Seriously, Rich is telling the truth and trying to help customers. 2H or specifically designed AWD systems are the only modes for driving on pavement. I was working at a Jeep test facility where SEVERE transfer case vehicle testing was done. The angled blocks made Belgian Blocks look small. The welded blocks were pure evil for a drivetrain. The Jeeps would crawl over these blocks, 2-3 feet tall at weird angles and shapes. Every so often I would hear a transfer case shatter. The rapping noise of the chain exploding through the transfer case is unforgettable. 4WD of any kind is not meant for driving on pavement. There are reasons for this, just like Rich says. I work at a company that designs AWD systems for most auto companies. AWD and 4WD are very different. That includes "automatic 4WD". I am not in that same division that designs AWD, but I work with those guys. Even in light snow on pavement, stay in 2WD or AWD and stay out of any flavor of 4WD. Transfer cases and drivelines are expensive. Differentials and interaxle differentials allow for slip when the tires cannot slip. Eliminating those differentials without wheel slip breaks drvelines.

Thank you for this Rich. I have a friend who just bought a bronco for his daughter. No idea on the details but I told him to watch this video. People need to understand listen to the master techs who go to school for this and see this stuff Sadat in and day out. My opinion only but I think salespeople need to have a demonstration on the functions of every car model… what to do and what not to do. I’m just glad your close to me if I ever have an issue.

I'm glad you put this out. My sister in law has an 03 suburban that she drives in 4 auto. I didn't know the answer when she asked me, now I can show her!

Can’t get no mo simpler than that! I’ve never owned a 4x4 or an AWD vehicle and often wondered what are the differences. You explained nicely!

I don't disagree with his point of not using 4A in normal driving conditions but... People seem to be confused on how it works. 4A works very similar to 4H. Its not just 2wd until the truck for whatever reason thinks you need 4wd, it's always in 4wd except in certain situations like making a sharp turn at slow speeds it will switch quickly back to 2wd to keep from binding. You can see it working in real time if you just bring up the power distribution menu in the dash. It's clearly in 4wd even without detecting wheel sleep but if you are at a stop and turn the wheel sharp and accelerate, you'll notice it's only sending power to the rear. This is the point of 4A. Another caveat is if you're driving at a higher consistent speed for a length of time it will cut to two wheel drive to conserve fuel but once you accelerate it will cut back to four-wheel drive so in essence it's always in four-wheel drive unless you're making a sharp turn or you're on the interstate, for instance, at a consistent speed. Like I said if you don't believe me, get in one and pull up the power distribution menu and see for yourself.

Great video very informative keep up the good videos dude.

Had the 4A mode on our expedition. Only used it a handful of times, usually when we had really bad rain (by CA standards) and the freeway was sketchy.

▪☆▪~》.....From a Subaru owner/driver myself the cons of AWD: 1. Poorer fuel economy 2. More mechanical parts moving hence more $$ for maintenance/repairs 3. When replacing 1 tire all 4 have to be replaced/highly recommended to prevent damage to the drivetrain from my years of ownership..... ▪☆▪☆▪~》》.....Hence many times the 2WD/4WD options on vehicles sometimes is much better.....

You are absolutely correct! People are confusing all-wheel drive with four-wheel drive automatic. They are not the same thing. NOT. 4A is NOT AWD. If that was the case, Ford would have just made the Bronco AWD and not four-wheel drive selectable. Driver ERROR for those that do it.

It makes we wonder if this is the customer's first ever 4wd vehicle. Perhaps their previous vehicle was an AWD and they thought they had the option to engage AWD mode. Unfortunately most people only reach for the owner's manual when they have a problem. Any time I've purchased a new piece of equipment I would flip through the owner's manual to familiarize myself with its nuances. With today's high tech vehicles it is a required read.

Thanks for going above and beyond to try and educate....people...who want to mostly... play ostrich. Ford should issue a software update that every time the ignition is turns off in 4A on start up it cycles itself back to 2H. Keep it remembering 4H or 4L on key cycle for of froad...I assume the intent of the engineers with 4A was you're driving on 2 lane roads at 45mph or less while it is actively snowing...and the system will react to slip...

I’ve had to look at like 10 broncos and I think the escape or ecosport for the oil separator recall luckily not one has been leaking or damaged

Anybody that worried about traction, there are choices for Full TIme AWD vehicles. For example, the H3 Hummers were full time 4WD, I'm working on a 2006 right now in the shop. Also I'm pretty sure some of the SS trucks came with full time AWD. Not to mention all the Subaru's. But I agree, if you drive these Bronco's in 4A all the time, I'm sure the transfer case or PTO or viscous clutch, whatever they use, will wear out prematurely. (Unless you happen to live in the middle of a sandy desert)

Well timed…. Thank you sir!! Common sense!

