AWD Mode

[Peter L]

Bought a low mileage 2019 Limited to replace a 2012 Limited. Wasn't real excited to discover that the old 2H/4A/4H/4L was switched to the drive mode but such is life. Immediately replaced the basically stock "street" tires with Falken Wild Peak AT3W. I generally run "Normal" (2H) drive mode but if there's snow on the road, I use the "Sand/Grass/Rut" mode which I think is basically the same as the old 4A mode and have had no issues at highway speed. No traction issues at all even with really bad conditions over the Eisenhower Tunnel approaches here in CO; and if the road is variably wet/snow packed, no issues leaving it in 2WD "Normal" mode. I put that down to the tires which I've run on the old and the new Expy for several years. Same good traction goes for fairly deep/loose sand in eastern CO when hunting - the same AWD setting worked great. Call me surprised but it seems to be as efficient as the old system although I will would prefer to be able to lock in 4WD. POint is, I don't htink you need to run in the 4A mode all the time (deer avoidance is an exception) IF you have decent tires, as in not the crappy stock LT street tires that come with the vehicle.

Only two other comments - I did see a drop in mpg when I switched to the Falkens of almost 2 mpg (-10%+ drop); I'll gladly give this up for the improved traction! The other thing I notice is that if I'm in the Sand/Grass/Rut mode (basically 4A), I can't get it out of that and back to "Normal" unless I switch it to "Eco" mode. Anyone else have this issue?

 

[lv2drive]

Bought a low mileage 2019 Limited to replace a 2012 Limited. Wasn't real excited to discover that the old 2H/4A/4H/4L was switched to the drive mode but such is life. Immediately replaced the basically stock "street" tires with Falken Wild Peak AT3W. I generally run "Normal" (2H) drive mode but if there's snow on the road, I use the "Sand/Grass/Rut" mode which I think is basically the same as the old 4A mode and have had no issues at highway speed. No traction issues at all even with really bad conditions over the Eisenhower Tunnel approaches here in CO; and if the road is variably wet/snow packed, no issues leaving it in 2WD "Normal" mode. I put that down to the tires which I've run on the old and the new Expy for several years. Same good traction goes for fairly deep/loose sand in eastern CO when hunting - the same AWD setting worked great. Call me surprised but it seems to be as efficient as the old system although I will would prefer to be able to lock in 4WD. POint is, I don't htink you need to run in the 4A mode all the time (deer avoidance is an exception) IF you have decent tires, as in not the crappy stock LT street tires that come with the vehicle.

Only two other comments - I did see a drop in mpg when I switched to the Falkens of almost 2 mpg (-10%+ drop); I'll gladly give this up for the improved traction! The other thing I notice is that if I'm in the Sand/Grass/Rut mode (basically 4A), I can't get it out of that and back to "Normal" unless I switch it to "Eco" mode. Anyone else have this issue?

agreed on the stock rubber being terrible...

i’m running 20” E-rated 10ply Nokian Rotiva AT-Plus that are beasts for almost every driving situation, with nearly zero decrease in mpg - sidewall strength & overal handling stability is A+ in general -

even before i swapped tires, i noticed that the steering tightens significantly in my 2019 when running in 4A vs 2H. that’s probably the most noticeable change & biggest reason i keep it in 4A with our crazy backroad curves.... the steeeing wheel tracking & accuracy are significantly improved (IME).

 

[Kudie]

Lokiwolf
my expedition and many more are like mine from the factory with fulltime locked hubs. Find the TSB and research a bit before you tell me i am wrong. You are not always correct and after dealing with these systems for 65 years i could teach you something. Don’t need a ******* match though so have a nice day.

 

[DGeis]

We got our first bit of snow, just a couple of inches, but playing around just a little bit I got a "4x4 temporarily disabled" error message. In about 60 seconds it re-engaged. It did it 3x, all prompted by breaking it loose. It's headed back to the dealer Friday.

I love the Expedition but if there's one thing I hate it's these drive modes. Sport turns on 4A. Turn the car off and back on Sport is no longer on but 4A is. And snow mode feels like you have to beg it to go.

 

[LokiWolf]

Front hubs are always locked on the newer f150 and expedition
Everything is always spinning.

You said this...which is completely and 100% incorrect. I drive a 2021 Job2 F150 Lariat PowerBoost that I DD. The hubs are the new EIWE variant, and they definitely unlock. Also, my 2020 Expedition(Wife's DD) also definitely unlock. I have had it off the ground for other reasons(repairing the crap Felt underbody piece), and the front wheels will spin independent of the front drive shafts. Therefore unlocked. Honestly, haven't looked for the solenoid, or looked at the back of the hubs, because well if they stop working, I will take it to the dealer(Under warranty).

Lokiwolf
my expedition and many more are like mine from the factory with fulltime locked hubs. Find the TSB and research a bit before you tell me i am wrong. You are not always correct and after dealing with these systems for 65 years i could teach you something. Don’t need a ******* match though so have a nice day.

