2021 Ford Ranger Owners Manual - Four-Wheel Drive

Four-Wheel Drive

The four-wheel drive system in your vehicle is a part-time system activated using the rotary switch mounted in the center console. In normal rear-wheel drive, the 2H drive operation system directs torque to the rear axle. Moving the switch to 4H or 4L directs drive torque to both the front and rear axles, providing four-wheel drive.

Depending on your vehicle, further

four-wheel drive options may be available on the switch panel located on the center console.

Note: For important information regarding the safe operation of this type of vehicle, see General Information in the Wheels and Tires chapter.

Note: Do not use 4H or 4L mode on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components. 4H or 4L mode is only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces. Use of 4L mode on these surfaces may produce some noise, such as occasional clunks, but should not damage drive components.

Note: Selecting 4L when your vehicle is moving, should not perform a shift until your vehicle is stationary. This is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 Low) for proper operation.

Note: You can switch on and switch off the electronic locking differential by pressing the locking differential button. See Electronic Locking Differential (page 171).

Note: When a 4X4 system fault is present, the system can typically remain in whichever 4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault condition occurring. It should not default to 4X2 in all circumstances. When the warning displays, have your vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer.

Momentarily illuminates when you select 2H.

Continuously illuminates when you select 4H.

Continuously illuminates when you select 4L.

Displays when a 4X4 fault is present.

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For general on-road driving, this mode provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy. Sends power to the rear wheels only.

Note: 2H may engage or disengage based on terrain mode selection. See Principle of Operation (page 164).

Provides mechanically 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.

Note: 4H may engage or disengage based on terrain mode selection. See Principle of Operation (page 164).

Provides mechanically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels with additional gearing for increased torque multiplication. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy objects.

Note: 4L may engage or disengage based on terrain mode selection. See Principle of Operation (page 164).

Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal when performing a shift aids the performance of engagement or disengagement.

Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping or when applying the accelerator pedal.

Note: You may hear some noise as the system shifts or engages; this is normal.

You can move the control between 2H to 4H at a stop or when driving up to 68 mph (110 km/h). The information display may display a message indicating a 4X4 shift and the LED for the selected mode flashes. Once the shift is complete, the LED light for the selected mode remains illuminated.

Note: You may hear some noise as the system shifts or engages; this is normal.

Stop your vehicle when it is safe to do so.

Place the transmission in neutral (N).

Turn the transfer shift switch from 2H to 4L or 4L to 2H.

The information display should display a message indicating a 4X4 shift is in progress followed by the system mode selected. If any of the above shift conditions are not present, the shift should not occur and the information display shows information guiding you through the proper shifting procedures.

Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting hung up or damaging underbody components.

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The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car.

Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not grip the spokes of the steering wheel.

Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps.

You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.

Note: On some models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive when your vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk or ratchet sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed.

Note: Your vehicle may have a front air dam. Due to low ground clearance, you can damage it when taking your vehicle off-road. You can take the air dam off by removing the bolts that secure it.

Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal when a shift in progress message displays, should improve engagement or disengagement performance.

Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially designed for driving on sand, snow, mud and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.

The transfer case supplies power to all four wheels. On four-wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select different 4WD modes when necessary. You can find information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures in this chapter. You can find information on transfer case maintenance in the Maintenance chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you operate your vehicle.

Four-wheel drive uses all four wheels to power your vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.

• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering characteristics of your vehicle.

• When driving your vehicle on surfaces made slippery by loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.

• Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components. 4H or 4L modes are only for consistently slippery or loose surfaces.

If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your vehicle speed and avoid severe braking. When your vehicle speed decreases, ease your vehicle back onto the road. Do not sharply turn the steering wheel when returning your vehicle to the road.

It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of the road and gradually slow down before returning to the road. You may lose control if you do not slow down or if you too sharply or abruptly turn the steering wheel.

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It may be less risky to strike small objects, such as freeway reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a sudden return to the road which could cause your vehicle to slide sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the safety of others should be your primary concern.

In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn must be made, remember to avoid over-driving your vehicle and turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid the emergency. Excessive steering can result in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake pedal when you require changes in vehicle speed. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration and braking. This could result in an increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss of vehicle control and personal injury. Use the available road surface to bring your vehicle to a safe direction of travel.

In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.

If your vehicle goes from one type of surface to another such as concrete to gravel there can be a change in the way your vehicle responds to a maneuver using steering, acceleration or braking.

Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable for driving on sand, snow, mud and rough roads and have operating characteristics that are somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the freeway.

When driving at slow speeds off road under high load conditions, use a low gear when possible. Low gear operation maximizes the engine and transmission cooling capability.

When driving your vehicle on surfaces made slippery by loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.

When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid area of the trail. Shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid excessive wheel slip.

Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand for an extended period of time. This can cause the system to overheat.

To resume operation, switch the ignition off and allow the system to cool down for a minimum of 15 minutes.

When driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures, use a low gear when possible. Low gear operation maximizes the engine and transmission cooling capability.

Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this causes vehicle momentum to work against you and your vehicle could become stuck to the point that assistance may be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back out the way you came if you proceed with caution.

Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you are driving in mud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. If your vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of your vehicle.

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After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.

Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts can cause an imbalance that could damage drive components.

If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake capability may be limited.

When driving through water, determine the depth and avoid water higher than the bottom of the hubs. If the ignition system gets wet, your vehicle may stall.

Once through water, try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying improves by applying light pressure to the brake pedal when slowly moving.

Note: Driving through deep water may damage the transmission. If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant should be checked and changed if necessary.

Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up or down a hill or steep incline, you should drive straight up or straight down.

Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction; slipping sideways and possible vehicle roll over.

Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand the route you intend to use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill without the aid of an observer.

When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.

If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn around because this could cause vehicle roll over. It is better to reverse back to a safe location.

Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much power could cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of vehicle control.

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Descend a hill in the same gear you would use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive brake application and brake overheating. Do not descend in neutral. Move the transmission selector lever to a lower gear. When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden hard braking as you could lose control. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer your vehicle.

If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, steadily apply the brakes. Do not pump the brakes.

Note: Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.

Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantages over two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle.

Should you start to slide when driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.

Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting from a full stop.

Avoid sudden braking. Although a

four-wheel drive vehicle may accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it cannot stop any faster as braking occurs at all four wheels. Do not become overconfident as to road conditions.

Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Do not pump the brake pedal. See Hints on Driving With

Anti-Lock Brakes (page 173).

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, you may rock it out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature, damage to the transmission may occur.

Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more than a minute, damage to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may overheat.

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On four-wheel drive vehicles, when the transfer case is in the neutral (N) position, the engine and transmission disconnect from the rest of the driveline. Therefore, your vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic transmission is in park (P) or the manual transmission is in gear. Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the neutral (N) position. Fully set the parking brake and turn off the ignition when leaving your vehicle.

The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you do not make modifications such as adding or removing parts that include lift kits or stabilizer bars or by using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.

We recommend that you use caution when your vehicle has either a high load or device such as ladders or luggage racks. Any modifications to your vehicle that raise the center of gravity may cause your vehicle to roll over when there is a loss of vehicle control.

Failure to maintain your vehicle correctly may void the warranty, increase your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities and adversely affect you and your passenger's safety. We recommend you frequently inspect your vehicle's chassis components when your vehicle is subject to off road usage.

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