2022 Lincoln Navigator Owners Manual - Four-wheel drive (if equipped)

Four-wheel drive (if equipped)

HOW DOES FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE WORK

USING THE 1-SPEED AUTOMATIC FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM

The 1-speed automatic four-wheel drive system utilizes an electronically controlled on-demand 1-speed transfer case. This system monitors various vehicle sensory inputs to provide an increased level of performance. This system offers the driver two-wheel drive high, four-wheel drive auto and four-wheel drive high as available modes of operation via the selectable drive mode switch. When four-wheel drive auto is selected, the system continuously varies power to the front wheels for optimum performance for all on-road conditions. When four-wheel drive high is selected, the system provides power to the front and rear wheels for use in off-road or slippery conditions such as deep snow, sand or mud. There is further information on driving in unique driving conditions.   See   Driving Hints. 

USING THE 2-SPEED AUTOMATIC FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

The 2-speed automatic four-wheel drive system utilizes an electronically controlled on-demand 2-speed transfer case. This system monitors various vehicle sensory inputs to provide an increased level of performance. This system offers the driver two-wheel drive high, four-wheel drive auto, four-wheel drive high, and four-wheel drive low as available modes of operation. When four-wheel drive auto is selected, the system continuously varies power to the front wheels for optimum performance for all on-road conditions. When either four-wheel drive high or four-wheel drive low are selected with the appropriate drive modes , the four-wheel drive system provides electronically locked power to the front and rear wheels for use in off-road or slippery conditions such as deep snow, sand or mud. Selecting slow climb also provides additional gearing for increased torque multiplication for conditions like deep sand, snow, steep slopes, or pulling heavy objects.  See   Slow Climb.  Additionally, the system is capable of recreational flat towing by putting the transfer case into neutral (N).
  See   Recreationally Towing Your Vehicle - 4x4. 

There is further information on driving in unique driving conditions.  See   Driving Hints. 

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:  Vehicles with a higher center of gravity (utility and four-wheel drive vehicles) handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of gravity (passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt steering in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.    WARNING:  Do not become overconfident in the ability of four-wheel drive vehicles. Although a four-wheel drive vehicle may accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction situations, it won't stop any faster than two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive at a safe speed.

Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your vehicle could be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting stuck or damaging underbody components. The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car. Always maintain steering wheel control, 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. Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering characteristics of your vehicle. Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.

Note:   Do not use four-wheel drive high or four-wheel drive low mode on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce excessive noise, increase tire wear and can damage drive components.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE LIMITATIONS

OPERATING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE WITH A SPARE OR MISMATCHED TIRES (IF EQUIPPED)

On four-wheel drive vehicles, the size of the spare tire can affect the four-wheel drive system. If there is a significant difference between the size of the spare tire and the remaining tires, you could have limited four-wheel drive functionality. When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly, we recommend that you do not:

• Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) with a four-wheel drive mode turned on.
• Use a four-wheel drive mode on dry pavement.

Driving with the full-size dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly can limit four-wheel drive functionality. You can experience the following:

• Additional noise from the transfer case or other drive components.

Use of a dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly can lead to impairment of the following:

• Comfort and noise.
• Winter weather driving capability.
• Wet driving capability.
• Four-wheel drive capability.

Note:   Your vehicle could have a front air dam that can become damaged, due to reduced ground clearance, when taking your vehicle off-road. You can remove this air dam by removing the eight bolts that secure it.

Note:   Your vehicle could have side steps that can become damaged, due to reduced ground clearance, when taking your vehicle off-road. Remove side steps before driving your vehicle off-road.

SELECTING A FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODE

To select a specific four-wheel drive mode please select one of the desired drive modes. For additional information.   See   Selecting a Drive Mode. 

Note:   When shifting to and from four-wheel drive, a message appears in the instrument cluster display indicating that the system is in the process of making a shift.