You tell me to FIND the TSB, and research it...it is on you to prove this not me. I have seen the operation of a 2021 150(That you originally mentioned, not me) and a 2020 Limited Max with Heavy Tow and the ELSD. If your 2021 Stealth is different, prove it. Take a picture of the back of the Hub, or even the hub diagram associated with a confirmed Stealth VIN. I do not doubt you that ford is telling service departments to default them to locked as a solution, because of lack of parts. That is a valid work around, but proof is needed to validate your claim that "many" are coming from the factory fulltime locked. I am not saying you are wrong on the fact their might be a subset, but prove it!

I am not getting in a p-i-s-s-i-n-g contest, just merely asking for Data...

 

[LokiWolf]

We got our first bit of snow, just a couple of inches, but playing around just a little bit I got a "4x4 temporarily disabled" error message. In about 60 seconds it re-engaged. It did it 3x, all prompted by breaking it loose. It's headed back to the dealer Friday.

I love the Expedition but if there's one thing I hate it's these drive modes. Sport turns on 4A. Turn the car off and back on Sport is no longer on but 4A is. And snow mode feels like you have to beg it to go.

Were you trying to get it sideways? What Mode were you in? Just curious.

If you want to get it sideways and play, you need to turn off Advance Trak(Press and Hold TC Button), then it gets real fun. Very controllable. I have put it in several snow powerslides in a row, and never had issue. If you leave things on, it gets a little pissed.

 

[Gumby]

You said this...which is completely and 100% incorrect. I drive a 2021 Job2 F150 Lariat PowerBoost that I DD. The hubs are the new EIWE variant, and they definitely unlock. Also, my 2020 Expedition(Wife's DD) also definitely unlock. I have had it off the ground for other reasons(repairing the crap Felt underbody piece), and the front wheels will spin independent of the front drive shafts. Therefore unlocked. Honestly, haven't looked for the solenoid, or looked at the back of the hubs, because well if they stop working, I will take it to the dealer(Under warranty).


You tell me to FIND the TSB, and research it...it is on you to prove this not me. I have seen the operation of a 2021 150(That you originally mentioned, not me) and a 2020 Limited Max with Heavy Tow and the ELSD. If your 2021 Stealth is different, prove it. Take a picture of the back of the Hub, or even the hub diagram associated with a confirmed Stealth VIN. I do not doubt you that ford is telling service departments to default them to locked as a solution, because of lack of parts. That is a valid work around, but proof is needed to validate your claim that "many" are coming from the factory fulltime locked. I am not saying you are wrong on the fact their might be a subset, but prove it!

I am not getting in a p-i-s-s-i-n-g contest, just merely asking for Data...

Just as an FYI...Ford is 100% telling dealers (at least the dealer I was at) to lock the hubs. Diagnosis was a vacuum leak up front. Funny thing is it didn't really solve the problem. I just got mine back and the service writer was shaking his head at Ford saying this week it's this solution on the hubs, next week it's another. Mine is a 2018 with 94k miles.

 

[LokiWolf]

Just as an FYI...Ford is 100% telling dealers (at least the dealer I was at) to lock the hubs. Diagnosis was a vacuum leak up front. Funny thing is it didn't really solve the problem. I just got mine back and the service writer was shaking his head at Ford saying this week it's this solution on the hubs, next week it's another. Mine is a 2018 with 94k miles.

Thanks @Gumby! It is a legit shorter term workaround that gets the vehicle back out the door with 4WD working.

 

[DGeis]

Yes I was sliding it around the intersections in the neighborhood. I hit the button to disable the traction control. Does holding it down do something different?

I ended up getting sick this week so still haven't taken it into the shop.

 

[BMW2FORD]

Has anyone felt a surging or bucking feeling when in Sport mode, 4a and about a 1/3 throttle accelerating through 2nd. 3rd and 4th gears? RPM's are anywhere from about 1700 - 3000. Its not during the gear changes but in the gears accelerating. I'm looking to take my 2018 in for service soon and want to mention this but looking to see what others feel. In Sport mode and 2 wheel mode its perfectly smooth and in normal or eco mode in 4a its also smooth. Seems to only do it in Sport 4a lower trans gears.

 

[Peter L]

Not sure about the "bucking" thing....I have noticed that there is a hesitation when accelerating from a stop when it is "deciding" to shift from 1st to second or maybe second to third. It does this in ALL conditions - dry, warm, cold, and regardless of drive mode. I find it really annoying and will tell the dealer when I take the vehicle in for replacement of the accessory tray that no longer charges the phone (the capacative charging). Problem is they are booking appointments out into mid February.....

I would also agree with LokiWOlf - I ALWAYS turn off traction cotrol when it snows or is slick. Absolutely useless - I pull from a dead stop onto a semi-divided highway with traffic at 45+ MPH....the last thing I need is for the vehicle to think it needs to cut the throttle. Scared the bejeezus out of me the first timie it happened (and I do knwo how to handle a vehicle in the snow after 45 years of driving in it).

