4H Driving on dry pavement

[unesimpson1]

I am looking for experienced opinions on whether or not I could have damaged my truck (‘22 Exp eLSD). I was returning from a camping trip, selected drive mode Tow/Haul, and noticed the drive system was in 4H. I dumbly assumed the drive mode Tow/Haul selected 4H automatically, and drove on — for about 150 miles until a pit stop. When navigating out of the gas station and back to the interstate, at 10 mph or so, I noticed the strange noise and grabbing. Then I realized I should be in 2H, or 4A and never have locked front/rear on dry pavement. Question: The car runs fine, no problem with the drive system, that I can tell, but, could I have damaged the transfer case or other components? I am considering changing the fluid in the transfer case, just as a way to make amends . Seriously, could the fluid have been overheated, or could there be gear filings, etc. due to over-working the system — and new fluid would help avoid problems. Is there any way to detect damage, other than discovering it at 30,000 miles and in the middle of nowhere on a trip?

On another note, when considering this, and eating my fast-food (only at red lights) I noticed my box of chicken nuggets sitting on the console had selected 4H inadvertently. If driving on dry pavement in 4H is so bad, how can it be so easy to put it in that mode, around town?

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I am looking for experienced opinions on whether or not I could have damaged my truck (‘22 Exp eLSD). I was returning from a camping trip, selected drive mode Tow/Haul, and noticed the drive system was in 4H. I dumbly assumed the drive mode Tow/Haul selected 4H automatically, and drove on — for about 150 miles until a pit stop. When navigating out of the gas station and back to the interstate, at 10 mph or so, I noticed the strange noise and grabbing. Then I realized I should be in 2H, or 4A and never have locked front/rear on dry pavement. Question: The car runs fine, no problem with the drive system, that I can tell, but, could I have damaged the transfer case or other components? I am considering changing the fluid in the transfer case, just as a way to make amends . Seriously, could the fluid have been overheated, or could there be gear filings, etc. due to over-working the system — and new fluid would help avoid problems. Is there any way to detect damage, other than discovering it at 30,000 miles and in the middle of nowhere on a trip?

On another note, when considering this, and eating my fast-food (only at red lights) I noticed my box of chicken nuggets sitting on the console had selected 4H inadvertently. If driving on dry pavement in 4H is so bad, how can it be so easy to put it in that mode, around town?

You couldn’t have done anything to the car, worse thing that could’ve happened would be more tire wear. The car would’ve alerted you if the transfer case was overheating. You’re perfectly fine.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

Just curious, I have a 2019 Limited with HD tow and eld and I don't even have a 4H button, just 2H, 4A, and 4L and locking rear end...What trim level and/or package do you have?

 

[unesimpson1]

Timberline

I have all the buttons you mentioned, plus the 4H in the lower right-hand position around the drive mode dial, if I recall correctly.

 

[Deadman]

Its fine. Not great idea, but its fine.

 

[SyndicateZ]

Just curious, I have a 2019 Limited with HD tow and eld and I don't even have a 4H button, just 2H, 4A, and 4L and locking rear end...What trim level and/or package do you have?

I have the same as you.

Pretty sure only the newer models got the 4H

 

[Rob6805]

Just curious, I have a 2019 Limited with HD tow and eld and I don't even have a 4H button, just 2H, 4A, and 4L and locking rear end...What trim level and/or package do you have?

Same with my 21. To get 4H you need to put the drive mode in Snow or Sand (something like that) and that will give you 4H. Glad they put a button for it in 22+.

 

[unesimpson1]

Same with my 21. To get 4H you need to put the drive mode in Snow or Sand (something like that) and that will give you 4H. Glad they put a button for it in 22+.

That makes sense because I read that for my '22, "Tow/Haul allows 'all driving modes'" (similar to snow and sand)...which would include 4H, it's just that you shouldn't do it on dry pavement. Although I will check to see if my 4H button works in "Normal" or "Eco".

 

[2020FordRaptor]

That makes sense because I read that for my '22, "Tow/Haul allows 'all driving modes'" (similar to snow and sand)...which would include 4H, it's just that you shouldn't do it on dry pavement. Although I will check to see if my 4H button works in "Normal" or "Eco".

The 4h button works in any mode.

 

[Soliyou]

I am looking for experienced opinions on whether or not I could have damaged my truck (‘22 Exp eLSD). I was returning from a camping trip, selected drive mode Tow/Haul, and noticed the drive system was in 4H. I dumbly assumed the drive mode Tow/Haul selected 4H automatically, and drove on — for about 150 miles until a pit stop. When navigating out of the gas station and back to the interstate, at 10 mph or so, I noticed the strange noise and grabbing. Then I realized I should be in 2H, or 4A and never have locked front/rear on dry pavement. Question: The car runs fine, no problem with the drive system, that I can tell, but, could I have damaged the transfer case or other components? I am considering changing the fluid in the transfer case, just as a way to make amends . Seriously, could the fluid have been overheated, or could there be gear filings, etc. due to over-working the system — and new fluid would help avoid problems. Is there any way to detect damage, other than discovering it at 30,000 miles and in the middle of nowhere on a trip?

On another note, when considering this, and eating my fast-food (only at red lights) I noticed my box of chicken nuggets sitting on the console had selected 4H inadvertently. If driving on dry pavement in 4H is so bad, how can it be so easy to put it in that mode, around town?

If the 150 miles were highway miles with no tight corners then it is ok. Straight line or slight highway curves will not do damage. The fact it grabbed at the gas station means clutches are still working properly.

Now, if changing the fluid will make you feel better, it is a very easy job. No need even to put it on ramps and the Mercon LV (for 2018 - check manual for correct fluid) is available everywhere.

 

[chuck s]

"Locked" 4x4 on any pavement will cause axle wind up which will "bang" when the tires finally slip and release the stored twist. Other than the frightening noise there seems to be no other problems. But if you've experienced the "bang" on an old Army 5-ton first hand you're unlikely to forget it!

When I read these Gen4 issues regarding the placement of these controls I'm thankful I bought my 2017 Gen3 and didn't wait for the 2018 models despite the nicer gearbox and fuel injection. Big gear lever not a dial (never have to look at it), the 4x4 controls are on the dash (2H, 4A, 4H, 4L), and the tow-haul and gear lockouts on the gear lever. Unlikely of accidentally activating anything I don't want. I sometimes refer to 4A as "Subaru mode" 'cuz we have two Subies. Set it and forget it.

-- Chuck

 

[mhExped]

Same with my 21. To get 4H you need to put the drive mode in Snow or Sand (something like that) and that will give you 4H. Glad they put a button for it in 22+.

Mud and Ruts, I believe...For those of us w/o the (very sensible) button to select 4H.

 

[denisdrew]

Probably not a problem with newer models. Years ago I accidently left my older exp in fixed 4W and drove it about 200 miles to home. On the way back to my cabin in the snow I realized I had no front wheel traction. Turns out my left front axel was broken.