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

If the system detects a fault, a warning message appears in the instrument cluster display.   See   Four-Wheel Drive – Information Messages. 

Note:   Do not use DEEP CONDITIONS or SLOW CLIMB on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so produces excessive noise, increases tire wear and may damage drive components. The 4X4 system in these modes is only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces.

SHIFTING TO OR FROM SLOW CLIMB (4L)

To select or exit SLOW CLIMB (4L):

1. Bring your vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.

1. Place the transmission in neutral (N).

1. Select SLOW CLIMB on the drive mode switch.

A message appears in the instrument cluster display indicating a four-wheel drive shift is in progress. If any of the above shift conditions are not present, the shift will not occur and a message appears in the instrument cluster display guiding you through the proper shifting procedures. If there is a transfer case tooth blockage, a message appears in the instrument cluster display. To alleviate this condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move your vehicle forward approximately 4.9 ft (1.5 m), and shift the transmission back to neutral (N) to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift.

Note:   You could hear some noise as the system shifts or engages which is normal. If the system detects a fault, a warning message appears in the instrument cluster display.   See   Four-Wheel Drive – Information Messages. 

TWO-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH

2H turns on when you select NORMAL or CONSERVE. Two-wheel drive high is for general on-road driving. Power is sent to the rear wheels only.

Note:   Two-wheel drive high can turn on or off based on Drive Mode selection  See   Drive Mode Control. 

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE AUTO

4A turns on when you select EXCITE, NORMAL 4x4 AUTO or SLIPPERY. Four-wheel drive auto provides electronically controlled four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels, as required, for increased traction in varying on-road conditions. The four-wheel drive auto tuning varies based on selected Drive Mode.  See   Selecting a Drive Mode. 

Note:   Four-wheel drive auto can turn on or off automatically based on Drive Mode selection.  See   Selecting a Drive Mode. 

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH

4H turns on when you select DEEP CONDITIONS. Four-wheel drive high provides electronically 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:   Four-wheel drive high can turn on or off automatically based on Drive Mode selection.  See   Selecting a Drive Mode. 

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE LOW

This mode turns on when you select SLOW CLIMB. It provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use on low traction surfaces, and does so with additional gearing for increased torque multiplication. This mode is only for off-road conditions, such as deep sand, steep slopes, or pulling heavy objects.

Note:   Four-wheel drive low can turn on or off automatically based on drive mode selection.  See   Selecting a Drive Mode. 

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE INDICATORS

TWO-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH

Momentarily illuminates when two-wheel drive high is selected.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE AUTO

Continuously illuminates when four-wheel drive auto is selected.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH

Continuously illuminates when four-wheel drive high is selected.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE LOW (IF EQUIPPED)

Continuously illuminates when four-wheel drive low is selected.

 EMERGENCY MANEUVERS

In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn must be made, remember to avoid over-driving your vehicle (i.e. 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 changes in vehicle speed are required. 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 all 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 (i.e. from concrete to gravel) there can be a change in the way your vehicle responds to a maneuver, i.e. steering, acceleration or braking.

DRIVING IN SAND

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

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

Avoid driving at excessive speed. 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.

DRIVING THROUGH MUD AND WATER

WARNING:  Do not spin the wheels at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

MUD

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. 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.

WATER

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, test the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying improves by applying light pressure to the brake pedal while moving slowly.

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

DRIVING ON HILLY OR SLOPING TERRAIN

Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up or down a hill or steep incline, you should try to 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 can 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 turnaround 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 can cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of vehicle control.

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. Disengage overdrive or 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.

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

DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE

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 while 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 can 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   Anti-Lock Braking System Limitations. 

Note:   Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE – WARNING LAMPS

  Illuminates when a four-wheel drive or power train fault is present.

Note:   When a system fault is present, the system can typically remain in whichever mode was selected prior to the fault condition occurring. It does not default to two-wheel drive in all circumstances. When this warning is displayed, have your vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE – INFORMATION MESSAGES