Four-Wheel Drive Ford F150
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note: For important information regarding 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: If 4L is selected while your vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h), the 4WD system should not perform a shift. This is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L (4×4 Low) for proper operation.
Note: You can switch on and switch off the electronic locking differential by pulling the 4WD control (4WD vehicles) or turning the electronic locking differential control (2WD vehicles). See Electronic Locking Differential .
4WD Indicator Lights
Note: When a 4×4 system fault is present, the system can typically remain in whichever 4×4 mode was selected prior to the fault condition occurring. It should not default to 4×2 in all circumstances. When this warning is displayed, have your vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer.
4×2
Momentarily illuminates when 2H is selected.
4×4 Auto
Continuously illuminates when 4A is selected (2-Speed Automatic 4WD vehicles only).
4×4 HIGH
Continuously illuminates when 4H is selected.
4×4 LOW
Continuously illuminates when 4L is selected.
CHECK 4×4
Displays when a 4×4 fault is present.
Using the Electronic Shift on the Fly 4WD system (If Equipped)
2H (4×2)
For general on-road driving. Sends power to the rear wheels only and should be used for street and highway driving. Provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy at high speeds.
4H (4×4 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.
4L (4×4 LOW)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use on low traction surfaces, but does so with additional gearing for increased torque multiplication. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4×4 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 (4×4 low) for proper operation.
Shifting between system modes
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while a shift in progress message displays can improve engagement/disengagement performance.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping or while applying the accelerator pedal.
Note: You may hear some noise as the system shifts or engages; this is normal.
You can move the control from 2H or 4H at a stop or while driving. The information display may display a message indicating a 4×4 shift is in progress. Once the shift is complete the message center can then display the system mode selected.
Shifting to or from 4L (4×4 low)
Note: You may hear some noise as the system shifts or engages; this is normal.
- Bring your vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
- Place the transmission in neutral (N).
- Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
The information display can display a message indicating a 4×4 shift is in progress. The information display can then display the system mode selected. If any of the above shift conditions are not 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 information display, a transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move your vehicle forward approximately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the transmission back to neutral (N) to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift.
Using the 2-Speed Automatic 4WD System (If Equipped)
This system includes an electronically controlled transfer case with a high capacity clutch. The system is interactive with the road, continually monitoring and adjusting power delivery to the front and rear wheels to optimize traction.
Note: The AdvanceTrac system has the ability to take over control of the transfer case clutch in 4A mode and disable it during driving maneuvers when necessary.
Note: The information display may show messages during 4WD operation. See Information Messages .
2H (4×2)
For general on-road driving, this mode provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy at high speeds. Sends power to the rear wheels only.
4A (4×4 AUTO)
Provides electronic controlled four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear wheels, as required, for increased traction. 4A tuning varies based on selected Drive Mode See Drive Control (page 278). . 4A in Normal and Sport is appropriate for all on-road driving conditions, including, dry road surfaces. 4A in Snow/Wet is appropriate for slippery on-road conditions such as snow and ice covered roads.
4H (4×4 HIGH)
Provides electronically or 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.
4L (4×4 LOW)
Provides electronically or mechanically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use on low traction surfaces, but does so with additional gearing for increased torque multiplication. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4×4 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 (4×4 low) for proper operation.
Shifting between system modes
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while a shift in progress message displays can improve engagement/disengagement performance.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping or while applying the accelerator pedal.
Note: You may hear some noise as the system shifts or engages; this is normal.
You can move the control from 2H to 4A or 4H at a stop or while driving. The information display may display a message indicating a 4×4 shift is in progress. Once the shift is complete the message center can then display the system mode selected.
Shifting to or from 4L (4×4 low)
Note: You may hear some noise as the system shifts or engages; this is normal.
- Bring your vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
- Place the transmission in neutral (N).
- Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
The information display can display a message indicating a 4×4 shift is in progress. The information display can then display the system mode selected. If any of the above shift conditions are not 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 information display, a transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move your vehicle forward approximately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the transmission back to neutral (N) to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift.
Operating 4WD vehicles with spare or mismatched tires
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the size of the spare tire can affect the 4×4 system. If there is a significant difference between the size of the spare tire and the remaining tires, you may have limited four-wheel drive functionality.
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly, it is recommended that you do not:
- Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) with a 4WD mode turned on.
- Turn on a 4WD mode unless the vehicle is stationary.
- Use 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 experience the following:
- Additional noise from the transfer case or other drive components.
- Difficulty shifting out of a mechanically locked 4WD mode.
Use of a dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly may lead to impairment of the following:
- Comfort and noise.
- Winter weather driving capability.
- Wet driving capability.
- Four-wheel drive capability.
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.
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.
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 while your vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern.
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: Your vehicle may have an underbody transmission shield and brackets. Due to low ground clearance, you can damage them when taking your vehicle off-road. Remove the shield by disengaging the fasteners at each corner of the shield. Then, remove the shield’s rear brackets by removing the bracket to frame bolts.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially equipped 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 (when you select a 4WD mode) 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 turn the steering wheel sharply while returning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of the road and slow down gradually before returning to the road. You may lose control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
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 (i.e. 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 changes in vehicle speed are required. 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 all 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 (i.e. from concrete to gravel) there can be a change in the way your vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e. steering, acceleration or braking).
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid excessive wheel slip.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures, use a low gear when possible. Low gear operation can maximize 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.
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 while moving slowly.
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.
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 try to 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 can 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 can cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
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. Disengage overdrive or 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, apply the brakes steadily. 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 while 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 Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes (page 234).
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.
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 some 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 it is parked. Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the neutral (N) position. Set the parking brake fully 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 (i.e., 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.