2021 Ford F-150 Owners Manual - Drive Mode Control

Drive Mode Control

Your vehicle has various drive modes that you can select for different driving conditions. Depending on the drive mode that you select, the system adjusts various vehicle settings.

Drive mode control adjusts your vehicle configuration for each mode you select.

Changing the drive mode changes the functionality of the steering system to adjust the steering effort and feel.

The stability and traction control assist your vehicle control in adverse conditions or high-performance driving.

Throttle control enhances the powertrain response, transmission controls become optimized with shift schedules, and

four-wheel drive settings are optimized and tuned to each mode.

Changing the drive mode engages or disengages the electronic locking differential.

Changing the drive mode changes the four-wheel drive modes to be the default, available or not available.

Note: The system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the system for proper operation. If a mode is unavailable due to a system fault, the mode defaults to normal.

Note: The system reverts to the normal mode each time you start your vehicle. At startup the system also displays a prompt on the instrument cluster display that gives you the option to return to the previously selected drive mode during the last ignition cycle. If you select yes, the system returns to the last selected drive mode and the driveline setting associated with that mode. If you select no, the system remains in normal mode and the driveline setting associated with that mode. If you do not select yes or no, the system stays in normal mode and the driveline stays in the last used setting.

E30

Rotate the drive mode control on the center console to select or change a drive mode.

Note: Button icons vary depending on the vehicle.

328

For off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow. This mode optimizes accelerator pedal

response, traction and stability controls to help maintain forward momentum. If your vehicle becomes stuck in deep conditions, use this mode to help get unstuck.

Four-wheel drive high is the default

four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is selectable in deep snow/sand mode.

Note: Do not use this mode when driving on pavement or packed snow. This could cause driveline bind up and damage the system depending on the four-wheel drive mode selection. See Four-Wheel Drive (page 260).

For efficient driving. This mode helps deliver maximum fuel efficiency and helps to increase

driving range.

Two-wheel drive high is the default

four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is not available in eco mode.

For efficient driving. This mode helps deliver maximum fuel efficiency and helps to increase

driving range.

For off-road driving. This mode enhances vehicle performance to traverse muddy, rutted or

uneven terrains.

Four-wheel drive high is the default

four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is selectable in mud/rut mode.

Note: Do not use this mode when driving on pavement or packed snow. This could cause driveline bind up and damage the system depending on the four-wheel drive mode selection. See Four-Wheel Drive (page 260).

For everyday driving. This mode is the perfect balance of excitement, comfort and

convenience. This is the default mode after each ignition cycle.

Two-wheel drive high is the default

four-wheel drive mode. All four-wheel drive modes are selectable when in normal mode.

For everyday driving. This mode is the perfect balance of excitement, comfort and

convenience. This is the default mode after each ignition cycle.

For off-road driving and optimum rock-climbing. Rock crawl mode engages the

electronic locking differential. Rock crawl mode optimizes the throttle and transmission response to provide you additional control of your vehicle.

Four-wheel drive low is the only four-wheel drive mode available in rock crawl mode.

329

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.

Note: Do not use this mode when driving on dry pavement. This could cause driveline bind up and damage the system depending on the four-wheel drive mode selection.

See Four-Wheel Drive (page 260).

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.

Four-wheel drive auto is the default

four-wheel drive mode. Two-wheel drive high is not available in slippery mode.

Note: Do not use this mode when driving on dry pavement. This could cause driveline bind up and damage the system depending on the four-wheel drive mode selection.

See Four-Wheel Drive (page 260).

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.

Four-wheel drive high is the default

four-wheel drive mode. All four-wheel drive modes are selectable in slippery mode.

Note: Do not use this mode when driving on dry pavement. This could cause driveline bind up and damage the system depending on the four-wheel drive mode selection.

See Four-Wheel Drive (page 260).

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.

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.

Four-wheel drive auto is the default

four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is not available in sport mode.

330

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.

Two-wheel drive high is the default

four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is not available in sport mode.

For improved transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. This mode

moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting. This mode also provides engine braking in all forward gears, which slows your vehicle and assists you in controlling your vehicle when descending a grade. The amount of downshift braking provided varies based on the amount you press the brake pedal.

All four-wheel drive modes are selectable in tow/haul mode. This mode does not default to a certain four-wheel drive mode.

For improved transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. This mode

moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting. This mode also provides engine braking in all forward gears, which slows your vehicle and assists you in controlling your vehicle when descending a grade. The amount of downshift braking provided varies based on the amount you press the brake pedal.

Trail mode is for off-road driving on muddy, rutted, soft or uneven terrain. This mode lowers

throttle response to increase wheel spin to keep the tires clear and to prevent getting stuck.

Some drive modes reduce traction and stability control performance and the indicator

illuminates in the instrument cluster.

331

If a mode is unavailable due to a system fault, it defaults to normal mode.

332