PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The four-wheel drive system in your vehicle
is a part-time system activated using the
rotary switch mounted in the center
console. In normal rear-wheel drive, the 2H
drive operation system directs torque to
the rear axle. Moving the switch to 4H or
4L directs drive torque to both the front
and rear axles, providing four-wheel drive.
Depending on your vehicle, further
four-wheel drive options may be available
on the switch panel located on the center
console.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:
For important information regarding
the safe operation of this type of vehicle,
see General Information in the Wheels and
Tires chapter.
Note:
Do not use 4H or 4L mode on dry,
hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may
damage drive components. 4H or 4L mode
is only intended for consistently slippery or
loose surfaces. Use of 4L mode on these
surfaces may produce some noise, such as
occasional clunks, but should not damage
drive components.
Note:
Selecting 4L when your vehicle is
moving, should not perform a shift until your
vehicle is stationary. This is normal and
should be no reason for concern. Refer to
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 Low) for proper
operation.
Note:
You can switch on and switch off the
electronic locking differential by pressing
the locking differential button. See
Electronic Locking Differential
4WD Indicator Lights
Note:
When a 4X4 system fault is present,
the system can typically remain in whichever
4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault
condition occurring. It should not default to
4X2 in all circumstances. When the warning
displays, have your vehicle serviced by an
authorized dealer.
4X2
E181778
Momentarily illuminates when
you select 2H.
4X4 HIGH
E181779
Continuously illuminates when
you select 4H.
4X4 LOW
E181780
Continuously illuminates when
you select 4L.
CHECK 4X4
Displays when a 4X4 fault is
present.
Using the Electronic Shift on the
Fly 4WD system
E277079
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Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)
2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving, this mode
provides optimal smoothness and fuel
economy. Sends power to the rear wheels
only.
Note:
2H may engage or disengage based
on terrain mode selection. See
4H (4X4 HIGH)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels for use in off-road or winter
conditions such as deep snow, sand or
mud. This mode is not for use on dry
pavement.
Note:
4H may engage or disengage based
on terrain mode selection. See
4L (4X4 LOW)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels with additional gearing for
increased torque multiplication. Intended
only for off-road applications such as deep
sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy
objects.
Note:
4L may engage or disengage based
on terrain mode selection. See
Shifting Between 4WD System Modes
Note:
Momentarily releasing the accelerator
pedal when performing a shift aids the
performance of engagement or
disengagement.
Note:
Do not perform this operation if the
rear wheels are slipping or when applying
the accelerator pedal.
Note:
You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
You can move the control between 2H to
4H at a stop or when driving up to 68 mph
(110 km/h). The information display may
display a message indicating a 4X4 shift
and the LED for the selected mode flashes.
Once the shift is complete, the LED light
for the selected mode remains illuminated.
Shifting To or From 4L (4X4 low)
Note:
You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
1.
Stop your vehicle when it is safe to do
so.
2. Place the transmission in neutral (N).
3. Turn the transfer shift switch from 2H
to 4L or 4L to 2H.
The information display should display a
message indicating a 4X4 shift is in
progress followed by the system mode
selected. If any of the above shift
conditions are not present, the shift should
not occur and the information display
shows information guiding you through the
proper shifting procedures.
How Your Vehicle Differs From
Other Vehicles
WARNING:
Vehicles with a higher
center of gravity (utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from
some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be
higher to allow it to travel over rough
terrain without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
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Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)
The differences that make your vehicle so
versatile also make it handle differently
than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all
times, especially in rough terrain. Since
sudden changes in terrain can result in
abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure
you grip the steering wheel from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes of the
steering wheel.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps.
You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the
area. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all
four wheels on the ground and they must
be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck and
Utility Vehicles
Note:
On some models, the initial shift from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive when
your vehicle is moving can cause some
momentary clunk or ratchet sounds. This is
the front drivetrain coming up to speed.
Note:
Your vehicle may have a front air
dam. Due to low ground clearance, you can
damage it when taking your vehicle off-road.
You can take the air dam off by removing
the bolts that secure it.
Note:
Momentarily releasing the
accelerator pedal when a shift in progress
message displays, should improve
engagement or disengagement
performance.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially
designed for driving on sand, snow, mud
and rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both
on and off the road.
The transfer case supplies power to all four
wheels. On four-wheel drive vehicles, the
transfer case allows you to select different
4WD modes when necessary. You can find
information on transfer case operation and
shifting procedures in this chapter. You can
find information on transfer case
maintenance in the Maintenance chapter.
You should become thoroughly familiar
with this information before you operate
your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive uses all four wheels to
power your vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot.