I used my F-150, 4x4 to tow my 18' heavy boat. At the ramp I always put it in 4A in case the ramp was slippery. Never noticed where it was working as 4WD, but I never had a slippage problem.

Thanks Rich! Not so much with 4A as in this vid, but can be confusing for new owners or someone shopping for a new vehicle, when different brands of vehicles use different internal systems, yet call it the same thing. Some say AWD but actually is FWD with the rear only engaging sometimes, or 4x4 but isn't a 50/50 it can be 70/30 or whatever the manufacturer programed it to be.

You are absolutely correct!

I agree on 2H. Most of my winter driving was in traffic through town. High chance of plowed/treated roads or carved tracks and can only go as fast as car ahead. People forget 4 wheel is only for go. Does not give a hoot about corners or stopping.

Rich, I'm new to 4 wheel drive. Sure, I've driven 4 and 6 wheel drive vehicles in the military, but that was years ago. Bought my first 4x4 Powerboost recently. The wife and I took the truck to the beach. Put it in 4h for the sand and did not lock the diffs. No need to. I could tell the difference immediately by the way the truck performed and turned in the soft stuff. Common sense tells me this is not necessary on a dry paved surface unless maybe you are drag racing. The wear and tear on parts and the lousy fuel mileage should be enough to ward people away from this practice. BTW thanks for the tow mode information. That is all new to this old fart. Way back in the day automatic transmissions came equipped with a rear pump for towing purposes to keep fluid flowing without burning up the clutches. Most only have a front pump now, so no towing in modern automatics without somehow disconnecting the driveline. Knowing this, It just makes sense that the transfer case would easily burn up the friction material of the clutches. Thanks for the lessons.

Good information.

I think most people still confuse 4WD Auto (4A) with the torque sensing systems in AWD vehicles My previous truck had selectable 2wd 4Auto 4Hi & 4Lo with the exception of driving in a couple bad monsoon like rain storms and wet freshly plowed roads in freezing temps I never used 4Auto at all. I either was in 2WD or one of the other 4WD modes. Oh what a time my old Full Size Bronco you had to get out and lock the Hubs before engaging 4WD I learned quick when’s probably a good time to lock those Hubs even though I’m still gonna drive around in 2WD usually before doing something stupid off-road thankfully video on camera phones was low res and that was way before social media 😂

My 19 Raptor scab . Cobb Tuned with bolt ons 2wd most time . 4wd hi used on street along as long as no turns. I can Rip off a 4.5 sec 0 to 60. 4a on street in rain because in 2wd tuned it will fishtail bad when boost comes on line and torque hits even at part th throttle . this goes for dirt as well. Turning on pavement will bind up 4wd . If your binding up with out turning on pavement then your tires are worn front to back they are not same size.

Damn I taught I knew how to use 4x4 system. Thanks

Rich, hoping you can answer my question. I have a 2018 F150 XLT FX4 with the 3.5 and the 10- speed tranny. My question is, can you shift between drive modes (normal, tow/haul, snow/wet, eco, sport) while the truck is moving? For example, if I am in normal mode at 40 or 50 mph can I change the mode to sport without coming to a stop?

the 2nd gen explorers had a similar setup, without a 2h option. Those transfer cases never held up

💯 correct. Also your F150 front axle will be noisy and not happy on a Sunny 🌞 day when operating in 4wd or 4wd Auto.

It's pretty simple if your transfer case doesn't have a center differential it's only for slippery and offroad usage.

I just changed my transfer case fluid at 79k miles and it was fairly clean, with nothing on the magnetic drain plug. Replaced with AMSOIL ATF signature series, which I'm sure would have some on the forums shit since I have the 44-44 4a transfer case. Some cry mopar only fluid. Anyways in winter I run in 4A mode all the time. Spring, Summer and Fall 2WD only obviously, unless someone is messing around at the stoplights. It's nice around town in winter that you don't have to constantly change between 4WD and 2WD. Also for highway running, with snow and slush in winter, I lock in 4WD mode for better vehicle balance. The 4A can give you a surprise if you have a downshift uphill for example, slight delay for the front axle to engage if you are on ice. The Hemi does not have the low end torque of the EB motors, so maybe it is less of a problem. Also I run all terrain tires with the winter snowflake, so not super grabby in the cold. I leave it in 4A for most of the winter, unless we have an above zero thaw out then back to 2wd.

