There was a time when Four Wheel Bulldoze (4WD or 4×four) was typically found in Ford pickups and Broncos. Equally time went on, Ford began building their trucks more luxurious, and added a larger line of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). As these vehicles gained more beast comforts, they began appealing to people as family vehicles, and not just piece of work and recreation vehicles. Today, many people find themselves driving vehicles that take 4WD, just don't understand exactly how information technology works, or what the different settings mean. This page was created to help you lot better understand your Fords 4WD system.

How 4WD Works:

4WD vehicles use a transfer case that receives the power output from the transmission, and sends it to the rear axle. When the transfer instance is placed in 4WD, the transfer case splits the ability between the rear beam, and the front axle. This provides more traction when dealing with mud, snowfall, or other slick surfaces.

The transfer case tin can either be shifted manually, or by a dash mounted selector switch. The dash switch works by sending power to an electric transfer case shift motor, that shifts the transfer case for you. Unless you're driving a Ford Super Duty (F-250 / F-350) or something really old, y'all likely have a switch on your dash to activate your 4WD.

Locking Hubs – Yes on No?

In the first, Ford used manual locking hubs on their 4WD vehicles. This required you lot to get out and physically turn a knob on the front wheel hubs to lock the wheel and the axle shaft together. Then in the late 1980's, Ford began offering automated locking hubs that did not require you to lock them by hand. Ford eventually used an actuator, that locks the wheel and beam shaft together when needed.

Unless you're driving a Ford Super Duty (F-250 / F-350) or something really one-time, you're not going to have to deal with locking in your hubs. The locking hubs on the Ford Super Duty will exist discussed further down this page.

Ford Hub Lock

The (3) Current 4WD Systems:

1) Electronic Shift on the Fly 4WD System (ESOF):

This system includes an electronically controlled transfer case that allows you to shift the transfer case from a dash mounted switch. You can place this system considering the switch will display 2H / 4H / 4L. There volition NOT be a 4A setting.

The ESOF 4WD system provides iv×4 High appointment and disengagement while the vehicle is moving. It is operated by a rotary command located on the instrument panel that allows you select iv×2, four×four High or 4×4 Depression operation.

2H (4X2) – For full general on-road driving. Sends power to the rear wheels simply and should be used for street and highway driving. Provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy at loftier speeds.

4H (4X4 HIGH) – Provides mechanically locked iv-cycle drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use in off-road or winter conditions such equally deep snow, sand or mud. This manner is not for apply on dry out pavement.

4L (4X4 Low) – Provides mechanically locked four-bike drive ability to both the front and rear wheels for use on low traction surfaces, but does so with additional gearing for increased torque multiplication. Intended merely for off-road applications such equally deep sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4X4 low) should not engage while your vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is normal and should be no reason for business. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low) for proper operation.

Shifting between system modes:

Notation: Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while a shift in progress bulletin displays tin ameliorate engagement/disengagement performance.

Notation: Practice not perform this functioning if the rear wheels are slipping or while applying the accelerator pedal.

Note: You lot may hear some noise as the system shifts or engages; this is normal.

You can move the command from 2H or 4H at a stop or while driving. The information display may display a message indicating a 4X4 shift is in progress. In one case the shift is complete the message centre tin then display the system way selected.

Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low):

Note: Yous may hear some noise as the organisation shifts or engages; this is normal.

Bring your vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (v km/h) or less.

Place the transmission in neutral (N).

Motility the 4WD control to the desired position.

The information display can brandish a message indicating a 4X4 shift is in progress. The information brandish can then display the system mode selected. If whatever of the above shift conditions are non present, the shift should not occur and the information display can display information guiding the driver through the proper shifting procedures.

If Shift Delayed Pull Forward displays in the data display, a transfer example gear molar blockage is present. To alleviate this condition, place the transmission in a forwards gear, motion your vehicle forward approximately 5 ft (i.5 chiliad), and shift the manual back to neutral (N) to let the transfer case to complete the range shift.

Manual Locking Hubs (If Equipped):

Note: Auto-manual hub locks can be manually overridden past rotating the hub lock control from AUTO to LOCK.

This system uses auto-manual hub locks that can exist engaged and disengaged automatically based on the four×4 mode selected. It will increase fuel economy when used in the hub lock'due south recommended Machine mode.

For proper performance, make sure that each hub is fully engaged and that both hub locks are fix to the same position (both set up to LOCK or both set to Automobile). To engage LOCK, turn the hub locks completely clockwise; to appoint AUTO, turn the hub locks completely counterclockwise.

2) Ii Speed Automatic 4WD System:

This arrangement includes an electronically controlled transfer case with a loftier capacity clutch. The system is interactive with the route, continually monitoring and adjusting ability delivery to the front end and rear wheels to optimize traction. Y'all tin place this organisation because the switch volition display 2H / 4A / 4H / 4L.

