Drive Modes - Is there a Max MPH for making safe changes?

[WalterMitty]

While I have read that you have to be going under like 20/25mph to engage the locker, and that it will automatically disengage at like 25mph, I haven't round anything about what speed it's safe to change modes.

I have 4 buttons for which wheels are engaged...2H, 4H, 4L, and 4A. Is there a reccomeneded MPH max for making changes with these?

I also have the dial that allows changes in modes, Normal, Eco, Sport, etc. Same for this, is there a max MPH for making these chnages? Many of these modes, also have a built in change to the drive wheels, eg., going from Normal to Sport, automatically moves from 2H to 4A.

Thanks

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[Snakebitten]

Other than 4L, I think it's less about speed of the vehicle and more about no-load (accelerator) and no wheelspin

 

[powerboatr]

agreed other than wheel spin...and 4L not much limit
i have shifted from sport to eco and then to normal at 77 or faster
and have also shifted back to 4A at any speed , but not while accelerating, usually just steady state
so far no WEIRD things have happened

 

[imnuts]

I've tried to switch to 4A while accelerating, and I got a message about lifting off the accelerator to continue. As soon as I left of the gas, it switched over.

 

[JExpedition07]

Funny I see this now I actually did this yesterday and don’t recommend it. I switched the dial to sport mode going about 45 MPH and the truck slammed the transmission straight down to 6th gear from 9th. Did not feel good. Here on out I won’t go into sport mode from a roll.

 

[Oxford_Powerboost]

Funny I see this now I actually did this yesterday and don’t recommend it. I switched the dial to sport mode going about 45 MPH and the truck slammed the transmission straight down to 6th gear from 9th. Did not feel good. Here on out I won’t go into sport mode from a roll.

Sounds like it’s what it should do…sport will downshift to have higher revs

OP, no problem switching drive modes. Truck is smart enough to not allow you to do anything that will hurt it. If it wants you to let off the accelerator, it’ll tell you to. If you’re going too fast, it’ll tell you. For what it’s worth, I’ve noted no issues switching between sport and normal at multiple speeds up to 85mph. I go in and out of sport often. Gears change but no issue

 

[fordtruckman2003]

12 years with my 2011 and I would shift in and out of 4x4 while rolling down street or highway in the winter time. Never any issues. Even that truck was smart enough to manage it without anything blowing up. Long gone are the days of having to physically shift to 4x4. The electronic shift on the fly has been the norm in many vehicles for 20+ years.

This is my first vehicle with 4A and not sure I like the idea yet. I did shift into sport and was surprised to see it shift into 4A. Thought it would just be rear wheels only.

 

[UGADawg96]

i have shifted from sport to eco and then to normal at 77 or faster and have also shifted back to 4A at any speed , but not while accelerating, usually just steady state
so far no WEIRD things have happened

That's because you never got to 88mph. Once you get to that speed, oooh boy, hold on if you switch the drive mode at that speed.

 

[Davexxxx]

I'm way out of date with what there is now but one thing I didn't see anyone mention, was not switching modes while in a turn.

My 01 XLT 4x4 has electronic shift on the fly.

2H to 4H and back, under 55, coasting, straight. Switches back and fourth without issue.

You can physically move the switch to 4L but nothing will happen, if at speed. Mistook it for the fan control once. I don't know if that safety lockout would require a full stop but I wouldn't want to find out.

Anyway, I think the point is, they've been able to shift from 2H to 4H and back, while underway, for a long time but probably better done with the driveline in a neutral, or slack state, not being under any sort of load.

 

[Oxford_Powerboost]

This is my first vehicle with 4A and not sure I like the idea yet. I did shift into sport and was surprised to see it shift into 4A. Thought it would just be rear wheels only.

I was a bit surprised too, until I switched back to 2Hi and tried to drive sporty at all. Not sure what motor you have, but the Powerboost with 3.73s blows the rear tires off if you accelerate with any vigor lol. 4A is a really great technology. You get variable all wheel drive where the truck can manage how much power goes front or back, with only a downside of a slight hit to fuel economy. Coming from a full time AWD car, I like the security of having all 4 getting power all the time.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

I was a bit surprised too, until I switched back to 2Hi and tried to drive sporty at all. Not sure what motor you have, but the Powerboost with 3.73s blows the rear tires off if you accelerate with any vigor lol. 4A is a really great technology. You get variable all wheel drive where the truck can manage how much power goes front or back, with only a downside of a slight hit to fuel economy. Coming from a full time AWD car, I like the security of having all 4 getting power all the time.

Sounds good to me. My mother has car with AWD and even with small motor it will get up and go.

I have 2.7 after 12 years of the 3.5. I don't notice any power loss with the tune on smaller motor 10 years newer. On paper it's 40 less HP.

 

[WalterMitty]

12 years with my 2011 and I would shift in and out of 4x4 while rolling down street or highway in the winter time. Never any issues. Even that truck was smart enough to manage it without anything blowing up. Long gone are the days of having to physically shift to 4x4. The electronic shift on the fly has been the norm in many vehicles for 20+ years.

This is my first vehicle with 4A and not sure I like the idea yet. I did shift into sport and was surprised to see it shift into 4A. Thought it would just be rear wheels only.

I was a little surprised too that Sport mode defaulted to 4A, but it makes sense that you're going to get the fastest performance having the best grip. I was also very happy that you can then manually move to 2H and it still keeps Sprot mode.

 

[WalterMitty]

I was a bit surprised too, until I switched back to 2Hi and tried to drive sporty at all. Not sure what motor you have, but the Powerboost with 3.73s blows the rear tires off if you accelerate with any vigor lol. 4A is a really great technology. You get variable all wheel drive where the truck can manage how much power goes front or back, with only a downside of a slight hit to fuel economy. Coming from a full time AWD car, I like the security of having all 4 getting power all the time.

You must have turned the traction control off too then. Otherwise, the system works great at kicking in and getting you grip.

I have the 5.0, and Sport mode is fun, and the tires are safe with traction control on....with it switched off....and I"m talking about a full 10 seconds holding the button off.....the tires are in real danger.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I've tried to switch to 4A while accelerating, and I got a message about lifting off the accelerator to continue. As soon as I left of the gas, it switched over.

Good morning- I can look into this for you. Feel free to send over a private message with your VIN and dealership information at your earliest convenience.

 

[gtotco]

12 years with my 2011 and I would shift in and out of 4x4 while rolling down street or highway in the winter time. Never any issues. Even that truck was smart enough to manage it without anything blowing up. Long gone are the days of having to physically shift to 4x4. The electronic shift on the fly has been the norm in many vehicles for 20+ years.

This is my first vehicle with 4A and not sure I like the idea yet. I did shift into sport and was surprised to see it shift into 4A. Thought it would just be rear wheels only.

But nothing was more fun than the manual locking hubs on my 87 4Runner. Who doesn’t love pulling off the side of the highway during a snowstorm and getting out of the car to lock the axles.

My favorite though was a friend’s Tercel from that era with manual lockers.

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