I only use it in winter up here for a few months. 🇨🇦

This is something I didn't even know was an issue. After reading up on it, sure enough Rich is right again. The 2h is for normal driving while 4a is when there is a possibility the road conditions may degrade. This is different from my Jeep Active Drive/ Lock (yeah it's a Jeep thing) which is an auto 4x4 front wheel drive system that switches to 4wd when needed; since the rear transfer case is still disengaged in Auto, it is not AWD. My guess is the Ford system still has a 2h because it is rear wheel drive, so it handles better on the highway and gets better gas mileage without the transfer case engaged all the time.

Most time I use 4H. In winter I use 4H quite a bit, especially when roads are icy.

No front slip diff, both front wheels turn at the same speed, that’s why it feels grabby when turning on solid ground

This ball ramp control trac thing is 1995 Explorer Tech, nothing new. You could pull up the service manual and read the same text. Maybe the software is better now, and it acts faster, but it worked quite well. I always thought that Auto could always be used on dry. After 97 on the Explorer, there was ONLY 4A, no choice. They took away the 2H option from 95-96. But I agree, if there is a 2wd option, use it on dry pavement. The V8 Explorers of that era had a clutch type awd. No electronics, always on. Both axles driven. Tire variations could ruin it. I don't think any other ford had that. My Lexus sedan has a Full center differential /planetary. Power divided 30/70 F/R, It locks up if there is wheel spin. Indestructible setup. That system is similar to the Aerostar van AWD of the 90s.

I have a 2001 Explorer XLT that I keep as my backup vehicle, it doesn’t give me an option. It has 4WD Auto, 4 Low, and 4 High. That system probly works a lot different than a brand new car though lol

Right, so you just explained the differenace between AWD and 4WD vehicals :) Good to know.

Launch to do it becomes four-wheel-drive on wheel drive. Can you turn off all wheel drive to drive drve cement

I only go 4wd when I get stuck... my chevy has auto 4 but I never have it in that mode. It's 2 high, or 4 high when stuck. Never had any issues... never used 4 low but I don't offroad or put myself in situations that need it.

Thanks Rich. Not tacking into account weather, do you have any suggestions on max speed in 4A?

Nice

See this confirms my suspicions as well a couple buddies from work kept telling me I was full of shit with the four-wheel-drive auto and I kept saying dude run it in 2 Wheel Drive you’ll probably save some fuel! Along with wear and tear on the driveline, I daily drive a Subaru Legacy with the flat six that all-wheel-drive system is obviously dedicated and designed to be operated with it fully on in fact my system the computer splits the torque on my model 50% of the power goes to the rear and 40 to the front and when the system needs it it will be split 50-50 and I’ve done different tests going through corners apply no throttle applying throttle and you’re actually able to feel the traction on the Subaru platform. My parents have a 2008 Highlander with all wheel drive again it’s not defeatable the computer chooses when to send power to the back when it detects lip and my parents thought it was an all wheel drive system like the Subaru until they got stuck in snow, and I was showing my father see the front wheels are only spinning the system is not designed to send more torque to the back when you’re stuck like that!

Promblem is Ford says it’s fine to use 4A on dry pavement. Fords 4A is not as robust as some Fulltime 4WD transfer cases. Ford pretty much markets 4A as fulltime but it can’t handle it. So my issue is calling out viewers because they are repeating Ford marketing. When it’s Ford who should be called out.

With some people it just gets them stuck deeper

I always wanted to know how 4wd auto mechanically worked. I use it in the snow with marginal conditions. My F150 engages flawlessly and now I know more about it. The Chevys engagement is pretty harsh (at least older chevys).

Our John Deere tractors have the same option. When out on the pavement I switch it to 2WD only mode. In the field I usually use 4 wheel drive lock. I don’t see any situations where I would use Auto. I believe that on some vehicles 4WD AUTO keeps the front hubs locked, and that just causes excessive wear and worse fuel mileage when going down the highway.

