2021 FORD F-150 steering

WHAT IS DRIVE MODE
CONTROL
Your vehicle has various drive modes that
you can select for different driving
conditions. Depending on the drive mode
that you select, the system adjusts various
vehicle settings.
HOW DOES DRIVE MODE
CONTROL WORK - RAPTOR
Selectable drive modes change various
electronic and mechanical settings within
your vehicle to tailor its performance and
driving characteristics to on-road or
off-road driving conditions. Steering feel
and effort, traction control, stability
control, chassis controls, powertrain
response, transmission shift points,
four-wheel driveline settings, exhaust noise
level and suspension dampening are
automatically altered to a pre-determined
setting depending upon the drive mode
that you select.
Note:
Your vehicle has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor all systems for
proper operation. If a drive mode is
unavailable due to a system fault, your
vehicle defaults to normal mode and the
driveline remains in the four-wheel drive
setting that you last selected prior to the
system fault. Note:
Your vehicle reverts to normal mode
each time you start it. If you shut your
vehicle off in a drive mode other than
normal mode, at startup the instrument
cluster screen displays a pop-up asking if
you would like to return to your last used
drive mode. If you select yes to the pop-up,
your vehicle returns to the last selected drive
mode and the default four-wheel driveline
setting associated with that drive mode. If
you select no, your vehicle remains in normal
mode and the default four-wheel driveline
setting associated with that drive mode. If
you do not select yes or no, the pop-up
message times out, your vehicle remains in
normal mode, and the four-wheel driveline
setting remains in its last used setting.
Note: Do not use the electronic locking
differential on dry, hard surfaces. Doing so
produces excessive noise, vibration and
increases tire wear. See Electronic Locking
Differential (page 301).
HOW DOES DRIVE MODE
CONTROL WORK
Selectable drive modes change various
electronic and mechanical settings within
your vehicle to tailor its performance and
driving characteristics to on-road or
off-road driving conditions. Steering feel
and effort, traction control, stability
control, chassis controls, powertrain
response, transmissions shift points,
four-wheel driveline setting, exhaust noise
level and suspension dampening are
automatically altered to a pre-determined
setting depending upon the drive mode
that is selected.
371
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Drive Mode Control

Note:
Your vehicle has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor all systems for
proper operation. If a drive mode is
unavailable due to a system fault, your
vehicle defaults to normal mode and the
driveline remains in the four-wheel drive
setting that was last selected prior to the
system fault.
Note: Your vehicle reverts to normal mode
each time it is started. If you shut your
vehicle off in a drive mode other than
normal mode, at startup the instrument
cluster screen displays a pop-up asking if
you would like to return to your last used
drive mode. If you select yes to the pop-up,
your vehicle returns to the last selected drive
mode and the default four-wheel driveline
setting associated with that drive mode. If
you select no, your vehicle remains in normal
mode and the default four-wheel driveline
setting associated with that drive mode. If
you do not select yes or no the pop up
message times out, your vehicle remains in
normal mode, and the four-wheel driveline
setting remains in its last used setting. SELECTING A DRIVE MODE -
RAPTOR Rotate the drive mode control on the
center console to select or change a drive
mode.
Note:
Button icons vary depending on the
vehicle.
Selecting a Steering Mode To change the steering feel,
press the button on the steering
wheel. The first press displays a
pop-up message in the instrument cluster
display for the selected mode and
subsequent presses changes the selected
mode.
Modes:
• Normal – Developed to complement
vehicle response during daily driving.
• Sport – Slightly less assist and
damping for improved steering feel
during spirited driving.
372
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Drive Mode ControlE308146 E347142

