First trail shakedown. Otay Mtn, Anza-Borrego Desert, Ocotillo Wells

[OffroadCamper]

Great stuff! Look forward to reading about more of your adventures

Thanks Felix. Really appreciate all the help. Were planning this years trips July-July and I should have some good fun trips to report back with. Emoji:

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[OffroadCamper]

Thanks for the post and the vids, here are my thoughts.
...elipsis...

Valhalla, huge thanks for taking the time to reply. Lots of great experienced info.
I saw the crazy trails you ran in your posts before. Awesome stuff. Sometimes I forget how diverse and epic the trails are across the country (or world). We are all so freaking lucky.
Any time seeing elk out here is still really awesome for me.

 

[Motovita]

Oh, I gotta disagree with you there…I have to go with Hazlenut Coffeemate. Actually, I only use it for meh coffee. If the coffee grind is good, drink it black.

Baja is definitely better for shallow sand like the desert washes out in Borrego. Sand mode is intended for deep sand like sand dunes so the go pedal is a bit weaker.

Yeah AWD no bueno off-road - just for inclement weather on pavement. Also, I think of “AWD” as a term only for vehicles like VW and Subaru AWD with center diffs that constantly split the torque between front and rear. Ford Bronco is more of an “Automatic 4WD” that is primarily RWD but will automatically engage and disengage the front axle via clutch plates as needed.

Lack of a tachometer gage was definitely a bad choice by Ford. I dunno what they were thinking with that bar graph so they could give us 2 speedometers.

Thanks for sharing the pictures and videos! Looks like a real fun trip! I haven’t been to Borrego in over 10 years and need to visit.

I've looked, obviously not hard enough, for that description of the AWD mode on the Bronco, can you tell me where to find it?

 

[Valhalla]

I've looked, obviously not hard enough, for that description of the AWD mode on the Bronco, can you tell me where to find it?

You either have it or you don't, it is not a mode it is a different transfer case.

 

[EasternSierra]

I've looked, obviously not hard enough, for that description of the AWD mode on the Bronco, can you tell me where to find it?

If your 4WD buttons include one labeled "4A" then that's it. If you don't have that button then you don't have it.

 

[Motovita]

You either have it or you don't, it is not a mode it is a different transfer case.

I have it, I've just never seen a good explanation of how it works.

 

[Valhalla]

Mash the button, when the computer decides (under acceleration sensed slippage) it uses a clutch to add in the front axle... use the power distribution screen you can see it engage disengage.

 

[thesocalexplorer]

Love the shots! Anza is such a fun spot to camp and play around at, I've done plenty of hooning with my bronco there haha.

 

[DarthLincoln]

I've looked, obviously not hard enough, for that description of the AWD mode on the Bronco, can you tell me where to find it?

The description is pretty vague in the owner's manual - it doesn't even bother mentioning that the system uses a variable clutch instead of a center differential to send torque to the front:

Advanced 4x4 With Automatic On Demand Engagement​

This system monitors various vehicle sensory inputs to provide an increased level of performance. This system offers two-wheel drive high, four-wheel drive auto, four-wheel drive high, and four-wheel drive low as available modes of operation. ​

When you select four-wheel drive auto, the system continuously varies power to the front wheels for optimum performance for all on-road conditions. When you select either four-wheel drive high or four-wheel drive low, the system provides electronically locked power to the front and rear wheels for use in off-road or slippery conditions such as deep snow, sand or mud. Selecting four-wheel drive low also provides additional gearing for increased torque multiplication for conditions like deep sand, steep slopes, or pulling heavy objects.​

​

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE AUTO (If Equipped)​

Four-wheel drive auto provides electronically controlled four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels, as required, for increased traction in varying on-road conditions. The four-wheel drive auto tuning varies based on selected Drive Mode. See Selecting a Four-Wheel Drive Mode (page 197).​

Note: Four-wheel drive auto can turn on or off automatically based on Drive Mode selection. See Selecting a Four-Wheel Drive Mode (page 197).​

That's not much help. The service manual has a much more thorough description of the transfer case and how 4A (its "AWD" mode) works. Below is the operational description of all 4 modes from the service manual for the Advanced 4x4 system:

Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Component Location​

Item Description ​

1 AWD module ​

2 Transfer case range sensor ​

3 ATCM ​

4 Rear ELD connector ​

5 Rear differential ​

6 Rear driveshaft ​

7 Transfer case ​

8 Transfer case shift motor ​

9 Front driveshaft ​

10 Front ELD connector ​

11 Front differential ​

12 Transmission​

​

System Operation​

​

(2H) OPERATION ​

When the ATCM is in (2H), power is delivered to the rear wheels only. This mode is appropriate for normal on-road driving on dry pavement and provides the best fuel economy. Torque is passed through the transfer case to the rear driveshaft at a 1:1 ratio. In (2H):​

​

• The ATCM sends a (2H) mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
  • The transfer case clutch is at or below the kiss point.
  • The reduction sleeve connects the input shaft and output shaft
  • (2H) will momentarily be displayed in the message center at key up and after a 4WD to (2H) shift.