Note: The AdvanceTrac system has the power to take over control of the transfer example clutch in 4A mode and disable information technology during driving maneuvers when necessary.

2H (4X2) –For general on-road driving, this mode provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy at high speeds. Sends power to the rear wheels but.

2-wheel-bulldoze with loftier range gearing (i.00:1) Rear-bike-bulldoze adequacy,

2-wheel electronic traction control system is enabled

4A (4X4 Machine) – Provides electronic controlled four-wheel drive with power delivered to the forepart and rear wheels, as required, for increased traction. 4A tuning varies based on selected Drive Style.  4A in Normal and Sport is appropriate for all on-route driving weather condition, including, dry route surfaces. 4A in Snow/Moisture is advisable for glace on-road atmospheric condition such as snow and water ice covered roads.

4-wheel-drive Motorcar with high range gearing (one.00:1) Full-time all-bike-drive capability,

Electronically adjusted torque dissever to front & rear wheels, Electronically variable center differential,

Front driveshaft & rear primary driveshaft immune rotational speed difference,

four-cycle electronic traction control system is enabled

In 4A mode the center differential is electronically-controlled and rear bulldoze wheel bias. The on-lath calculator monitors for any sign of rear drive bike slip (loss of traction)

If loss of traction is detected, the eye differential is told to ship a share of the engine'south torque to the front drive wheels. It will non permit the forepart driveshaft plow at the aforementioned speed as the rear driveshaft.

4H (4X4 HIGH) – Provides electronically or mechanically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use in off-road or wintertime conditions such equally deep snow, sand or mud. This fashion is non for use on dry out pavement.

4-wheel-drive with high range gearing (ane.00:1) Part-time 4-wheel-drive adequacy,

Continuous 50/50 torque split to front & rear wheels, Electronically locked eye differential,

Front driveshaft & rear principal driveshaft mechanically locked with no rotational speed difference,

4-wheel electronic traction control arrangement is enabled

4L (4X4 LOW) – Provides electronically or mechanically locked four-wheel drive power to both the forepart and rear wheels for use on low traction surfaces, but does so with additional gearing for increased torque multiplication. Intended merely for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4X4 low) should not engage while your vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low) for proper functioning.

4-wheel-bulldoze with low range gearing (2.64:1) Part-fourth dimension 4-bicycle-drive adequacy,

Continuous 50/50 torque split to front & rear wheels, Electronically locked center differential,

Front driveshaft & rear primary driveshaft mechanically locked with no rotational speed difference,

4-bike electronic traction control system is enabled, ESC and RSC are disabled

Shifting between system modes:

Notation: Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while a shift in progress message displays can improve engagement/disengagement performance.

Note: Do not perform this functioning if the rear wheels are slipping or while applying the accelerator pedal.

Note: You may hear some noise every bit the system shifts or engages; this is normal.

You can motion the control from 2H to 4A or 4H at a cease or while driving. The information display may display a message indicating a 4X4 shift is in progress.

Once the shift is complete the message center tin can then display the system way selected.

Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 depression):

Note: You may hear some noise equally the organisation shifts or engages; this is normal.

Bring your vehicle to a speed of three mph (5 km/h) or less.

Identify the transmission in neutral (N).

Motion the 4WD command to the desired position.

The information display tin display a bulletin indicating a 4X4 shift is in progress. The information display tin can then display the arrangement fashion selected. If any of the above shift conditions are not nowadays, the shift should not occur and the information display can display data guiding the commuter through the proper shifting procedures.

If Shift Delayed Pull Forward displays in the information brandish, a transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To convalesce this condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move your vehicle forward approximately 5 ft (1.5 thou), and shift the manual dorsum to neutral (North) to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift.

3) Transmission Shift On End (MSOS) 4WD Organisation:

This system uses a manual floor shifter, and locking hubs at the front wheels.

Note: The vehicle should not be driven in 4X4 High or 4X4 Low modes with the hub locks fix to FREE as this condition may impairment driveline organization components.

The 4WD system is engaged or disengaged past rotating the control for both forepart bike hub locks from the Gratuitous or LOCK position, then manually engaging or disengaging the transfer case with the flooring-mounted shifter. For increased fuel economic system in 2WD, rotate both hub locks to the FREE position.

Notation: High shift efforts may exist encountered when attempting to shift into and out of iv×4 modes. It is recommended to allow the vehicle to ringlet at a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h) when shifting between modes.

2H (4X2) – For general on-road driving. Sends power to the rear wheels but and should exist used for street and highway driving. Provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy at high speeds

4H (4X4 High) – Used for extra traction such every bit in snow or icy roads or in off road situations. This mode is not intended for apply on dry out pavement.

N (Neutral) – Simply used when towing the vehicle. No power to front or rear wheels.

