Why does Expedition always default to 2H and will not stay on 4A?

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mr_dave

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4A engages the front drivetrain (hubs, axles, differential, and front driveshaft), which means slightly more drivetrain drag and wear and tear. Power is then applied to the (already engaged) front via the transfer case as needed, when the rear slips. 4H just keeps power applied to front all the time.

2H disengages the entire front drivetrain. My assumption is that Ford made 2H the default due to MPG reasons.
 

chuck s

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My Expeditions "default" to whatever mode the knob is set.

In my case I set it to 2H 'cuz I can feel the needless drivetrain resistance in 4A although Ford says it's OK. (To feel it set the cruise control and switch in and out of 2H and 4A and notice the subtle changes.) I run 4A in the rain -- if I remember and have only used 4H or 4L on some boat ramps or pulling my camper out of a couple of campsites.

I recall my Explorer didn't have 2H and set that knob to 4A 99% of the time.

-- Chuck
 
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