turned the lights off! My wife (& me, a little) freaked out. Of course it was in a rural area so it was “country dark.” City slickers, that means darker than dark, 😉.
Has anyone put anything on ONE of the knobs to differentiate the two by feel?
View attachment 440946

I have a 2017 colorado. I dont think you are supposed to switch the 4 wheel drive while in gear. Has that changed with newer models?

 

[Rhobz]

I have a 2017 colorado. I dont think you are supposed to switch the 4 wheel drive while in gear. Has that changed with newer models?

In my 2022, you can switch into 4WD HIGH at any speed up to 75 mph as long as you aren't slipping any tires. You can switch into 4WD LOW as long as you are moving less than 3ph and the transmission is in Neutral.

 

[snowwy66]

I usually switch stopped at the light.
Trans in neutral and flip.

Old habits die hard.

Beats getting out and manually rotating the lock hubs for sure.

 

[Limptriscuit]

I have a 2017 colorado. I dont think you are supposed to switch the 4 wheel drive while in gear. Has that changed with newer models?

If you have the switch then its shift on the fly, you can be in gear and moving.

 

[Haskco]

Last night while driving in some nasty weather, I switched from 4wd to 2wd. I accidentally grabbed the headlight knob & turned the lights off! My wife (& me, a little) freaked out. Of course it was in a rural area so it was “country dark.” City slickers, that means darker than dark, 😉.
Has anyone put anything on ONE of the knobs to differentiate the two by feel?
View attachment 440946

I had the same experience on my 2017 Colorado. That taught me to always reach for two knobs at the same time so my hand knew which one it was on. That way I knew to turn the right hand one to shift in and out of 4WD.

 

[Stinson Driver]

I flew jets for a living (now retired) for 38 years. Aircraft designs try very hard to make controls sensible. In the row of light switches in Boeings, each function has a different shaped handle so you can tell by feel if you have the right switch. The flap handle is shaped like a small little wing flap. The landing gear lever handle is a wheel shaped thingy. I have always marveled at how exactly opposite to that idea the light knob/4WD knob combo is with our trucks. Bad design!

I like the idea of putting something onto one of the knobs to make them feel different. The hair scrunchy idea is good but there are none of them in my household. I think I might try one of those extra heavy rubber bands that come around bunches of brocolli - I think it would fit the knob perfectly and give good tactile feedback. I know we have one or two of those in the kitchen drawer.

 

[Bison2021]

I have a 2017 colorado. I dont think you are supposed to switch the 4 wheel drive while in gear. Has that changed with newer models?

I’m pretty sure most are “On the fly 4 wheel drive” now as stopping to switch is more likely to get you stuck… Just avoid doing it with any wheel spin…

Not 100% on all trucks, but I know some will just flash the indicator as a “no-go” sign until wheel speeds are the same because sensors won’t allow the shift to try and possible have the gears rip apart…

 

[QVORLON]

I just know which is which.

I learned with my Knee hitting the 4x4 knob getting in.

Me too.

 

[93Duc]

Have a spouse or friend who is riding with you unexpectedly and intermittently (mix it up) call out one of those switches while you are driving and you touch the correct switch (index and thumb). After a session or two have them do this while you are talking mid sentence, etc.

By ‘mix it up‘ is meant that just because they said lights last time doesn’t mean they can’t say lights the next time. Designate and convey to the caller simple nomenclature for each switch beforehand.
Expl: Lights / Driveline

Once the neurological pathway* is established you will be all set.



*No such thing as so called ‘muscle memory’, it’s merely a catchy phrase. Also, it’s a very simple movement, so it won’t require hundreds of repetitions.

 

[Rhobz]

I have yet to find myself in a situation where I have .025 seconds to find the right switch. Are there emergency scenarios like this? I have never had a problem taking the 1 second to physically check "Am I touching the left one or the right one?". Maybe I just don't lead a daring enough life?