•
Comfort – Slightly more assist for
driver preference and daily driving ease.
• Off-road – Similar assist to Normal
with added damping for improved
control during off-road driving.
After selecting the desired setting, you may
feel a soft feedback bump in the steering
wheel when the changeover occurs.
Note: If you disconnect or remove the
battery, the steering system defaults to
normal.
Selecting a Suspension Mode To change the suspension feel,
press the button on the steering
wheel. The first press displays a
pop-up message in the instrument cluster
display for the selected mode and
subsequent presses changes the selected
mode.
Modes:
• Normal – Default factory setting.
• Sport – Slightly stiffer suspension with
emphasis on handling and control.
• Off-road – Maximizes shock
performance in extreme off-road
environments.
Selecting an Exhaust Mode To change the exhaust sound,
press the button on the steering
wheel. The first press displays a
pop-up message in the instrument cluster
display for the selected mode and
subsequent presses changes the selected
mode.
Modes:
• Normal – Default setting provides a
balance of comfort and feedback.
• Sport – Slightly louder than normal for
spirited driving. •
Baja – Loudest setting for off-road use
only. Maximum exhaust noise under all
driving conditions.
• Quiet – Quietest setting for maximum
comfort under all driving conditions.
SELECTING A DRIVE MODE Rotate the drive mode control on the
center console to select or change a drive
mode.
Note:
Button icons vary depending on the
vehicle.
DRIVE MODES
BAJA - RAPTOR For high speed off-road driving.
Baja mode optimizes the throttle
control for better response and
torque delivery.
Four-wheel drive high is the default
four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive
auto is not available in baja mode.
373
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Drive Mode ControlE347107 E347131 E308146 E225314

Off-road is the default steering and
suspension modes. All steering and
suspension modes are available.
Baja is the default exhaust mode. All
exhaust modes are available.
The system tunes the engine and
transmission controls to baja mode.
The system tunes the stability and traction
controls to baja mode.
The electronic locking differential is
available at all speeds in four-wheel drive.
See Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off (page 303).
Note: Using baja mode on dry, hard
surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, and potential excessive
tire and vehicle wear depending on the
four-wheel drive mode selection.
DEEP SNOW/SAND - RAPTOR For off-road driving on soft, dry
sand or deep snow. This mode
optimizes accelerator pedal
response, traction and stability controls to
help maintain forward momentum. If your
vehicle becomes stuck in deep conditions,
use this mode to help get unstuck.
Four-wheel drive high is the default
four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive
low is selectable in deep snow/sand mode.
Comfort is the default steering mode. All
steering modes are available.
Off-road is the default suspension mode.
All suspension modes are available.
Sport is the default exhaust mode. All
exhaust modes are available.
The system tunes the engine and
transmission controls to deep snow/sand
mode.
The system tunes the stability and traction
controls to deep snow/sand mode. The electronic locking differential engages
when you select this mode at any speed,
and you can disengage it at any time using
the button. See Switching the Electronic
Locking Differential On and Off
(page
303).
Note: Do not use this mode when driving
on pavement or packed snow. This could
cause driveline bind up and damage the
system depending on the four-wheel drive
mode selection. See
Four-Wheel Drive
(page 291).
DEEP SNOW/SAND - 4X4 For off-road driving on soft, dry
sand or deep snow. This mode
optimizes accelerator pedal
response, traction and stability controls to
help maintain forward momentum. If your
vehicle becomes stuck in deep conditions,
use this mode to help get unstuck.
Four-wheel drive high is the default
four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive
low is selectable in deep snow/sand mode.
The electronic locking differential engages
when you select this mode at any speed,
and you can disengage it at any time using
the button. See Switching the Electronic
Locking Differential On and Off
(page
303).
Note: Do not use this mode when driving
on pavement or packed snow. This could
cause driveline bind up and damage the
system depending on the four-wheel drive
mode selection. See
Four-Wheel Drive
(page 291).
ECO - 4X4 For efficient driving. This mode
helps deliver maximum fuel
efficiency and helps to increase
driving range.
374
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Drive Mode ControlE347001 E295420 E295413

