4A acting like 4H, binding while turning on dry pavement

[SamIAm66]

Because they presume when you're in Sport mode you're going to be doing aggressive things where having added traction/drive with the front wheels would be helpful. Dry pavement isn't really that case, and even when I DO put our Bronco (or the wife's expedition, for that matter) in Sport mode, I manually switch it back OUT of 4A...because I am generally trying to get into traffic on a crowded road, not dealing with a slick surface.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE 4A and sometimes wish my truck had it...but I still don't personally feel it is meant for dry pavement.

I agree with all of this, and do the same when using sport mode, switch to 2H. (There was slight sarcasm in my question). You would think Sport would default to 2H as I think most folks use it as you stated, hwy driving for acceleration.

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[userdude]

I would guess the clutch pack needs to be replaced. Hopefully not a bigger trans problem.

 

[Thor_1]

You really shouldn’t

So then you have to ask why does Sport mode default to 4A??

So issues like the OP is having and repairs are needed.

 

[Techun]

I would guess the clutch pack needs to be replaced. Hopefully not a bigger trans problem.

If anything, the clutch mechanism is working too well

While you "can" use 4a on dry pavement, I would take care to avoid tight, low speed turns in it because it will be locked.

 

[crenca]

then put it back in 4A, backed out and experienced the same binding backing out which makes sense since it was the same tight turn but in reverse after I released the tension. Once again switched to 2H to release tension.

This is interesting. Ford's 4A (which is just a modern AWD system/design) does not engage the front axle in reverse, so this is indicative that the system state is in fact in "4H". Assuming your not engageing lockers, possibly by having your Bronco in a "GOAT" mode, then you need to have a mechanic investigate I think.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE 4A and sometimes wish my truck had it...but I still don't personally feel it is meant for dry pavement.

It is designed for dry pavement (and wet, and snow, etc.) like all other modern AWD systems from any number of manufactures.

While you "can" use 4a on dry pavement, I would take care to avoid tight, low speed turns in it because it will be locked.

It won't. The computer "fades" (to choose a word) how much torque is applied to the front axle based on steering angle as well as a number of other factors including speed, throttle position, gear the transmission is in, etc.

 

[steeltipdart]

I dropped off my '22 MT this morning to clean up recalls. I wanted to have them look specifically at 26s26 transfer case recall. Last week I started experiencing exactly your description, Lil Red. I've never experienced binding in 4A until last week. 4H does not bind unless the lockers are engaged. Received an updated email confirmation an hour ago:

here is the inspection on your vehicle, for the noise in 4 auto your clutch is failing in the transfer case, this repair is covered under warranty, If we order the part today we will see it in 3 days, the rest of the items are Maintenance the vehicle is due for by mileage.

I wasn't sure if this would be related/covered, but this is my experience so far and wish you the best of luck!

 

[crenca]

I dropped off my '22 MT this morning to clean up recalls. I wanted to have them look specifically at 26s26 transfer case recall. Last week I started experiencing exactly your description, Lil Red. I've never experienced binding in 4A until last week. 4H does not bind unless the lockers are engaged. Received an updated email confirmation an hour ago:

here is the inspection on your vehicle, for the noise in 4 auto your clutch is failing in the transfer case, this repair is covered under warranty, If we order the part today we will see it in 3 days, the rest of the items are Maintenance the vehicle is due for by mileage.

I wasn't sure if this would be related/covered, but this is my experience so far and wish you the best of luck!

Interesting. I don't know how mechanically inclined you are, and at a dealer your often talking to a "service advisor" who doesn't know a tire from a wheel, but if you get any more detail as to how the 'wet friction clutch' pack' (assuming that is the actual point of failure) gave up the ghost please let us know.

 

[JaredH790]

IMHO, if you are going to run in 4A you should probably be replacing that transfer case fluid every 12-15K miles. That clutch is always slightly engaged and it is putting extra heat and shedding friction material at all times while in 4A.

I would not be afraid to use it, but would also definitely adjust my maintenance intervals to reflect.

Best of luck to you!