4L (4X4 Depression) –Uses extra gearing to provide maximum ability to all four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended simply for off route applications such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects.

Shifting between system modes:

Note: Do not perform these operations if the rear wheels are slipping or when applying the accelerator pedal.

Note: Some noise may exist heard as the 4×4 system shifts or engages. This is normal. In society to reduce engagement noise, information technology is recommended that all shifts exist performed at speeds below3 mph (v km/h).

Note: The vehicle should not exist driven in 4X4 High with the hub locks disengaged every bit this condition may damage driveline system components.

Engage the locking hubs by rotating the hub lock control from Free to LOCK, then motion the transfer case lever from 2H to 4H at a finish or a vehicle speed below 3 mph (5 km/h).

Movement the transfer case lever from 4H to 2H at a end or a vehicle speed below 3 mph (5 km/h), so undo the locking hubs (optional) past rotating the hub lock control from LOCK to Gratuitous.

For proper functioning, brand sure that both hubs are set to either FREE or LOCK.

Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 Depression):

Bring the vehicle to a finish or a speed beneath 3 mph (5 km/h).

Identify the manual in N (Neutral).

Movement the transfer case shift lever through Northward (Neutral) directly to the desired position.

If the transfer instance does non, or only partially moves to the desired position, perform a shift with the transmission in N (Neutral) and the vehicle rolling at a speed below iii mph (v km/h).

If shifting to 2H with the vehicle at a consummate finish, undo the locking hubs (optional) past rotating the hub lock control from LOCK to FREE.

Using the North (Neutral) position:

WARNING –  Ever set up the parking brake and leave your vehicle with the transmission in park (P).

The transfer case neutral position overrides the transmission and puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission gearshift lever position. The vehicle can move forrad or backwards.

This position should only exist used when towing the vehicle.

Locking Rear Differential:

Note: The electronic locking differential is for off-road use only and is not for use on dry out pavement. Using the electronic locking differential on dry pavement will result in increased tire wear, noise and vibration.

The electronic locking differential is a device housed in the rear axle that allows both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. The electronic locking differential can provide boosted traction should your vehicle become stuck. You can activate the differential electronically and shift it on the wing inside the differential operating speed range. The differential is for use in mud, rocks, sand, or whatever off-road condition where yous demand maximum traction. Information technology is non for use on dry pavement.

The following atmospheric condition will affect the electronic locking differential:

  • The electronic locking differential will not engage if your vehicle speed is higher up 20 mph (32 km/h) in 4×2, 4×4 Automobile, or iv×4 High modes.
  • The electronic locking differential will non engage if your vehicle speed is above or 56 mph (xc km/h) in 4X4 Low.
  • The electronic locking differential may not engage if you printing your accelerator pedal during an engagement attempt. A message may display in the instrument display guiding you to release the accelerator pedal.
  • In 4×2, four×four Automobile, and 4×4 High modes, the electronic locking differential volition automatically disengage at speeds above 25 mph (41 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds beneath 20 mph (32 km/h).
  • In 4L (4X4 low), the electronic locking differential will automatically undo at speeds in a higher place 62 mph (100 km/h) and volition automatically reengage at speeds below 56 mph (90 km/h).
  • The AdvanceTrac system has the ability to take over control of the electronic locking differential and disable it during driving maneuvers when necessary.
    When you switch the system on, if yous do non meet the required conditions for electronic locking differential activation, the musical instrument cluster will display the appropriate information guiding yous through the proper activation procedure.

Activating the Electronic Locking Differential:

Note: Practise not use electronic locking differential on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing and so will produce excessive noise, vibration and increase tire article of clothing.

Note: If the electronic locking differential has difficulty disengaging, release the accelerator pedal and turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction while rolling.

For 4WD vehicles

Pull the 4WD command knob toward you.

Operating 4WD vehicles with spare or mismatched tires:

On four-bicycle drive vehicles, the size of the spare tire tin touch on the 4X4 system. If in that location is a meaning divergence between the size of the spare tire and the remaining tires, you may have limited four-wheel drive functionality.

When driving with the total-size dissimilar spare wheel and tire associates, it is recommended that you lot practise non:

  • Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) with a 4WD way turned on.
  • Plow on a 4WD mode unless the vehicle is stationary.
  • Employ a 4WD mode on dry pavement.

When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly, 4WD functionality may be limited, especially when driving in a mechanically locked 4WD mode. You may feel the following:

  • Additional noise from the transfer case or other bulldoze components.
  • Difficulty shifting out of a mechanically locked 4WD fashion.

Utilize of a dissimilar spare cycle and tire assembly may pb to impairment of the following:

  • Comfort and noise.
  • Winter weather driving capability.
  • Wet driving capability.
  • Iv-wheel drive adequacy.

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