4A issues. ford says this is normal?

[flip]

Ford programmed it to come on in Sport mode.

You're wrong.

Ford also said you could neutral tow these without any issues. Since you brought up sport mode, what kind of sport type driving is happening in a paved parking lot? Two completely different driving situations.

Ford is wrong for not being more specific about situations when to and when not to use a driving mode. If you want to keep driving in 4A do what you want, I'm simply stating my opinion based on 27 years of fixing Fords. Just understand that if you drive in 4A and get the occasional bind, clunk, noise, stiff steering, it's probably normal.

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[BroncoBeachBuggy]

Without regard for how Ford has decided to classify 4A as OK for all conditions, it really shouldn't be used on exclusively dry surfaces. If you're concerned about slip, traction control is always running in the background under normal driving and will take care of most of the reasons for a slip. It has been my understanding since 4A was introduced, the intended use was mainly for snowy/icy/slippery road conditions, as a more desirable option to running 4x4 on highway conditions.

Feel free to argue with me but I see no reason to run 4A on dry pavement under "normal" conditions.

I'm not arguing with ya. Just saying when I go into sport mode, it automatically switches to 4A. I doubt Ford would do that if it was a problem on dry pavement. Mind you, I don't use sport and only use 4A for heavy rain/snow, but not because I'm concerned about using 4A on dry pavement.

 

[adam1991]

Ford also said you could neutral tow these without any issues.

So? That they have failed to deliver in some circumstances, doesn't mean they're not obligated to hold up to their written documentation.

I don't live my life like that. "Eh, they said something, I bought it, they lied, I guess I'll just go on with my life". Nope.

Since you brought up sport mode, what kind of sport type driving is happening in a paved parking lot?

I won't even dignify your pathetic attempt here with a response. Jesus Christ. You think people can't read what you wrote and think for themselves?

Ford is wrong for not being more specific about situations when to and when not to use a driving mode.

Ford was very specific about 4A. And when it doesn't behave that way they documented, it means the system is BROKEN. It does NOT mean that the operator's expectations are too high.

Seriously, stop already trying to make excuses for Ford's broken transfer cases. And stop trying to excuse the ignorant techs who are happy to run the parts cannons and who never understand a thing about how the car works.

 

[flip]

(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.

Eco

• For efficient driving. This mode helps deliver maximum fuel efficiency and helps to increase driving range.
• (2H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. (4L) is not selectable in eco mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is not available in eco mode.
• The rear electronic locking differential is available.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is not available in eco mode.

Sport

• For sporty driving with improved performance handling and response. This mode increases accelerator pedal response and provides a sportier steering feel. The powertrain system holds onto lower gears longer, helping your vehicle accelerate faster.
• (2H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. (4L) is not selectable in sport mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is not available in sport mode.
• The rear electronic locking differential is available.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is not available in sport mode.

Slippery

• For less than ideal road conditions such as snow or ice covered roads. This mode can be used for crossing terrain where a firm surface is covered with loose, wet or slippery material. Slippery mode lowers throttle response and optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.
• (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. Both four-wheel drive modes are selectable in slippery mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential is available.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is not available in slippery mode.

Sand

• For off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow. This mode may help get your vehicle unstuck from deep snow or sand.
• (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. (4L) is selectable in sand mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential is engaged when in sand mode and is available in all selectable four-wheel drive modes.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is available in (4H) or (4L).

Mud/Ruts

• For off-road driving. This mode enhances vehicle performance to traverse muddy, rutted or uneven terrains.
• (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. (4L) is selectable in mud/rut mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in four-wheel drive low.
• The rear electronic locking differential is engaged when in mud/ruts mode.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is available in (4H) or (4L).

Rock Crawl

• For off-road driving and optimum rock-climbing ability. Rock crawl mode optimizes the throttle and transmission response to provide you additional control of your vehicle.
• (4L) is the only four-wheel drive mode selectable in rock crawl, the system prompts you to put your vehicle into (4L) upon selection.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential is engaged when in rock crawl mode.
• The stabilizer bar disconnects when in rock crawl mode.

Baja

• For high speed off-road driving. Baja mode optimizes the throttle control for better response and torque delivery.
• (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential is available
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is available in (4H) or (4L).

 

[adam1991]

I'm simply stating my opinion based on 27 years of fixing Fords.

yeah. I get it--you're one of those techs who dismissed the concern immediately, declared it to be "normal", and are now being called out for your ignorance of the ACTUAL situation.

Of course, then there's my DIRECT experience: I took the problem to the dealer, they declared it to be real, they did some troubleshooting, and the process took them down to "bad transfer case--replace".

But if I had sat here on my ass and listened to you, you would have me believe that there was never anything wrong and that I was wasting my time taking it to a tech--like you?--who would dismiss it and ridicule me for thinking that Ford's documentation meant anything real.

 

[flip]

yeah. I get it--you're one of those techs who dismissed the concern immediately, declared it to be "normal", and are now being called out for your ignorance of the ACTUAL situation.

Of course, then there's my DIRECT experience: I took the problem to the dealer, they declared it to be real, they did some troubleshooting, and the process took them down to "bad transfer case--replace".

But if I had sat here on my ass and listened to you, you would have me believe that there was never anything wrong and that I was wasting my time taking it to a tech--like you?--who would dismiss it and ridicule me for thinking that Ford's documentation meant anything real.

I actually own the place and your attempt to shit on techs indicates you are either an engineer or an idiot. Either way, I hope you get the sand out of your grundle and the remainder of your week goes a little better.

 

[Techun]

Because it's what is used in sport mode for dry surfaces...