Two-wheel drive high is the default
four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive
low is not available in eco mode.
The electronic locking differential is
available below 25 mph (40 km/h). See
Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off
(page 303).
ECO - 4X2 For efficient driving. This mode
helps deliver maximum fuel
efficiency and helps to increase
driving range.
The electronic locking differential is
available below
25 mph (40 km/h). See
Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off
(page 303).
MUD/RUTS - 4X4 For off-road driving. This mode
enhances vehicle performance
to traverse muddy, rutted or
uneven terrains.
Four-wheel drive high is the default
four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive
low is selectable in mud/rut mode.
The electronic locking differential engages
when you select this mode at any speed,
and you can disengage it at any time using
the button. See Switching the Electronic
Locking Differential On and Off
(page
303).
Note: Do not use this mode when driving
on pavement or packed snow. This could
cause driveline bind up and damage the
system depending on the four-wheel drive
mode selection. See
Four-Wheel Drive
(page 291). NORMAL - RAPTOR For everyday driving. This mode
is the perfect balance of
excitement, comfort and
convenience. This is the default mode after
each ignition cycle.
Two-wheel drive high is the default
four-wheel drive mode. All four-wheel drive
modes are selectable when in normal
mode.
Normal is the default steering, suspension,
and exhaust modes. Off-road steering
mode is not available. All suspension and
exhaust modes are available.
The system tunes the engine and
transmission controls to normal mode.
The system tunes the stability and traction
controls to normal mode.
The electronic locking differential is
available below
25 mph (40 km/h) in
four-wheel drive. See Switching the
Electronic Locking Differential On and
Off
(page 303).
NORMAL - 4X4 For everyday driving. This mode
is the perfect balance of
excitement, comfort and
convenience. This is the default mode after
each ignition cycle.
Two-wheel drive high is the default
four-wheel drive mode. All four-wheel drive
modes are selectable when in normal
mode.
The electronic locking differential is
available below
25 mph (40 km/h). See
Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off
(page 303).
375
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Drive Mode ControlE295413 E296606 E347003 E225310

NORMAL - 4X2
For everyday driving. This mode
is the perfect balance of
excitement, comfort and
convenience. This is the default mode after
each ignition cycle.
The electronic locking differential is
available below 25 mph (40 km/h). See
Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off
(page 305).
ROCK CRAWL - RAPTOR For off-road driving and
optimum rock-climbing. Rock
crawl mode engages the
electronic locking differential, optimizes
throttle response and adjusts transmission
shift points to provide additional control
of your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive low is the only four-wheel
drive mode available in rock crawl mode.
Comfort is the default steering mode. All
steering modes are available.
Off-road is the default suspension mode.
All suspension modes are available.
Normal is the default exhaust mode. All
exhaust modes are available.
The system tunes the engine and
transmission controls to rock crawl mode.
The system tunes the stability and traction
controls to rock crawl mode.
The electronic locking differential engages
when you select this mode at any speed,
and you can disengage it at any time using
the button. See Switching the Electronic
Locking Differential On and Off
(page
303). ROCK CRAWL - 4X4 For off-road driving and
optimum rock-climbing. Rock
crawl mode engages the
electronic locking differential, optimizes
throttle response and adjusts transmission
shift points to provide additional control
of your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive low is the only four-wheel
drive mode available in rock crawl mode.
The electronic locking differential engages
when you select this mode at any speed,
and you can disengage it at any time using
the button. See Switching the Electronic
Locking Differential On and Off
(page
303).
SLIPPERY - 4X4, VEHICLES WITH:
2-SPEED TORQUE ON DEMAND For less than ideal road
conditions such as snow or ice
covered roads. Use this mode for
crossing terrain where loose or slippery
materials cover a firm surface. Slippery
mode lowers throttle response and
optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.
Four-wheel drive auto is the default
four-wheel drive mode. Two-wheel drive
high is not available in slippery mode.
The electronic locking differential is
available below
25 mph (40 km/h). See
Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off
(page 303).
Note: Do not use this mode when driving
on dry pavement. This could cause driveline
bind up and damage the system depending
on the four-wheel drive mode selection.
See
Four-Wheel Drive (page 291).
376
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Drive Mode ControlE225310 E347002 E225315 E295414