If you are in the event you need 4wd lock it in 4H or 4L if not 2wd

06 h3 hummer 😭😭. I don't have that option. All or high lock or low lock. I don't have two wheel option. 16yrs old transfer case finally went out and I'm out of a vehicle until a new one comes. But because I've replaced damn near everything else. And 235 thousand miles. It's worth fixing. I even asked. Hey can you just take the transfer case out and I'll drive two wheel drive. He said sorry sir you don't have that option 😂😂😂😂. Rare situation like me. We don't have two wheel drive options. But I do love your explanation. I've use 4hi OKC snowing days last time I visited family. But yeah I really didn't need it. Like you said. It did all work for me. I just wanted to use 4hi being I barely if ever use it. With hummers. You have to every now and again go through the cycle. Otherwise it won't work.

Same with 2016 f150 3.5 ecoboost?

Common sense is rare amongst consumers today, because of disinformation and they are too busy to read the manual that comes with the vehicle. More parts turning means more things to repair and replace.

It must be something new just for the full size Bronco, I have a 2021 F150 Lariat with 2H 4H 4LO and 4A, if you put it in sport mode using the drive mode knob, it automatically puts it into 4A...

Rich was this vehicle towed by a flatbed or a stinger type tow truck? I'm willing to wager 98% of customer don't read the owners manual,and of that 98% ,99.8% have no clue what there reading about.Good video.

Can you add 4A to an f150? Like adding a switch that has 4A and activating it in forescan somehow?

For F150 2021 -If driving on interstate, what speed is safe to move between 4Auto and 2h due to changing (wet,etc) road conditions?

Many people spend extra money for 4WD for status and have no real use for it. If I get another 4WD it will have manual locking hubs. Ford could remove the selector switch making it AWD with any 4WD use controlled by the computer.

As a gm tech I always told my customers that 4 auto should be used when you suspect 2wd may not be enough but you don't really need 4wd.

Last gen GM trucks will get stuck in 4WD if you leave them in 4A for drives longer than an hour or so, requires relearning of transfer case to fix... yet another reason to run in 2WD when able

Is it true that if you have an AWD vehicle and one of the tires needs to be replaced that you should replace all 4 tires so that you do not damage the system?

You are correct. In auto you don’t really know what the system is doing and even what it’s programmed to do. Ford put 2WD as a selection for a reason. 4 Auto is when driving in poor traction conditions when wheel slip is probable like in heavy rain where hydroplaning can occur. This leads to another discussion about how many people by 4WD and don’t need it. I live in the south and see many 4WD trucks with pristine under carriages, not a speck of mud. All they wanted was the FX4 sticker on the fender. These guys have no idea that mechanical components of the 4WD system need to be used occasionally to keep actuators and solenoids from getting stuck.

Like you said it is common sense. Shouldn't the salesman educate first time 4A customers? 🙂🐶

Spot on this 4A mode is NOT a Subaru type constant 4WD system. Peoples don't read the manual or understand the consequences. MAYBE Ford should put warning stickers in the driver's area or information system when selected otherwise city slickers going to spend up big $$$$

I think you are probably confusing 4H (in this case 4A) with 4H with the center diff locked. There are many vehicles (/ SUVs, trucks) that use this system and nothing happens to them. E.g. Toyota Landcruiser, which is always in 4WD mode, and it runs for ever without any issues. It behaves just like AWD cars. Once you lock the center diff, then that's different and you cannot drive on asphalt (4H). If driving in 4A damages your Ford, this means ford has not designed it properly.

Rich I agree with what you're saying. But the truck burned up that clutch pack because it was improperly towed. It's that simple. But I hear you and agree by running the vehicle in 4A on dry blacktop you're causing wear to the clutches if they're cycle (actuated) during operation.

Hey Rich. You should contact Richard at Precision Transmission or Mark at Kodiak Truck. These two guys would give their honest opinion on it, since they are driveline specialists.

How do you reconcile the fact that--from the factory--when I put my OBX into Sport mode, it defaults to 4A? And I can drive in 4A all the time, if I want, per Ford?

They where a little more then butthurt, you made them get bloody azz holes 🤣. Just reading the comments gave me great entertainment. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You’re greatly appreciated by me. Bless you

I have a 2019 F150 with an E30 tune. I love putting it in 4A so I can hook up off the line. It is nuts how well the truck hooks in both wet and dry. I can break the rear loose at 50+ mph in 2WD. So prefer to use 4A if I know I’m going to rip off the line. Truck runs mid 12s in the 1/4.

What's the difference between 4A on a truck and full time 4WD on the jeep freedom drive 1?

