Stuck in 4x4 after dead battery -SOLVED-

[SwissBronco]

Hi helpers



I had a dead battery due to not driving the Bronco for a month.

After a good charge, it's stuck in 4x4. I can't change the drive mode, on startup it says service 4x4.



I have read that this can happen after a dead battery. Do I really have to go to the dealer to have the 4x4 module software reset? Is there any way around this?



Thanks for any help, Patrick

22 Outerbanks Sasy, 2.7

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[Bmadda]

You could try disconnecting the battery (once its fully charged), then reconnecting it after 30sec or so. Some modules do flaky stuff when voltage gets low. There is a software update for the 4x4 module tho, might help in the future!

 

[Fordified1]

I definitely wouldn’t want to drive it to the dealer on dry pavement stuck in 4wd. in 4A maybe. Hopefully disconnecting the battery will let it reset.

 

[SwissBronco]

Thanks, sorry forgot to write, that was the first I did. Disconnected the battery overnight and gave the battery a good charge. Battery is fine.
Patrick

 

[1986Bronco]

Is this something that can be reset with Forscan? Otherwise, make sure the person that comes to pick it up puts it on a flatbed...

 

[hemiblas]

Thanks, sorry forgot to write, that was the first I did. Disconnected the battery overnight and gave the battery a good charge. Battery is fine.
Patrick

Now that the battery is in....start the Bronco, let the engine run for a bit and then stop it. Then disconnect the battery for 30 seconds and then reconnect.

 

[Fordified1]

Thanks, sorry forgot to write, that was the first I did. Disconnected the battery overnight and gave the battery a good charge. Battery is fine.
Patrick

I would still try to disconnect the battery now that it’s fully charged for a minute and then hook it back up and see if that clears it.

 

[SwissBronco]

Will do so and let you know!

Good feedback!

 

[ksdon]

Ford is trying to expand it's on-site service. Some dealers have a limited range of services while others are equipped to do much more. I'd check if they can come to you.

 

[BroncoAZ]

Mine isn’t stuck in 4x4, but after a month and a half of not using it the battery was down to 3.45 volts. I used my 7 amp Ctek charger for about 24 hours and the battery (surprisingly) seems ok. A week later I’m still getting all of these warnings when I start the truck. The truck is in the garage for winter storage, so it hasn’t left the driveway to possibly let things reset out on the road. I did try letting it idle up to temp then shutting it off and disconnecting the battery for 1 minute, all the warnings are still present.

Yes, my 2021 Bronco doesn’t have 5,000 miles yet. I have an employer provided work truck for daily use.

 

[Bmadda]

Mine isn’t stuck in 4x4, but after a month and a half of not using it the battery was down to 3.45 volts. I used my 7 amp Ctek charger for about 24 hours and the battery (surprisingly) seems ok. A week later I’m still getting all of these warnings when I start the truck. The truck is in the garage for winter storage, so it hasn’t left the driveway to possibly let things reset out on the road. I did try letting it idle up to temp then shutting it off and disconnecting the battery for 1 minute, all the warnings are still present.

Yes, my 2021 Bronco doesn’t have 5,000 miles yet. I have an employer provided work truck for daily use.

Mine sets all those warnings when I let the battery go dead. Goes away after running for 10 minutes or so, or driving it a few blocks

 

[RimrockPaul]

Will do so and let you know!

Good feedback!

And do the Hokey Pokey and turn your self around .

 

[BadlandsA51]

Mine isn’t stuck in 4x4, but after a month and a half of not using it the battery was down to 3.45 volts. I used my 7 amp Ctek charger for about 24 hours and the battery (surprisingly) seems ok. A week later I’m still getting all of these warnings when I start the truck. The truck is in the garage for winter storage, so it hasn’t left the driveway to possibly let things reset out on the road. I did try letting it idle up to temp then shutting it off and disconnecting the battery for 1 minute, all the warnings are still present.

Yes, my 2021 Bronco doesn’t have 5,000 miles yet. I have an employer provided work truck for daily use.

Those messages are all set by the ABS module. Driving a short distance may reset them after ABS module sees wheel speed sensors, steering angle sensor, “talks” to other modules so it knows all is well with them.

 

[NVCowboy]

Trickle charger if your Bronco ain’t your daily.

 

[Glade Runner]

What is causing bronco batteries to drain when not used?

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