SLIPPERY - RAPTOR
For less than ideal road
conditions such as snow or ice
covered roads. Use this mode for
crossing terrain where loose or slippery
materials cover a firm surface. Slippery
mode lowers throttle response and
optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.
Four-wheel drive auto is the default
four-wheel drive mode. Two-wheel drive
high is not available in slippery mode.
Normal is the default steering, suspension,
and exhaust modes. Off-road steering
mode is not available. All suspension and
exhaust modes are available.
The system tunes the engine and
transmission controls to slippery mode.
The system tunes stability and traction
controls to slippery mode.
The electronic locking differential is
available below 25 mph (40 km/h). See
Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off
(page 303).
Note: Do not use this mode when driving
on dry pavement. This could cause driveline
bind up and damage the system depending
on the four-wheel drive mode selection.
See
Four-Wheel Drive (page 291).
SLIPPERY - 4X4, VEHICLES WITH:
ELECTRONIC SHIFT-ON-THE-FLY For less than ideal road
conditions such as snow or ice
covered roads. Use this mode for
crossing terrain where loose or slippery
materials cover a firm surface. Slippery
mode lowers throttle response and
optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.
Four-wheel drive high is the default
four-wheel drive mode. All four-wheel drive
modes are selectable in slippery mode. The electronic locking differential is
available below
25 mph (40 km/h). See
Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off
(page 303).
Note: Do not use this mode when driving
on dry pavement. This could cause driveline
bind up and damage the system depending
on the four-wheel drive mode selection.
See
Four-Wheel Drive (page 291).
SLIPPERY - 4X2 For less than ideal road
conditions such as snow or ice
covered roads. Use this mode for
crossing terrain where loose or slippery
materials cover a firm surface. Slippery
mode lowers throttle response and
optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.
The electronic locking differential is
available below
25 mph (40 km/h). See
Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off
(page 305).
Note: Do not use this mode when driving
on dry pavement. This could cause driveline
bind up and damage the system depending
on the four-wheel drive mode selection.
See
Four-Wheel Drive (page 291).
SPORT - 4X4, VEHICLES WITH: 2-
SPEED TORQUE ON DEMAND For sporty driving with improved
performance handling and
response. This mode increases
accelerator pedal response and provides
a sportier steering feel. The powertrain
system holds onto lower gears longer,
helping your vehicle accelerate faster.
Four-wheel drive auto is the default
four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive
low is not available in sport mode.
The system tunes the steering and
suspension to provide a more connected
and spirited driving experience.
377
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Drive Mode ControlE347004 E295414 E295414 E246593

The electronic locking differential is
available below 25 mph (40 km/h). See
Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off
(page 303).
SPORT - RAPTOR For sporty driving with improved
performance handling and
response. This mode increases
accelerator pedal response and provides
a sportier steering feel. The powertrain
system holds onto lower gears longer,
helping your vehicle accelerate faster.
Two-wheel drive high is the default
four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive
low is not available in sport mode.
Sport is the default steering, suspension,
and exhaust modes. Off-road steering
mode is not available. All suspension and
exhaust modes are available.
The system tunes the engine and
transmission controls to sport mode.
The system tunes the stability and traction
controls to normal mode.
The electronic locking differential is
available below
25 mph (40 km/h). See
Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off
(page 303).
SPORT - 4X4, VEHICLES WITH:
ELECTRONIC SHIFT-ON-THE-FLY For sporty driving with improved
performance handling and
response. This mode increases
accelerator pedal response and provides
a sportier steering feel. The powertrain
system holds onto lower gears longer,
helping your vehicle accelerate faster.
Two-wheel drive high is the default
four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive
low is not available in sport mode. The system tunes the steering and
suspension to provide a more connected
and spirited driving experience.
The electronic locking differential is
available below
25 mph (40 km/h). See
Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off
(page 303).
SPORT - 4X2 For sporty driving with improved
performance handling and
response. This mode increases
accelerator pedal response and provides
a sportier steering feel. The powertrain
system holds onto lower gears longer,
helping your vehicle accelerate faster.
The system tunes the steering and
suspension to provide a more connected
and spirited driving experience.
The electronic locking differential is
available below
25 mph (40 km/h). See
Switching the Electronic Locking
Differential On and Off
(page 305).
TOW/HAUL - RAPTOR For improved transmission
operation when towing a trailer
or a heavy load. This mode
moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to
reduce the frequency of transmission
shifting. This mode also provides engine
braking in all forward gears, which slows
your vehicle and assists you in controlling
your vehicle when descending a slope. The
amount of downshift braking provided
varies based on the amount you press the
brake pedal.
All four-wheel drive modes are selectable
when in tow/haul mode. This mode does
not default to a certain four-wheel drive
mode and maintains the previous
selection.
378
F-150 (TFD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202104, Second-Printing Drive Mode ControlE347140 E246593 E246593 E347108