I never want to put chains on you do that once you definitely get awd or 4x4 never use until I have to in deep snow or climbing up high incline pass

the Bronco goes into 4A automatically when you put it into sports mod so if you on pavement you post to put it back into 2A.

after you explained it that way, i get what you are saying. It SHOULD say "NOT TO USE 4A ON HARD PAVEMENT" IN THE OWNERS MANUAL.

It’s not all wheel drive. The ones that don’t get it will eventually pay $ and even then may not get it.

I understand your point but you can have a really beautiful dry day on road , and suddenly you cross a slippery section and at this very moment you want to be in 4a but you are in 2h… and it can cost you a lot

So does this apply to the navigator line? I was just talking with my uncle and he Leaves it in auto

My Wildtrak defaults to 4A when in the Sport GOAT Mode...the power distribution (graphic) rarely hits the front wheels. In fact, tight turns in parking lot...etc, it only hits the front under really hard acceleration. Not disagreeing with the analysis...hadn't seen it until now.

You know better than I do, you’re a tech and I’m just your average Joe. But watch Ford’s video, which tells me 4A is “good for every day driving” at the 1:07 mark. What do you make of that?

4A must affect gas mileage over 2H

Yes 100% awd and 4a...4h...4l are different...some include locking diffs...people need to educate themselves for longevity of their vehicle...

Explain this one then. Why use 4A at all. If I am in sand, ice, snow, mud, etc… why not just put it into 4H and be done with it? Why use 4A at all?

🇺🇸❇⚓❇🇨🇦.....Architecture, design & the mechanical mind of the Admiral appreciate info hello from Charm City 2nite sir/senor!....

"why even put it in 4x4 if there's no need for it" - couldn't agree more. I appreciate you posting this response - it's all good info and i never disagreed with this - From my perspective, it seems a lot of us may have got hung up on whether it was bad to drive in 4A in dry conditions, as opposed to whether it was a good idea or not. There's absolutely some crossover there, you could say that it's not a good idea because it's bad :D - on a technical level, it will absolutely use more fuel, it will cause more wear (tcase clutch & tyres) and whilst it seems to be far less wear compared to the problems arising from driving in 4H/4L in dry conditions, it cannot completely escape some level of those drawbacks.

but some boys with big 4x4 trucks want to to show off 4X4, looking cool and mean, hook up chicks.... lol

won’t that fk up ur dif and transmission

Hi I own a Bronco and I understand the 4A system from Ford is a AWD system. My though are mainly because 2 reasons. First on the Manual Ford explains the use of the 4A and its is written that you can use it in ANY Highway conditions. Second it has the GOAT Modes, and it has 2 Modes that are basically the same, the Baja Mode and the Sports mode, both of then have same configuration on the Gas Pedal input, the revs go higher on each gear, and seems little more powerful , but the diferente is on Baja it sets the Transmission on 4H because is understood you will use it on dirt or sandy roads. But, if you set it on SPORTS MODE, it set the Transmisión in a 4A, because is Understood you will use it on pavement roads. That's my 2 cents. Hope it clears up the matter.

I spent 3000 dollars last winter to fix my 4 wheel drive, need a complete rebuild because of the owner before tan the crap out of it. My roads are covered in ice and snow, I have a 2015 ford f150 eco boost 3.5 liter. The truck is so light it will just spin out. I have bigger 35 all terrain tires, I use 4WDA all the time because it’s a necessity. Why put the system in a truck if your not supposed to use it. That’s stupid and I’m pissed off and frustrated because my 4WD is making a clunking sound again.Jesus! What a nice truck with a crap 4WD system. I do not use it unless it’s the conditions it’s recommended for. Icey, snowy, wet, slushy roads. I’ve never even off roared my truck. Yes I will shift into it on the fly, the manual says you can at low speeds , yet you show some proper way to engage your 4WD . I’m lost, and I’m just sick of dumping money into a truck I paid 30 grand for. Maybe I should look into a Chevy, lol. Do they use this stupid vacuum system and what is wrong with my truck. Please help?????

In other words there is absolutely no reason at all to have 4wd drive auto. You are arguing that the system is poorly designed and will damage itself. The only thing running in 4wd on pavement should damage is your tires unless you have a funky dink transfer case using a chain instead of gears.

If its a issue Ford needs to program the 4A not to work above a certain speed.

Common sense

Common sense -bottom line- quote to live by !!

Man don't beat your head against the wall over this crap. You know what's correct and what's involved with operation and repair. Let people do what they want to do. And collect the money when they need repairs.

You keep using a word that today no one understands okay they're too woke they're too far left to understand what common sense means