To deactivate the tow mode feature and
return to normal driving mode, press the
button on the gearshift lever twice. The
indicator light deactivates when the
system turns off. Tow mode also
deactivates when you power down your
vehicle.
Sport Mode
To activate Sport Mode, press
the button on the gearshift lever
until sport mode is selected. The
SPORT or S indicator light illuminates in
the instrument display when the system
becomes active.
The sport mode feature:
• Provides additional slope, engine
braking and extends lower gear
operation to enhance performance for
uphill climbs, hilly terrain or
mountainous areas. This increases
engine RPM during engine braking.
• Provides additional lower gear
operation through the automatic
transmission shift strategy.
• Selects gears more quickly and at
higher engine speeds.
To deactivate the sport mode feature and
return to normal driving mode, press the
button on the gearshift lever again. The
SPORT or
S indicator light deactivates
when the system turns off. The sport mode
feature also deactivates when you power
down your vehicle. Automatic Transmission Adaptive
Learning
This feature increases durability and
provides consistent shift feel over the life
of your vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm shifts, soft
shifts or both. This operation is normal and
does not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive
learning process fully updates transmission
operation.
Forced Downshifts
•
Allowed in drive (D) with the tow mode
feature on or off.
• Press the accelerator to the floor.
• Allows transmission to select an
appropriate gear.
Understanding your SelectShift™
Automatic Transmission
Your vehicle is equipped with a SelectShift
Automatic transmission gearshift lever.
The SelectShift Automatic transmission
gives you the ability to change gears up or
down (without a clutch) as desired.
In order to prevent the engine from running
at too low an RPM, which may cause it to
stall, SelectShift still automatically makes
some downshifts if it has determined that
you have not downshifted in time.
Although SelectShift makes some
downshifts for you, it still allows you to
downshift at any time as long as
SelectShift determines that damage to
the engine from over-revving does not
occur.
SelectShift does not automatically upshift,
even if the engine is approaching the RPM
limit. It must be shifted manually by
pressing the
+ button.
Note: Engine damage may occur if you
maintain excessive engine revving without
shifting.
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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 (4X4 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 (page 226).
4WD Indicator Lights
Note: When a 4X4 system fault is present,
the system can typically remain in whichever
4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault
condition occurring. It should not default to
4X2 in all circumstances. When this warning
is displayed, have your vehicle serviced by
an authorized dealer.
4X2 Momentarily illuminates when
2H is selected. 4X4 Auto Continuously illuminates when
4A is selected (2-Speed
Automatic 4WD vehicles only).
4X4 HIGH Continuously illuminates when
4H is selected.
4X4 LOW Continuously illuminates when
4L is selected.
CHECK 4X4 Displays when a 4X4 fault is
present.
Using the Electronic Shift on the
Fly 4WD system
(If Equipped) 2H (4X2)
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.
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2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving, this mode
provides optimal smoothness and fuel
economy at high speeds. Sends power to
the rear wheels only.
4A (4X4 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 274). . 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 (4X4 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 (4X4 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 (4X4
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
(4X4 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 4X4 shift is in progress. Once
the shift is complete the message center
can then display the system mode
selected.
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low)
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
1. Bring your vehicle to a speed of
3 mph
(5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in neutral (N).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
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The information display can display a
message indicating a 4X4 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 4X4 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.
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(If Equipped)
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.
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ELECTRONIC LOCKING
DIFFERENTIAL (IF EQUIPPED)
Note: The electronic locking differential is
for off-road use only and is not for use on
dry pavement. Using the electronic locking
differential on dry pavement will result in
increased tire wear, noise and vibration.
The electronic locking differential is a
device housed in the rear axle that allows
both rear wheels to turn at the same
speed. The electronic locking differential
can provide additional traction should your
vehicle become stuck. You can activate
the differential electronically and shift it
on the fly within the differential operating
speed range. The differential is for use in
mud, rocks, sand, or any off-road condition
where you need maximum traction. It is
not for use on dry pavement.