So what is the final consesus on leaving these in the "Grass/Snow/Sand" (4A) mode - does it cause excessive wear or not? Most of my mileage is on the highway at 70+ mph and I seem to recall that Ford said to take it out of 4A (on the older versions) if traveling above 55mph.....

 

[Anerbe]

I would expect the car would protect itself in driving at higher speeds in G/S/S mode. I'm sure most people will set it to get out of their neighborhood, then not think to switch it back to a normal setting on the highway.

In my '16 explorer, once I hit 50+, the 4WD power distribution screen would no longer show power being sent to the rear, and the car would act in front wheel drive mode only, no matter how much throttle I would apply. .

I believe in the Expy, along with rear power, the car will also send power to the front even at expressway speeds - you just need a bit more throttle application to activate the front (car begins to bias power to rear the faster you go).

 

[Aerogt01]

If you run 4A on bare road the front axle is spinning and sucking fuel. Run it in 2H when the roads clear, then use 4A when the snow shows up if it ever does.

Depending on the mode you select, the computer will actually disconnect the front axle if it doesn't sense that you need it. Watch your Off Road Power Distribution screen when just driving around normally in 4A.

 

[LokiWolf]

Depending on the mode you select, the computer will actually disconnect the front axle if it doesn't sense that you need it. Watch your Off Road Power Distribution screen when just driving around normally in 4A.

Yes, but 4A locks the hubs and they stay locked as long as you are in 4A/4H/4L. So the shafts will still be spinning.

 

[LokiWolf]

I would expect the car would protect itself in driving at higher speeds in G/S/S mode. I'm sure most people will set it to get out of their neighborhood, then not think to switch it back to a normal setting on the highway.

In my '16 explorer, once I hit 50+, the 4WD power distribution screen would no longer show power being sent to the rear, and the car would act in front wheel drive mode only, no matter how much throttle I would apply. .

I believe in the Expy, along with rear power, the car will also send power to the front even at expressway speeds - you just need a bit more throttle application to activate the front (car begins to bias power to rear the faster you go).

GSS is not designed for dry roads, as the power distribution is more aggressive than say 4A selected in Normal mode. Can you do it without damage, most likely yes.

Please do not compare this to a 5th Gen FWD Bias Explorer with a PTU unit. No where near the same.

Depending on mode, is how aggressive it sends to the front, or if you override by pressing the 4H/4L button, which simulates 50/50 FR split. Sport 4A, focuses on acceleration. Normal 4A is probably the most relaxed. GSS is slightly more aggressive, and M/R and Sand are basically like selecting 4H.

Hope that clears up a few things.

 

[KenK]

In Normal 4A when a tire starts to slip is there a delay before the system engages other wheels or is it pretty much immediate? What are the system reactions in different 4A modes? When does traction control kick in? Supposedly the system will use the eLSD under certain circumstances too, anybody have experience with this? Other than heavy rain I don't get much slippery weather and want to learn how the Expy reacts in ice and snow.

 

[Aerogt01]

In Normal 4A when a tire starts to slip is there a delay before the system engages other wheels or is it pretty much immediate? What are the system reactions in different 4A modes? When does traction control kick in? ... Other than heavy rain I don't get much slippery weather and want to learn how the Expy reacts in ice and snow.

I've experienced the clutch delay in the Commander, but the Exp keeps the front wheels locked in with a pretty high barrier to disconnect them. Any slip and they are quickly re-engaged.
To answer you other question the Exp is outstanding in ice and snow, dependent on tires.

 

[Anerbe]

You get more a slip /delay in Normal 4A vs. the more aggressive drive modes. Normal will try to use more the rear drive to save parasitic losses in normal driving.

Overall, still quite responsive and faster than the older slip detection technology.

 

[LokiWolf]

I've experienced the clutch delay in the Commander, but the Exp keeps the front wheels locked in with a pretty high barrier to disconnect them. Any slip and they are quickly re-engaged.
To answer you other question the Exp is outstanding in ice and snow, dependent on tires.

Again, in ANY mode other than 2H, the front wheels are always "locked" because the hubs are locked. The only thing that changes between 4A/4H/4L is how much the transfer case is sending forward to the front diff.

 

[Red Raider]

I hunt/camp and drive in a lot of muddy areas. I have a 2019 FX4. Most of the time 4A works just fine in most conditions......the four-wheel drive system just figures it out whether it's snow, mud, or just wet concrete. However, there has been a few times while pulling my tear drop camper off-road that I had to play with the settings to get moving again. When you have it in 4L, in the mud setting, the differential locked, and only then do you finally start crawling forward, you're happy you have the options. I leave mine in 4A virtually all the time and haven't noticed any differences in the mpg. I always left my 4X4 Armada in 4A, which I drove 200,000 miles with no issues. This is my third 4x4 Expedition that I bought new.