Only if you want it to be

 

[BroncoDymond88]

Not sure how it’s “supposed” to be, but I’ve been driving these Broncos since release and I can tell you 4a means 4x4 is on, it’s been that way since launch. Making a tight turn there will be resistance. However, it’s also possible to drive at highway speeds with 4a on so they are controlling electronically at some level.

 

[userdude]

yeah. I get it--you're one of those techs who dismissed the concern immediately, declared it to be "normal", and are now being called out for your ignorance of the ACTUAL situation.

Of course, then there's my DIRECT experience: I took the problem to the dealer, they declared it to be real, they did some troubleshooting, and the process took them down to "bad transfer case--replace".

But if I had sat here on my ass and listened to you, you would have me believe that there was never anything wrong and that I was wasting my time taking it to a tech--like you?--who would dismiss it and ridicule me for thinking that Ford's documentation meant anything real.

@flip, I hear you and see what you were getting at. I drive in 4a 100% of time and don't intend to stop, but what you're saying makes sense to me. Not worth it getting into it here.

 

[twinturbo4vGT]

(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.

Eco

• For efficient driving. This mode helps deliver maximum fuel efficiency and helps to increase driving range.
• (2H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. (4L) is not selectable in eco mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is not available in eco mode.
• The rear electronic locking differential is available.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is not available in eco mode.

Sport

• For sporty driving with improved performance handling and response. This mode increases accelerator pedal response and provides a sportier steering feel. The powertrain system holds onto lower gears longer, helping your vehicle accelerate faster.
• (2H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. (4L) is not selectable in sport mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is not available in sport mode.
• The rear electronic locking differential is available.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is not available in sport mode.

Slippery

• For less than ideal road conditions such as snow or ice covered roads. This mode can be used for crossing terrain where a firm surface is covered with loose, wet or slippery material. Slippery mode lowers throttle response and optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.
• (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. Both four-wheel drive modes are selectable in slippery mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential is available.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is not available in slippery mode.

Sand

• For off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow. This mode may help get your vehicle unstuck from deep snow or sand.
• (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. (4L) is selectable in sand mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential is engaged when in sand mode and is available in all selectable four-wheel drive modes.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is available in (4H) or (4L).

Mud/Ruts

• For off-road driving. This mode enhances vehicle performance to traverse muddy, rutted or uneven terrains.
• (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. (4L) is selectable in mud/rut mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in four-wheel drive low.
• The rear electronic locking differential is engaged when in mud/ruts mode.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is available in (4H) or (4L).

Rock Crawl

• For off-road driving and optimum rock-climbing ability. Rock crawl mode optimizes the throttle and transmission response to provide you additional control of your vehicle.
• (4L) is the only four-wheel drive mode selectable in rock crawl, the system prompts you to put your vehicle into (4L) upon selection.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential is engaged when in rock crawl mode.
• The stabilizer bar disconnects when in rock crawl mode.

Baja

• For high speed off-road driving. Baja mode optimizes the throttle control for better response and torque delivery.
• (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential is available
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is available in (4H) or (4L).

Considering the fact that doesn't apply to vehicles with 4A because everything on there is for base models WITHOUT 4A. Sport and slippery default to 4A in my vehicle.

 

[adam1991]

but I’ve been driving these Broncos since release and I can tell you 4a means 4x4 is on, it’s been that way since launch.

Or, Ford has been delivering subpar transfer cases since launch.

Like they did with my transfer case, and the other guy's as well in that thread.

Ford is not replacing transfer cases just because, and they didn't establish a diagnostic procedure for that for fun.

 

[twinturbo4vGT]

It's not supposed to be the Slippery GOAT Mode on dry pavement (Which is 4HIGH, not 4A), per your original statement. Sport GOAT Mode will act much differently than Slippery Maybe don't do that....

Clearly reading isn't your strong suit. I used slippery WHILE IT WAS RAINING. And also on vehicles with 4A it defaults to 4A, NOT 4H.

 

[flip]

@flip, I hear you and see what you were getting at. I drive in 4a 100% of time and don't intend to stop, but what you're saying makes sense to me. Not worth it getting into it here.

I'm not looking for a scruff with anyone, my point is that 4A has some inherent limitations and quirks, a lot is in the programming. I've yet to see any appreciable benefit to using 4A in the majority of normal driving conditions. A lot of the benefit of what 4A offers, as far as safer driving, can be accomplished through the traction control system, assuming the programming would allow. 4A comes with some of the concerns as described in the post. Are there some abnormal issues? Yes, but the majority are likely characteristic and more annoying than an actual problem that can be fixed on this end.

 

[userdude]

I'm not looking for a scruff with anyone, my point is that 4A has some inherent limitations and quirks, a lot is in the programming. I've yet to see any appreciable benefit to using 4A in the majority of normal driving conditions. A lot of the benefit of what 4A offers, as far as safer driving, can be accomplished through the traction control system, assuming the programming would allow. 4A comes with some of the concerns as described in the post. Are there some abnormal issues? Yes, but the majority are likely characteristic and more annoying than an actual problem that can be fixed on this end.

I just don't like how 2h feels to drive and had several folks say they've always used it like @mpeugeot (100k miles). I've had that binding-on-turn feeling in 4h before and thought it was also partially steering changes (Baja mode), but I don't really know squat. 4a if it's been different, I haven't felt it really. Could just be I've been driving in it so long I don't notice. Also, just saying I didn't think you were being a jerk...

 

[adam1991]

Since you brought up sport mode, what kind of sport type driving is happening in a paved parking lot?

"Doctor, Doctor, it hurts when I do this."
"Then don't do that. And you shouldn't want to do that anyway."

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