AWD Details

[Paddler]

I've been trying to find details on the AWD system (not the 4x4 with 2-speed transfer case) in the 2018 Expy. Can't find anything definitive. Anybody have videos or tech articles on it?

 

[JExpedition07]

It’s basically a downgraded version of the control trac system used from 2003 onward. Basically where control trac normally has 2H,4A,4H,4L they just dropped the 4H and 4L Modes and you are left with 4A. It’s control trac minus some functions. Similar system but dropped the driver input and low range gearing.

 

[Paddler]

That's not what I have. I have the AWD without the HD tow package, so no 2-speed transfer case. I'm wondering what my system has for hardware and software. I have all the Driving Modes and can select 2H or 4A only.

 

[Mike Wolfe]

I have the HD tow package & FX4 option on our XLT
around the drive mode knob I have the 2H, 4A, 4H, 4L versions available
Also have the electronic locking differential

 

[dlcorbett]

The best article you will find on it is prolli the manual. From my u derstanding of the system, 4a will keep all the wheels spinning and designate power to any wheel that slips. This is also the main function of the drive modes, to simplify having to choose which mode you need for certain situations.

 

[Paddler]

The manual is not informative. The drive mode explanation describes transmission shift points, etc, not the AWD system so much. Is it a Borg Warner system, in-house or what? Electronic, brake torque? Inquiring minds want to know. I didn't get the tow package or locking differential, so don't have the 4L or 4H.

 

[JExpedition07]

It’s a BorgWarner transfer case on control trac equipped vehicles. None beyond the 2017 MY have a 4x4 High mode but 4A basically can act like 4H at times. 4A is usually sufficient I find as it chooses where to send the power via sensors. I use 4H when I’m in mud or deep snow.

 

[Paddler]

I thought that the 2018s with the tow package and FX4 have the two speed transfer case, so have 4H and 4L.

 

[rcompart]

4x4 vehicles with the center console mounted shift knob have either:

A) 2H and 4A only if they are equipped w/o FX4 or HD tow pkg

or

B) 2H, 4A and 4L with the inclusion of a selectable electronic locking rear differential if they are equipped with either FX4 or HD tow pkg

4x4 vehicles with column shift lever and dash mounted 4wd selector knob has 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L.

 

[Paddler]

4x4 vehicles with the center console mounted shift knob have either:

A) 2H and 4A only if they are equipped w/o FX4 or HD tow pkg

or

B) 2H, 4A and 4L with the inclusion of a selectable electronic locking rear differential if they are equipped with either FX4 or HD tow pkg

4x4 vehicles with column shift lever and dash mounted 4wd selector knob has 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L.

Are you sure about that? I thought all 2018 Expys have the center console mounted shift knob and Drive Mode selectors, and that the FX4 and HD tow package have the 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L system.

 

[JExpedition07]

Rcompart nailed it

 

[rcompart]

Are you sure about that? I thought all 2018 Expys have the center console mounted shift knob and Drive Mode selectors, and that the FX4 and HD tow package have the 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L system.

Fleet vehicles in XL trim have column shift so they can be fitted with a patrol console in police/EMS/fire vehicles.

 

[Paddler]

Rcompart nailed it

Okay. So, 4A replaces the 4H? I have had vehicles with 4L since 1985 and rarely used it, so the AWD without 4L should be all I need. Very confusing.

 

[Paddler]

Fleet vehicles in XL trim have column shift so they can be fitted with a patrol console in police/EMS/fire vehicles.

Gotcha. I was referring to those available to the general public. I still want to know what the system looks like and an explanation about how it all works.

 

[shane_th_ee]

I have the HD tow package & FX4 option on our XLT
around the drive mode knob I have the 2H, 4A, 4H, 4L versions available
Also have the electronic locking differential

Are you certain you have a 4H button? I, too, have an FX4 with the HD tow package and these are my center console buttons....

 

[JExpedition07]

The thing I’d like to have is the locking diff, although I haven’t needed one yet. For any serious off roading they are great it’s nice ford added that. The control trac does a pretty good job at sending power to the correct wheels with the ABS sensors and braking bias (I assume the AWD system on the 18’ operates the same as it’s basically 4A mode). The drawback to this is back when my front left ABS sensor harness got chaffed it displayed a wrench on the dash when I tried to engage 4WD.....so we lose the functionality. Here’s the 3rd gen selector:

 

[Mike Wolfe]

Am I bad
Just looked
I have an XLT with the FX4 & HD tow package
I have the same setup as Shane
2H, 4A, & 4L
Other button must be for locking differential

 

[proeasy]

In Florida on vacation at a state park that allows driving on the beach I have a 2018 expedition max with the tow package thus 4 Wheel Dr. low range. The beach driving includes some very fine sugar sand and it is quite deep in some sections and would be challenging on my motorcross bikes I put the expedition in four Lo and Locked the rear axle. Drove through the deep stuff with no issues most all other vehicles on the beach were jeeps or pick ups

When I first started off was in 4 Auto and did not change drive mode, but rear axle was locked. You could fee the traction control kick in, so quick selection of Sand Mode appeared to turn off the TCS. and moved on smartly On the way back 4 Low kept the revs up and seemed more controllable. Did it two nights in a row now, wife reminds how much this rig cost when playing in the sand

 

[aggiegrad05]

My platinum max has been crossing rivers for a week in south Texas...no HD tow and no FX4. Put it in 4WD, select “grass/gravel/ruts” on the drive selector, and off I go. I’ve seen two GMC Sierras and three F150s get stuck in the same crossing I’ve been handling with no issues.

All of which is to say: the “regular” 4wd is quite capable.

 

[Paddler]

My platinum max has been crossing rivers for a week in south Texas...no HD tow and no FX4. Put it in 4WD, select “grass/gravel/ruts” on the drive selector, and off I go. I’ve seen two GMC Sierras and three F150s get stuck in the same crossing I’ve been handling with no issues.

All of which is to say: the “regular” 4wd is quite capable.

Yes, but what does the hardware look like? Software? Still can't find any info.