Basic Operating Principles
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•
When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
•
Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hard
surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and
may damage drive components. 4H or
4L modes are only for consistently
slippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle Leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed decreases, ease
your vehicle back onto the road. Do not
sharply turn the steering wheel when
returning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and gradually slow down before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you too
sharply or abruptly turn the steering wheel.
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Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)
It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should be
your primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle and turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency. Excessive steering can result
in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal when you require changes in vehicle
speed. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration
and braking. This could result in an
increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss of
vehicle control and personal injury. Use the
available road surface to bring your vehicle
to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another such as concrete to
gravel there can be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver using
steering, acceleration or braking.
Driving in Special Conditions with
Four-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable for
driving on sand, snow, mud and rough
roads and have operating characteristics
that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both on and off the
freeway.
When driving at slow speeds off road under
high load conditions, use a low gear when
possible. Low gear operation maximizes
the engine and transmission cooling
capability.
Basic Operating Principles
When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water, gravel,
snow or ice proceed with care.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Shift to a lower gear and drive steadily
through the terrain. Apply the accelerator
slowly and avoid excessive wheel slip.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand for
an extended period of time. This can cause
the system to overheat.
To resume operation, switch the ignition
off and allow the system to cool down for
a minimum of 15 minutes.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
maximizes the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this
causes vehicle momentum to work against
you and your vehicle could become stuck
to the point that assistance may be
required from another vehicle. Remember,
you may be able to back out the way you
came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can
lose traction in slick mud. If your vehicle
does slide, steer in the direction of the slide
until you regain control of your vehicle.
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Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts can cause an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may
be limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
bottom of the hubs. If the ignition system
gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop your vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying improves
by applying light pressure to the brake
pedal when slowly moving.
Note:
Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission. If the front or rear
axle is submerged in water, the axle
lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant
should be checked and changed if
necessary.
E143950
“Tread Lightly” is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities
in our nations wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management in
encouraging you to help preserve our
national forest and other public and private
lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should drive
straight up or straight down.
Note:
Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.
A danger lies in losing traction; slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, determine
beforehand the route you intend to use. Do
not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side.
Do not drive in reverse over a hill without the
aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start
in a lower gear rather than downshifting to
a lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn
around because this could cause vehicle
roll over. It is better to reverse back to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power could cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
E143949
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Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)
Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating.
Do not descend in neutral. Move the
transmission selector lever to a lower gear.
When descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could lose
control. The front wheels have to be
turning in order to steer your vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, steadily
apply the brakes. Do not pump the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING:
If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire
chains or cables, then it is critical that
you drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,
allow for longer stopping distances and
avoid aggressive steering to reduce the
chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death.
If the rear end of your vehicle slides while
cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of your
vehicle.
Note:
Excessive tire slippage can cause
transmission damage.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantages
over two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and
ice but can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide when driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and
ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and
steadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking. Although a
four-wheel drive vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in
snow and ice, it cannot stop any faster as
braking occurs at all four wheels. Do not
become overconfident as to road
conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between you and other vehicles for
stopping. Drive slower than usual and
consider using one of the lower gears. In
emergency stopping situations, apply the
brake steadily. Do not pump the brake
pedal. See
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or
Snow
WARNING:
Do not spin the wheels
at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
you may rock it out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:
Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature,
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:
Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, damage to the transmission
and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Parking
WARNING:
If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning
lamp remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
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Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)
WARNING:
Apply the parking
brake, shift into park (P), switch the
ignition off and remove the key before
you leave your vehicle. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury or death.
On four-wheel drive vehicles, when the
transfer case is in the neutral (N) position,
the engine and transmission disconnect
from the rest of the driveline. Therefore,
your vehicle is free to roll even if the
automatic transmission is in park (P) or
the manual transmission is in gear. Do not
leave your vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the neutral (N) position.
Fully set the parking brake and turn off the
ignition when leaving your vehicle.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and
tested to provide predictable performance
whether loaded or empty. For this reason,
we strongly recommend that you do not
make modifications such as adding or
removing parts that include lift kits or
stabilizer bars or by using replacement
parts not equivalent to the original factory
equipment.
We recommend that you use caution when
your vehicle has either a high load or device
such as ladders or luggage racks. Any
modifications to your vehicle that raise the
center of gravity may cause your vehicle
to roll over when there is a loss of vehicle
control.
Failure to maintain your vehicle correctly
may void the warranty, increase your repair
cost, reduce vehicle performance and
operational capabilities and adversely
affect you and your passenger's safety. We
recommend you frequently inspect your
vehicle's chassis components when your
vehicle is subject to off road usage.
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Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)
