2023 FORD BRONCO four wheel drive

HOW DOES FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE WORK - 4X4 WITH PART
TIME ENGAGEMENT
Bronco 4x4 Systems
4x4 With Part Time Engagement (If
Equipped)
This system offers the driver two-wheeldrive high, four-wheel drive high, andfour-wheel drive low as available modesof operation. When you select eitherfour-wheel drive high or four-wheel drivelow, the system provides mechanicallylocked four-wheel drive power to both thefront and rear wheels for use in off-road orslippery conditions such as deep snow,sand or mud. Selecting four-wheel drivelow also provides additional gearing forincreased torque multiplication forconditions like deep sand, steep slopes, orpulling heavy objects.
Additionally, the system is capable ofrecreational flat towing by putting thetransfer case into neutral (N). SeeRecreationally Towing Your Vehicle(page 338).
HOW DOES FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE WORK - ADVANCED 4X4
WITH 4A MODE (IF EQUIPPED)
Bronco 4x4 Systems
Advanced 4x4 With Automatic OnDemand Engagement
This system monitors various vehiclesensory inputs to provide an increasedlevel of performance. This system offerstwo-wheel drive high, four-wheel driveauto, four-wheel drive high, and four-wheeldrive low as available modes of operation.When you select four-wheel drive auto, thesystem continuously varies power to the
front wheels for optimum performance forall on-road conditions. When you selecteither four-wheel drive high or four-wheeldrive low, the system provideselectronically locked power to the frontand rear wheels for use in off-road orslippery conditions such as deep snow,sand or mud. Selecting four-wheel drivelow also provides additional gearing forincreased torque multiplication forconditions like deep sand, steep slopes, orpulling heavy objects.
Additionally, the system is capable ofrecreational flat towing by putting thetransfer case into neutral (N). SeeRecreationally Towing Your Vehicle(page 338).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not becomeoverconfident in the ability of four-wheeldrive vehicles. Although a four-wheeldrive vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in low tractionsituations, it won't stop any faster thantwo-wheel drive vehicles. Always driveat a safe speed.
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
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FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
LIMITATIONS
Do not use four-wheel drive high orfour-wheel drive low mode on dry, hardsurfaced roads. Doing so can produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear and candamage driveline components. Four-wheeldrive high or four-wheel drive low mode isonly for use on consistently slippery orloose surfaces. Use of four-wheel drive lowmode on these surfaces could producesome noise, such as occasional clunks, butshould not damage driveline components.
For vehicles with an electronicshift-on-the-fly transfer case, the drivelinecould become mechanically blocked whenattempting to shift out of a four-wheeldrive mode on dry, hard surfaced roads.
Note:When your vehicle comes with the4x4 part-time selectable engagementtransfer case and you are transitioning fromconsistently loose or slippery surfaces, besure the four-wheel drive system is notmechanically blocked once you are on dry,hard surfaced roads in two-wheel drive high.
Note: In certain scenarios, where thefour-wheel drive system has difficultyengaging, a To Engage 4x4 Slow to 3 MPHor To Engage 4x4 Slow to 5 km/hmessage could appear in the instrumentcluster. You can also see this messagewhen engaging the four-wheel drive systemin extreme cold climates at the beginningof the drive cycle. Once the driveline warmsup, shifting to four-wheel drive can resumeas normal.
Operating Four-Wheel Drive witha Spare or Mismatched Tires
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the size ofthe spare tire can affect the four-wheeldrive system.
If there is a significant difference betweenthe size of the spare tire and the remainingtires, you could have limited four-wheeldrive functionality, added noise, discomfortand driveline damage.
Due to normal tire wear, your spare tire isnot necessarily the same size as youron-road tires, which makes your spare tirea dissimilar size. Use the spare tire on alimited basis only.
When driving with a dissimilar wheel andtire assembly do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) whenoperating in a four-wheel drive mode.
•Select a four-wheel drive mode unlessthe vehicle is stationary.
•Use a four-wheel drive mode on drypavement.
You could have limited four-wheel drivefunctionality when driving with a dissimilarwheel and tire assembly, especially whendriving in a mechanically locked four-wheeldrive mode. You can experience thefollowing:
•Additional noise from the transfer caseor other drive components.
•Difficulty shifting in and out of amechanically locked four-wheel drivemode.
•Driveline component damage.
Mechanical Shift Blocking
On vehicles with an electronicshift-on-the-fly transfer case, the transfercase distributes torque to the front wheelsby mechanically interlocking the front andrear driveshafts together. Various externalfactors can affect shifting performance ofthis type of system including, but notlimited to:
•Vehicle acceleration.
•Dissimilar tire sizes.
•High steering input.
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For vehicles with an electronicshift-on-the-fly transfer case, whenshifting into two-wheel drive high on dry,hard surfaced roads, we recommend thatyou follow the following procedure toreduce the likelihood of a mechanical shiftblock:
1.When driving straight, come to acomplete stop on a flat, horizontalsurface.