​

(4A) OPERATION ​

When (4A) is selected on the ATCM , the 4WD system provides electronically controlled four-wheel drive with power delivered to all four wheels, as required, for increased traction. (4A) is appropriate for all on-road driving conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, light snow or gravel. Shifts from (2H) or (4H) to (4A) can be made at any speed. In (4A):​

​

• The ATCM sends a (4A) mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
  • The shift motor positions the ball ramp device at the clutch kiss point when driving conditions do not require 4WD.
  • The shift motor positions the ball ramp device to apply the clutch when wheel slip is anticipated or detected.
  • The reduction sleeve connects the input shaft and output shaft
  • (4A) is displayed in the message center.

AUTOLOCK ​

If the system is in (4A) and AWD module detects driving conditions that require greater 4WD performance, the AWD module temporarily turns on (4H). The message center displays 4X4 TEMPORARILY LOCKED. The 4WD system automatically returns to (4A) after the system no longer detects these driving conditions. The message center will temporarily display 4X4 RESTORED.​

​

POWERTRAIN TORQUE PROTECTION ​

If the system is in (4A) and AWD module detects excessive stress or high energy going through the clutch (clutch is slipping excessively while the system is commanding max clutch torque), the shift motor will release the clutch and message center indicates 4x4 TEMPORARILY DISABLED. When the system had the ability to cool off, 4x4 operation will be automatically restored. The message center will temporarily display 4X4 RESTORED.​

​

​

(4H) OPERATION ​

(4H) provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use in off-road or winter conditions such as deep snow, sand or mud. This mode is not for use on dry pavement. Shifts from (2H) to (4H) can be made at any speed. In (4H):​

​

• The ATCM sends a (4H) mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
  • The shift motor positions the ball ramp device to completely apply the clutch.
  • The reduction sleeve connects the input shaft and output shaft
  • (4H) is displayed in the message center.

​

(4L) OPERATION ​

(4L) provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use on low traction surfaces but does so with an additional gear reduction for increased torque multiplication. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. (4L) does not engage when your vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is normal and should be no reason for concern.​

​

Shifts to and from (4L) can only be made below 3.1 mph (5 km/h) with the transmission in Neutral. When performing this shift, wait until the 4x4 Shift in Progress message disappears in the IPC before moving the selector lever back to Drive. If the vehicle speed or transmission range is not within parameters, the message center will indicate the necessary action needed to complete the shift. In (4L):​

​

• The ATCM sends a (4L) mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
  • The shift motor positions the ball ramp device to completely apply the clutch.
  • The shift motor positions the reduction sleeve connecting the planetary carrier and output shaft
  • (4L) is displayed in the message center.

​

 

[Motovita]

The description is pretty vague in the owner's manual - it doesn't even bother mentioning that the system uses a variable clutch instead of a center differential to send torque to the front:

Advanced 4x4 With Automatic On Demand Engagement​

This system monitors various vehicle sensory inputs to provide an increased level of performance. This system offers two-wheel drive high, four-wheel drive auto, four-wheel drive high, and four-wheel drive low as available modes of operation. ​

When you select four-wheel drive auto, the system continuously varies power to the front wheels for optimum performance for all on-road conditions. When you select either four-wheel drive high or four-wheel drive low, the system provides electronically locked power to the front and rear wheels for use in off-road or slippery conditions such as deep snow, sand or mud. Selecting four-wheel drive low also provides additional gearing for increased torque multiplication for conditions like deep sand, steep slopes, or pulling heavy objects.​

​

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE AUTO (If Equipped)​

Four-wheel drive auto provides electronically controlled four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels, as required, for increased traction in varying on-road conditions. The four-wheel drive auto tuning varies based on selected Drive Mode. See Selecting a Four-Wheel Drive Mode (page 197).​

Note: Four-wheel drive auto can turn on or off automatically based on Drive Mode selection. See Selecting a Four-Wheel Drive Mode (page 197).​

That's not much help. The service manual has a much more thorough description of the transfer case and how 4A (its "AWD" mode) works. Below is the operational description of all 4 modes from the service manual for the Advanced 4x4 system:

Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Component Location​

Item Description ​

1 AWD module ​

2 Transfer case range sensor ​

3 ATCM ​

4 Rear ELD connector ​

5 Rear differential ​

6 Rear driveshaft ​

7 Transfer case ​

8 Transfer case shift motor ​

9 Front driveshaft ​

10 Front ELD connector ​

11 Front differential ​

12 Transmission​

​

System Operation​

​

(2H) OPERATION ​

When the ATCM is in (2H), power is delivered to the rear wheels only. This mode is appropriate for normal on-road driving on dry pavement and provides the best fuel economy. Torque is passed through the transfer case to the rear driveshaft at a 1:1 ratio. In (2H):​

​

• The ATCM sends a (2H) mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
  • The transfer case clutch is at or below the kiss point.
  • The reduction sleeve connects the input shaft and output shaft
  • (2H) will momentarily be displayed in the message center at key up and after a 4WD to (2H) shift.