The following conditions will affect the
electronic locking differential:
• The electronic locking differential will
not engage if your vehicle speed is
above
20 mph (32 km/h) in 4x2, 4x4
Auto, or 4x4 High modes.
• The electronic locking differential will
not engage if your vehicle speed is
above or
56 mph (90 km/h) in 4X4
Low.
• The electronic locking differential may
not engage if you press your
accelerator pedal during an
engagement attempt. A message may
display in the instrument display
guiding you to release the accelerator
pedal.
• In 4x2, 4x4 Auto, and 4x4 High modes,
the electronic locking differential will
automatically disengage at speeds
above
25 mph (41 km/h) and will
automatically reengage at speeds
below
20 mph (32 km/h). •
In 4L (4X4 low), the electronic locking
differential will automatically
disengage at speeds above
62 mph
(100 km/h) and will automatically
reengage at speeds below 56 mph
(90 km/h).
• The AdvanceTrac system has the
ability to take over control of the
electronic locking differential and
disable it during driving maneuvers
when necessary.
When you switch the system on, if you do
not meet the required conditions for
electronic locking differential activation,
the instrument cluster will display the
appropriate information guiding you
through the proper activation process.
Activating the Electronic Locking
Differential
Note: Do not use electronic locking
differential on dry, hard surfaced roads.
Doing so will produce excessive noise,
vibration and increase tire wear.
Note: If the electronic locking differential
has difficulty disengaging, release the
accelerator pedal and turn the steering
wheel in the opposite direction while rolling.
For 4WD vehicles Pull the 4WD control knob toward you.
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AdvanceTrac with RSC Features
Traction
control system
Electronic
stabilitycontrol
Roll stability
control
Stability
control OFF light
Button func-
tions
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Illuminated
during bulb check
Default at start-
up
Disabled
Enabled
Enabled
Illuminated
Button pressed
momentarily
Disabled
Disabled
Enabled
Illuminated
Button pressed
and held for
more than 5 seconds
Enabled with
higher threshold target
Enabled with
higher threshold target
Enabled
Illuminated
Double press *
Sport Mode
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Not illuminated
Button pressed
again after
deactivation
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Illuminated
Transfer case
switched to 4WD Low
*On F-150 Raptor models, the double press function to put your vehicle into sport mode
is not available. You can access sport mode through the terrain management system.
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Canceling the Set Speed
Press and release the button, or
tap the brake pedal to cancel the
set speed.
Note: The system remembers the set
speed.
Resuming the Set Speed Press and release to resume the
set speed.
Switching Cruise Control Off Press and release the button
when the system is in standby
mode or switch the ignition off.
Note: You erase the set speed when you
switch the system off.
USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED) WARNING:
Always pay close
attention to changing road conditions
when using adaptive cruise control. The
system does not replace attentive
driving. Failing to pay attention to the
road may result in a crash, serious injury
or death. WARNING:
Do not use the
adaptive cruise control when entering or
leaving a highway, on roads with
intersections or roundabouts or
non-vehicular traffic or roads that are
winding, slippery, unpaved, or steep
slopes. WARNING:
Do not use the system
in poor visibility, for example fog, heavy
rain, spray or snow. WARNING:
Do not use the system
when towing a trailer that has
aftermarket electronic trailer brake
controls. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
Do not use tire sizes
other than those recommended because
this can affect the normal operation of
the system. Failure to do so may result
in a loss of vehicle control, which could
result in serious injury. WARNING: Adaptive cruise control
may not detect stationary or slow
moving vehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h). WARNING: Adaptive cruise control
does not detect pedestrians or objects
in the road. WARNING: Adaptive cruise control
does not detect oncoming vehicles in the
same lane. WARNING: Adaptive cruise control
is not a crash warning or avoidance
system. WARNING:
Do not use adaptive
cruise control with a snow plow blade
installed.
The system adjusts your vehicle speed to
maintain the set gap between you and the
vehicle in front of you in the same lane.
You can select four gap settings.
The system uses a radar sensor which
projects a beam directly in front of your
vehicle.
Note: It is your responsibility to stay alert,
drive safely and be in control of the vehicle
at all times.
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