2.For vehicles with an automatictransmission, shift into park (P). Forvehicles with a manual transmission,press the clutch.
3.Select 2H and wait for the 2H LED tobecome solid.
4.For vehicles with an automatictransmission, shift into reverse (R). Forvehicles with a manual transmission,select reverse (R) and release theclutch. Let the vehicle roll backward upto 3 ft (1 m) and press the brake.
5.For vehicles with an automatictransmission, shift into drive (D). Forvehicles with a manual transmission,press the clutch in again, select aforward gear and release the clutch.Let the vehicle roll forward up to 3 ft(1 m).
If the system is mechanically blocked, oneor more of the following actions can relievethe mechanical shift block:
•Momentary acceleration.
•Momentary braking.
•Bringing the vehicle to a stop.
•Shifting the transmission to neutral andback to drive.
•Shifting the transmission to reverseand back to drive.
•Driving the vehicle around a tight turnat a slow speed.
SWITCHING FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE ON AND OFF
A vehicle that comes with four-wheel drive,when selected, has the ability to use allfour wheels to power itself. This increasestraction, which may enable you to safelydrive over terrain and road conditions thata conventional two-wheel drive vehiclecannot.
On some four-wheel drive models, theinitial shift from two-wheel drive tofour-wheel drive while the vehicle ismoving can cause a momentary clunk andratcheting sound. These sounds are normalas the front drivetrain comes up to speedand are not cause for concern.
SELECTING A FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE MODE - 4X4 WITH PART
TIME ENGAGEMENT
To select a four-wheel drive mode, pushthe button.
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•2H - Two-wheel drive high.
•4H - Four-wheel drive high. SeeFour-Wheel Drive High (page 199).
•4L - Four-wheel drive low. SeeFour-Wheel Drive Low (page 200).
Note:Do not perform this operation whenyou have cruise control or trail controlselected and active. The system may notshift as expected.
Note:Do not perform this operation if therear wheels are slipping or when applyingthe accelerator pedal or when driving in atight turn.
Note:Momentarily releasing the acceleratorpedal when a shift in progress messagedisplays can improve engagement ordisengagement performance.
Note:When the light is solid, the systemhas achieved the desired four-wheel drivemode. When a selected four-wheel drivemode light is blinking, the system isattempting to shift to that specificfour-wheel drive mode.
Note:When you achieve recreationaltowing, all lights are off and Neutral TowEnabled Leave Transmission in Neutralappears in the instrument cluster display.
Shifting to or from Four-WheelDrive Low
1.Bring your vehicle to a stop.
2.For vehicles with an automatictransmission, place in neutral (N). Forvehicles with a manual transmission,fully press the clutch pedal.
3.Push 4L on the four-wheel drive modeselector.
Note: A 4x4 Shift in Progress messageappears in the instrument cluster displayindicating the shift is in progress. If any ofthe previous shift conditions are not met,the shift should not occur and theinstrument cluster display can guide youthrough the proper shifting procedures.
Note: If Shift Delayed Drive Forwarddisplays in the instrument cluster display,place the transmission in a forward gear,move your vehicle forward approximately5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the transmission backto neutral (N) to allow the transfer case tocomplete the range shift.
SELECTING A FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE MODE - ADVANCED 4X4
WITH 4A MODE
To select a four-wheel drive mode, pushthe button.
•2H - Two-wheel drive high.
•4A - Four-wheel drive Auto. SeeFour-Wheel Drive Auto (page 199).
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•4H - Four-wheel drive high. SeeFour-Wheel Drive High (page 199).
•4L - Four-wheel drive low. SeeFour-Wheel Drive Low (page 200).
Note:Do not perform this operation whenyou have cruise control or trail controlselected and active. The system may notshift as expected.
Note: Do not perform this operation if therear wheels are slipping or when applyingthe accelerator pedal.
Note:When the light is solid, the systemhas achieved the desired four-wheel drivemode. When a selected four-wheel drivemode LED is blinking, the system isattempting to shift to that specificfour-wheel drive mode.
Note:When all lights are blinking, have yourvehicle serviced as soon as possible.
Note:When you achieve recreationaltowing, all lights are off and Neutral TowEnabled Leave Transmission in Neutralappears in the instrument cluster display.
Shifting to or from Four-WheelDrive Low
1.Bring your vehicle to a stop.
2.For vehicles with an automatictransmission, place in neutral (N). Forvehicles with a manual transmission,fully press the clutch pedal.
3.Push 4L on the four-wheel drive modeselector.
Note: A 4x4 Shift in Progress messageappears in the instrument cluster displayindicating the shift is in progress. If any ofthe previous shift conditions are not met,the shift should not occur and theinstrument cluster display can guide youthrough the proper shifting procedures.
Note: If Shift Delayed Drive Forwarddisplays in the instrument cluster display,place the transmission in a forward gear,move your vehicle forward approximately5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the transmission backto neutral (N) to allow the transfer case tocomplete the range shift.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODES
TWO-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH
Two-wheel drive high is for generalon-road driving. Power is sent to the rearwheels only.
