All-Wheel Drive Vehicle

Principle of Operation

This system is a proactive system. It is able to anticipate wheel slip and transfer torque to the rear wheels before slip occurs. Even when there is no wheel slip, the system constantly adjusts torque distribution in an effort to improve straight-line and cornering behavior on both paved roads and off-road surfaces.

The system turns on automatically each time the ignition is switched on.

If any component requires service, a message appears in the information display.

Using All-Wheel Drive

The intelligent 4WD system constantly monitors vehicle conditions and adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels. It combines smooth operation on any surface with the strength of a full-time four-wheel-drive system.

The 4WD system is always active and does not require driver intervention. It is capable of handling any road conditions, including city streets and highways, as well as off-road and winter driving. You can optimize all-wheel drive control by selecting different drive modes. See Drive Mode Selection.

Operating 4WD Vehicles with a Temporary Spare Tire

Do not use a temporary spare tire of a different size than the supplied tire. If the temporary spare tire is installed, the 4WD system will shut off and switch to rear-wheel drive only to protect the driveline components. Some limited 4WD traction may be available if the temporary spare tire is installed on one of the front wheels. If you are in driving conditions where limited 4WD traction is required with the temporary spare tire installed, it is recommended that the temporary spare tire be installed on the front axle. See Information Messages.

If the temporary spare tire is installed, this condition is indicated by a warning message in the information display. If the warning message appears in the information display while using the temporary spare tire, this indicator should turn off after reinstalling or replacing the regular road tire and turning the ignition off and on. We recommend reinstalling or replacing the regular road tire as soon as possible. Significant differences in tire size between the front and rear axles may result in the 4WD system shutting down and defaulting to rear-wheel drive, or damage to the 4WD system.

The traction control system may activate if the temporary spare tire is installed on a front wheel. If the temporary spare tire is installed on a rear wheel, the traction control system will be completely disabled. In situations where there is snow or other poor road conditions and you need to use the temporary spare tire, you should install the temporary spare tire in a front wheel position and move the full-size wheel to a rear wheel position for the traction control system to work.

Operating 4WD Vehicles with Mismatched Tires

Significant differences in tire size between the front and rear axles (for example, 17-inch low-profile tires on the front axle and 22-inch high-profile tires on the rear axle) may result in the 4WD system shutting down and defaulting to rear-wheel drive, or damage to the 4WD system.

For optimal 4WD performance, it is recommended to follow the tire rotation schedule. To avoid a potential 4WD malfunction or damage to the 4WD system, it is recommended to replace all four tires rather than mixing significantly worn tires with new tires. For example, using 3 tires with worn tread and 1 new tire of the same original tire size/brand may be tolerated by the 4WD system as long as the worn tires still have useful tread depth.

How Your Vehicle Differs from Other Vehicles

Trucks and sport utility vehicles may differ from some other vehicles. Your vehicle is designed with greater ground clearance to allow it to travel over rough terrain without high-centering or damaging underbody components.

The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also affect its handling compared to a conventional passenger car.

Always maintain control of the steering wheel, especially off-road. Sudden changes in terrain may cause sharp steering wheel movement. Make sure you hold the steering wheel on the outside. Do not grip the spokes.

Drive carefully to avoid damaging the vehicle on hidden objects such as rocks and stumps.

You should either know the terrain or study terrain maps before you travel. Plan your route before entering the area. To maintain steering and braking control of the vehicle, all four tires must be in contact with the ground and must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.

Driving in Special Conditions with 4WD

Basic Rules for Driving in Special Conditions

• Drive more slowly in strong crosswinds, which may affect the normal steering characteristics of your vehicle.
• Use extreme caution when driving on pavement that is slippery due to loose sand, water, gravel, snow, or ice.

If your vehicle has run off the edge of the pavement

• If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, reduce speed, but avoid hard braking. Return the vehicle to the pavement only after reducing speed. Do not turn the steering wheel too sharply when returning to the road surface.
• It may be safer to remain on the shoulder or edge of the road and slowly reduce speed before returning to the pavement. You may lose control if you do not reduce speed or if you turn the steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
• It is often less risky to strike small objects, such as road reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle than to attempt a sudden return to the road surface, which may result in an uncontrolled sideways skid or vehicle rollover. Remember, your safety and the safety of others must be your primary concern.