​

(4A) OPERATION ​

When (4A) is selected on the ATCM , the 4WD system provides electronically controlled four-wheel drive with power delivered to all four wheels, as required, for increased traction. (4A) is appropriate for all on-road driving conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, light snow or gravel. Shifts from (2H) or (4H) to (4A) can be made at any speed. In (4A):​

​

• The ATCM sends a (4A) mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
  • The shift motor positions the ball ramp device at the clutch kiss point when driving conditions do not require 4WD.
  • The shift motor positions the ball ramp device to apply the clutch when wheel slip is anticipated or detected.
  • The reduction sleeve connects the input shaft and output shaft
  • (4A) is displayed in the message center.

AUTOLOCK ​

If the system is in (4A) and AWD module detects driving conditions that require greater 4WD performance, the AWD module temporarily turns on (4H). The message center displays 4X4 TEMPORARILY LOCKED. The 4WD system automatically returns to (4A) after the system no longer detects these driving conditions. The message center will temporarily display 4X4 RESTORED.​

​

POWERTRAIN TORQUE PROTECTION ​

If the system is in (4A) and AWD module detects excessive stress or high energy going through the clutch (clutch is slipping excessively while the system is commanding max clutch torque), the shift motor will release the clutch and message center indicates 4x4 TEMPORARILY DISABLED. When the system had the ability to cool off, 4x4 operation will be automatically restored. The message center will temporarily display 4X4 RESTORED.​

​

​

(4H) OPERATION ​

(4H) provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use in off-road or winter conditions such as deep snow, sand or mud. This mode is not for use on dry pavement. Shifts from (2H) to (4H) can be made at any speed. In (4H):​

​

• The ATCM sends a (4H) mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
  • The shift motor positions the ball ramp device to completely apply the clutch.
  • The reduction sleeve connects the input shaft and output shaft
  • (4H) is displayed in the message center.

​

(4L) OPERATION ​

(4L) provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use on low traction surfaces but does so with an additional gear reduction for increased torque multiplication. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. (4L) does not engage when your vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is normal and should be no reason for concern.​

​

Shifts to and from (4L) can only be made below 3.1 mph (5 km/h) with the transmission in Neutral. When performing this shift, wait until the 4x4 Shift in Progress message disappears in the IPC before moving the selector lever back to Drive. If the vehicle speed or transmission range is not within parameters, the message center will indicate the necessary action needed to complete the shift. In (4L):​

​

• The ATCM sends a (4L) mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
  • The shift motor positions the ball ramp device to completely apply the clutch.
  • The shift motor positions the reduction sleeve connecting the planetary carrier and output shaft
  • (4L) is displayed in the message center.

​

Thanks, that's exactly what I wanted to hear. The Mrs. had an early AWD Volvo that worked similarly. I never heard the term "kiss point" before (at least not in this context) but I instantly knew what it meant, I like it.

 

[rbroncotx]

Baja mode makes sense for Anza-Borrego — the sandy washes and loose decomposed granite are exactly what it's tuned for. On the Raptor the Live Valve is handling the suspension actively so you're focused on line selection instead of managing body roll. Different experience than 4A on that terrain.

 

[Wyld2dr]

Dang Thanks didn't even think of running without AC. Did that years ago in Vegas, guess I got spoiled and forgot. Have to put that on the tool box list after I find temp guages on this tiny dash. LOL

Then you get the warning for your display screen being too hot: "lower cabin temperature"

Also, there's a display on the right side that shows the 4 gauges at once. Boost, coolant, transmission, oil.

 

[OffroadCamper]

kool. OK so AWD makes sense for snow on pavement even rain. F150 could run slippery mode but had to turn it back to 2H. I assume you can run slipper mode and AWD. I'll try it next winter in mountains. Might be less wear and tear than running 4H all day in deesert too or constantly switching between 2H and 4H. Might try that also.

 

[ThunderFlash]

Be sure to play around using the GOAT modes, too. You probably know this, but they do a lot behind the scenes. You can turn many things on/off manually, but the GOAT modes can make adjustments to things like throttle response, shift points, traction control sensitivity, ABS, etc.

 

[rbroncotx]

On the Raptor, Baja is doing all that plus the Fox Live Valve — suspension, throttle, and traction as one package. Most guys jump straight to Rock Crawl for anything technical but Baja is where the Raptor actually wants to be on loose and mixed terrain.

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