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2021 F-150 Drive Mode Animations

ZWARRIOR

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Im curious, if we have a Lariat or KR will the graphics in the screen be the corresponding Trim?
 
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Knickell

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Im curious, if we have a Lariat or KR will the graphics in the screen be the corresponding Trim?

I don’t think so. The animations you see here will be the same on all trucks with the 12” LED instrument cluster (Lariat/King Ranch/Platinum/Limited). Although, you only get the Rock Crawl mode with the FX4 package.
 

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Having not seen it work first hand, how does "Drive Mode" work in relation to setting drivetrain modes via dash knobs?

I'm guessing that the "Drive Mode" options on the animated display are cycled through using buttons on the steering wheels, and presuming the various drivetrain modes (2H, 4A, 4H, 4L) are selectable via a physical knob on the dash.

Are these just two methods of accomplishing the same thing?

Given all the "Drive Modes" available, it seems that it's more than just a fancy way of selecting 2H, 4A, 4H, 4L modes. Would appear that it also includes transmission gearing changes (for Sport, Eco, and Tow/Haul).

Anyone know specifically what's happening "under the hood" when selecting these modes:
  1. Sport
  2. Eco
  3. Tow/Haul
  4. Normal (2H?)
  5. Slippery (4A?)
  6. Deep Snow/Sand (4H?)
  7. Mud/Ruts (4L?)
  8. Rock Crawl (?)
 
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Knickell

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Having not seen it work first hand, how does "Drive Mode" work in relation to setting drivetrain modes via dash knobs?

I'm guessing that the "Drive Mode" options on the animated display are cycled through using buttons on the steering wheels, and presuming the various drivetrain modes (2H, 4A, 4H, 4L) are selectable via a physical knob on the dash.

Are these just two methods of accomplishing the same thing?

Given all the "Drive Modes" available, it seems that it's more than just a fancy way of selecting 2H, 4A, 4H, 4L modes. Would appear that it also includes transmission gearing changes (for Sport, Eco, and Tow/Haul).

Anyone know specifically what's happening "under the hood" when selecting these modes:
  1. Sport
  2. Eco
  3. Tow/Haul
  4. Normal (2H?)
  5. Slippery (4A?)
  6. Deep Snow/Sand (4H?)
  7. Mud/Ruts (4L?)
  8. Rock Crawl (?)

Yes, you are correct. Unfortunately, I didn’t let it sit long enough in each mode/animation, but if you do an alert will also come on the instrument cluster stating “engaging 2H/4L/4H/4A” for the respective mode.

If I remember correctly 4A was the mode used for Sport and Slippery.

In addition to activating 4x4, each mode will also adjust the engine and transmission accordingly.

This is all done via a knob to the right of the steering wheel. I’ll try to add a picture if I can find it.

The Pro Trailer Assist will be directly under the A/C vent and the drive mode selector will be immediately left on the climate control knob.

Ford F-150 2021 F-150 Drive Mode Animations DF865081-6791-4990-894E-A5D120D8B8B1
 
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Knickell

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I also stole some images from a review video to clarify further. Here is what is looks like:

Ford F-150 2021 F-150 Drive Mode Animations 53EBAAFE-9F83-4801-8D05-2B541C52C7BA


Ford F-150 2021 F-150 Drive Mode Animations 8A97EB4F-6EE4-4408-A224-D49AC4B9F320


Ford F-150 2021 F-150 Drive Mode Animations 426784DB-AE40-468E-A73A-9465FCE162C9


The truck will also tell you if it’s in 2H/4L/4H/4A in the lower left corner of the instrument panel screen.

Ford F-150 2021 F-150 Drive Mode Animations C0A33463-1955-40E1-A19C-F7B1BEC8E617


Ford F-150 2021 F-150 Drive Mode Animations 2B7E217F-C840-4F93-849D-4B1CD4F981EB
 

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Very helpful, thanks Knickell.

So it would appear that the drive mode animations / selection method is just another way of using the drive mode 2H, 4A, 4H, 4L knob, albeit a more "user-friendly" method for those that may not know the correct number/letter knob selection to use for a given road condition.

If that's the case, then I would, however, be surprised if either method actually changes anything with the engine and/or transmission.
 
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Knickell

Knickell

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Very helpful, thanks Knickell.

So it would appear that the drive mode animations / selection method is just another way of using the drive mode 2H, 4A, 4H, 4L knob, albeit a more "user-friendly" method for those that may not know the correct number/letter knob selection to use for a given road condition.

If that's the case, then I would, however, be surprised if either method actually changes anything with the engine and/or transmission.
Glad to help!

On these newer vehicles, drive modes typically adjust engine, transmission, and throttle response. On higher end vehicles, those modes even adjust the suspension and traction systems accordingly. I’d be more surprised (and honestly, disappointed) if all those drive modes ONLY adjusted the 4x4 setting.
 

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I’d be more surprised (and honestly, disappointed) if all those drive modes ONLY adjusted the 4x4 setting.
I've been driving a 2010 F150 Lariat, so looking forward to the technological advances 10 years time brings!
 
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Knickell

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I've been driving a 2010 F150 Lariat, so looking forward to the technological advances 10 years time brings!

Me too! I’m in a 2002 Mazda (my pride and joy), but I need an update. I remember when the only extra options I had to have were a volume button on the steering wheel, and a manual shift mode on an automatic! I was easy to please before all these Dual Panoramic Moonroofs and 18 speaker sound systems came out!!
 
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Knickell

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Very helpful, thanks Knickell.

So it would appear that the drive mode animations / selection method is just another way of using the drive mode 2H, 4A, 4H, 4L knob, albeit a more "user-friendly" method for those that may not know the correct number/letter knob selection to use for a given road condition.

If that's the case, then I would, however, be surprised if either method actually changes anything with the engine and/or transmission.
I was doing a little late night reading, and can confirm it adjusts all of the components we talked about per the owner’s manual. If you want to know what 4x4 setting each engages you can see it under the the “Drive Mode Controls” then select Drive Modes”.

Ford F-150 2021 F-150 Drive Mode Animations 49ED7E27-C465-48E7-A654-242487E49438
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