If Your Vehicle Is Stuck

If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked free by shifting between forward and reverse gears, pausing between shifts, in a steady pattern. Lightly depress the accelerator pedal in each gear.

If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, it may be helpful to turn off AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ when attempting to rock the vehicle free.

Emergency Maneuvers

• In unavoidable emergency situations where a sudden sharp turn is necessary, remember to avoid overcorrecting your vehicle (that is, turn the steering wheel only as quickly and as far as necessary to avoid the emergency). Excessive steering may reduce control rather than increase it. In addition, use smooth variations of accelerator and/or brake pedal pressure if it is necessary to change vehicle speed. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration, or braking, which can increase the risk of losing vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and/or injury. Use all available road surface to return the vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
• In an emergency stop, avoid locking the tires and do not attempt any abrupt steering inputs.
• When the vehicle moves from one type of surface to another (for example, from concrete to gravel), the vehicle's response to maneuvers (steering, acceleration, or braking) changes. Again, avoid these abrupt inputs.

Sand

When driving on sand, try to keep all four wheels on the firmest surface of the trail. Do not reduce tire pressure; instead, shift to a lower gear and drive steadily over the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid wheel spin.

Avoid excessive speed, as vehicle momentum may work against you and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point where assistance from another vehicle may be required. Remember that you may be able to return the way you came if you proceed with caution.

Mud and Water

If you must drive through high water, proceed slowly. Traction and braking capability may be reduced.

When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water above the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and continue slowly. If the ignition system is wet, the engine may stall.

After driving through water, always test the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by slowly moving the vehicle while lightly applying the brake pedal.

Be careful of sudden changes in speed or direction while driving in mud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can lose traction in slippery mud. As when driving on sand, slowly depress the accelerator pedal and avoid wheel spin. If the vehicle slides, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.

After driving through mud, clean off residue that has adhered to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excessive mud buildup on tires and rotating driveshafts causes imbalance, which may damage driveline components.

"Tread Lightly!" is an educational program intended to raise public awareness of land use rules and wilderness responsibility in our country. Ford Motor Company joins the USDA Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in asking you to help preserve our national forests and other public and private lands by "treading lightly."

Driving on Hills or Inclined Terrain

Although natural obstacles may force you to drive diagonally up or down a slope or steep grade, always try to drive straight up or straight down.

When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than a low range. Shift to a lower gear before starting the climb, not after. This reduces the strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.

If the engine stalls, do not attempt to turn around, as the vehicle may roll over. It is better to back down to a safe location.

Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much power may cause the tires to slip, spin, or lose traction with the road, resulting in loss of vehicle control.

Descend the hill in the same gear you would use to climb it to avoid excessive braking and brake overheating. Do not coast in neutral; instead, downshift or manually select a lower gear. When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden hard braking, as you may lose control. The front wheels must be turning in order to steer the vehicle.

Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), so apply the brakes smoothly. Do not pump the brakes.

Driving on Snow and Ice

4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles on snow and ice, but they can slide like any other vehicle.

If you begin to slide while driving on a snow-covered or icy road, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.

Avoid sudden acceleration and rapid changes of direction on snow and ice. Press the accelerator pedal slowly and smoothly when starting from a stop.

Also avoid sudden braking. Although a four-wheel drive vehicle may accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle on snow and ice, it will not stop any faster, since braking takes place at all four wheels, as in other vehicles. Do not become overconfident about road conditions.

Make sure there is sufficient stopping distance between you and other vehicles. Drive more slowly than usual and consider using one of the lower gears. In an emergency stopping situation, apply the brake pedal smoothly. Since your vehicle is equipped with ABS, do not pump the brakes. See Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Driving Tips.

Maintenance and Modifications

The suspension and steering systems of your vehicle are designed and tested to provide predictable performance under loaded or unloaded conditions, and to provide reliable load-carrying capacity. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you do not make changes such as adding or removing parts (such as lowering kits or stabilizer bars), or using replacement parts not equivalent to original factory equipment.

Any vehicle modifications that raise the center of gravity may make the vehicle more likely to roll over as a result of loss of control. We strongly recommend that you use caution when operating any vehicle equipped with a roof rack or accessory (such as a ladder or luggage carrier).

Failure to properly maintain your vehicle may void the warranty, increase repair costs, reduce vehicle performance and capability, and adversely affect the safety of the driver and passengers. Frequent inspection of the chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is operated off-road.