 

[Lil Red Broncette]

To clarify, you're saying you engaged 4H and drove to work?
[/QUOTE]

That was a typo, I mean't 2H to go to work.

 

[Lil Red Broncette]

IMHO, if you are going to run in 4A you should probably be replacing that transfer case fluid every 12-15K miles. That clutch is always slightly engaged and it is putting extra heat and shedding friction material at all times while in 4A.

Thanks for the info. I only have a bit over 7K miles in 4 years. The reason I been running 4A recently is:

1) I paid for the ability, it should work.

2) I want to give it a reasonable shakedown while I still have warranty coverage (I extended it).

All told in 4A I have maybe 700 miles.

 

[Lil Red Broncette]

Because they presume when you're in Sport mode you're going to be doing aggressive things where having added traction/drive with the front wheels would be helpful. Dry pavement isn't really that case, and even when I DO put our Bronco (or the wife's expedition, for that matter) in Sport mode, I manually switch it back OUT of 4A...because I am generally trying to get into traffic on a crowded road, not dealing with a slick surface.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE 4A and sometimes wish my truck had it...but I still don't personally feel it is meant for dry pavement.

If it is not for dry pavement, they should be clear it isn't. If not dry pavement, what is its use, wet roads? Cause anything worse than we 4H would be fine.

Equally, it seems doing aggressive things in sport mode would include on dry pavement.

 

[Ducati1098]

If it is not for dry pavement, they should be clear it isn't. If not dry pavement, what is its use, wet roads? Cause anything worse than we 4H would be fine.

Equally, it seems doing aggressive things in sport mode would include on dry pavement.

It’s perfectly fine for dry pavement, they make that very clear.

There’s broncos with 100k+ mileage that use 4A daily. Simply using it had nothing to do with your concern or failure.

 

[Lil Red Broncette]

I dropped off my '22 MT this morning to clean up recalls. I wanted to have them look specifically at 26s26 transfer case recall. Last week I started experiencing exactly your description, Lil Red. I've never experienced binding in 4A until last week. 4H does not bind unless the lockers are engaged. Received an updated email confirmation an hour ago:

here is the inspection on your vehicle, for the noise in 4 auto your clutch is failing in the transfer case, this repair is covered under warranty, If we order the part today we will see it in 3 days, the rest of the items are Maintenance the vehicle is due for by mileage.

I wasn't sure if this would be related/covered, but this is my experience so far and wish you the best of luck!

Thanks. I never heard of a transfer case recall and when I scheduled the appointment he reviewed recalls and didn't mention one. I am always believe if they can't replicate a problem they will dismiss it, say it is a glitch or otherwise do nothing. We will see what the dealer does in a few days.

 

[steeltipdart]

I guess I'm confused by the responses, and I need help clarifying. If 4A isn't intended for dry pavement (i.e. sport mode) why throw it into the mix as a default? 4H and 4L conquer the same obstacles that are being presented here without the "don't run after midnight, don't feed after midnight!" mindset. I'm really not trying to stir the pot, I'm honestly trying to figure out the right way to operate my Bronco. The first 4A vehicle I owned was a 100 series Land Cruiser and that ran 4A all time unless I used the mechanical transfer to swap to 4H or 4L. I assumed that the 6G Bronco could handle 4A on dry hard services. My experience has been that with the same sounding issue as Lil Red, my 4A binds up on hard, dry surfaces. My 4H and 4L haven't. Before I dropped off my Bronco for service, I tested all drive modes because I'm new to the push button transfer case. I'm just not understanding why the 4A mode is causing issues that have been around for 20+ years. Please help me understand. ELI5

 

[steeltipdart]

Thanks. I never heard of a transfer case recall and when I scheduled the appointment he reviewed recalls and didn't mention one. I am always believe if they can't replicate a problem they will dismiss it, say it is a glitch or otherwise do nothing. We will see what the dealer does in a few days.

I purchased my Bronco used, and there was a recall on it that the previous owner had addressed. The way I understand it is the 26S26 is a recall to inspect a previous recall. I wish I could help more.

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