Note:Two-wheel drive high can turn on oroff based on Drive Mode selection SeeG.O.A.T. Mode Control (page 260).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE AUTO (If
Equipped)
Four-wheel drive auto provideselectronically controlled four-wheel drivepower to both the front and rear wheels,as required, for increased traction in varyingon-road conditions. The four-wheel driveauto tuning varies based on selected DriveMode. See Selecting a Four-Wheel DriveMode (page 197).
Note:Four-wheel drive auto can turn on oroff automatically based on Drive Modeselection. See Selecting a Four-WheelDrive Mode (page 197).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH
Four-wheel drive high provideselectronically or mechanically lockedfour-wheel drive power to both the frontand rear wheels for use in off-road orwinter conditions such as deep snow, sandor mud. This mode is not for use on drypavement.
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Note:Four-wheel drive high can turn on oroff automatically based on Drive Modeselection.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE LOW
Four-wheel drive low provideselectronically or mechanically lockedfour-wheel drive power to both the frontand rear wheels for use on low tractionsurfaces, but does so with additionalgearing for increased torque multiplication.This mode is only for off-road conditionssuch as deep sand, steep slopes, or pullingheavy objects.
Note:Four-wheel drive low can turn on oroff automatically based on drive modeselection.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
INDICATORS
Two-wheel Drive High
Illuminates briefly whentwo-wheel drive high is selected.
Four-wheel Drive Auto (If Equipped)
Illuminates when four-wheeldrive auto is selected.
Four-wheel Drive High
Illuminates when four-wheeldrive high is selected.
Four-wheel Drive Low
Illuminates when four-wheeldrive low is selected.
TRANSFER CASE FLUID
CAPACITY AND
SPECIFICATION
See Transfer Case Fluid Capacity andSpecification (page 479).
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE –
TROUBLESHOOTING
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE – WARNINGLAMPS
Illuminates when a four-wheeldrive or power train fault ispresent.
Note:When a system fault is present, thesystem can typically remain in whichevermode was selected prior to the faultcondition occurring. It does not default totwo-wheel drive in all circumstances. Whenthis warning is displayed, have your vehicleserviced by an authorized dealer.
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FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE – INFORMATION MESSAGES
DetailsMessage
Displays when the driver attempts to shift into four-wheel drive low when traveling at too high of a speed.For 4L slow to a stop
Displays when the driver attempts to shift into four-wheel drive low without the transmission in neutral(N).
For 4L Shift to N
Displays when the driver attempts to shift into four-wheel drive low without the clutch pedal pressed.For 4L press Clutch
Displays when the driver attempts to shift out of four-wheel drive low when traveling at too high of a speed.To exit 4L slow to a stop
Displays when the driver attempts to shift out of four-wheel drive low without the transmission in neutral(N).
To Exit 4L Shift to N
Displays when the driver attempts to shift out of four-wheel drive low without the clutch pedal pressed.To exit 4L Press Clutch
Displays when the four-wheel drive system is shiftinginto and out of two-wheel drive high or between highand low ranges.
4x4 Shift in Progress
Displays when the four-wheel drive system detects adriving condition which temporarily requires greaterfour-wheel drive performance. The system resumesnormal function after the system no longer detectsthese driving conditions.
4X4 Temporarily Locked
Displays when the four-wheel system detects elevatedsystem temperature and temporarily stops providingpower to the front wheels. The system resumes normalfunction when the system temperature returns tonormal.
4x4 Temporarily Disabled
Displays when the four-wheel drive system resumesnormal function.4x4 Restored
Displays when the transfer case is not able to completea shift and requires forward motion to complete theshift.
Shift Delayed Drive Forward
Displays when the system has become disabled dueto mismatched tires or an external fault.4x4 OFF
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DetailsMessage
Displays when neutral tow mode has been successfullyengaged.Neutral Tow Enabled LeaveTransmission in Neutral
Displays when neutral tow mode has been successfullydisengaged.Neutral Tow Disabled
Displays when the driver selects a four-wheel drivemode that is disallowed in the currently selected drivemode.
Selected 4x4 Mode Not Avail-able in Current Drive Mode
Displays when the system is unable to engage four-wheel drive high and requires the driver to slow downbefore attempting to engage.
To Engage 4x4 Slow to 3 MPH
Displays when the system is unable to engage four-wheel drive high and requires the driver to slow downbefore attempting to engage.
To Engage 4x4 Slow to 5 km/h
Displays when the four-wheel drive system requiresthe accelerator pedal to be released to perform theshift into four-wheel drive mode.
To Engage 4x4 Release Acceler-ator Pedal
Displays when the system has entered a degradedmode due to mismatched tires.4x4 Performance Reduced SeeManual
A four-wheel drive system fault is present. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Check 4x4
Displays when the system requires an additionaltransmission shift to neutral (N) to complete a transfercase shift.
Shift to Neutral
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