The manual says it works when selected and there is wheel spin. Nothing about the selection having any on/of indicator. Dealer agrees and adds it is automatically de-selected when the ignition is shut off.....or the button is pushed a second time. Mine seems to function all the time. I de-select Traction Control and do not get tire spin in loose dirt. What I get is an extremely quick and sure footed aceleration that I can feel the front axle lock and unlock. The pushing of the button seems to make no diference.

I have had numerous Ford 4x4 vehicles and others with traction control so none of this is new, just the operation of this vehicle.

It is an 07 V8 4x4 with 110,000 miles with no other issues.

 

Do you have 3 positions--Auto, 4hi, 4lo?

That's the way my '98 was, and you always had 4wd, either automatically with wheel slip in Auto, or constant in 4hi and 4lo.

AFAIK, there is no way to turn it off.

 

Yes, auto....hi....low switches. Manul and Ford says it can be shut off....hmmmmmm

 

Well, a '98 and an '07 are a bit different I suppose. I do not recall ever even reading the OM regarding turning anything off. Mine did not have traction control for example. Usually you can turn that off. But why would they allow turning off "automatic" 4x4? If they wanted to do that I would think they would put it in the switch--2hi.

Anyway, unless there is something going on that requires cutting off the front, which is going to be pretty tough to do methinks, just drive it.

I liked that feature. It was not as smooth as AWD, as it was obviously not engaged until you had wheelspin, but it was quick enough to catch in ice and snow one time and keep me moving and straight. And it keeps you from pitching the back end out in corners. I was able to spin the thing around one time--I don't recommend that.

 

Not so much needing to turn it off, just getting a full understanding of how it should work. I think this is the first Ford I have had with auto 4x4.....or at least that my old memory recalls. It was a bit surprising when it locked into 4x4 on a brisk acceleration on the dirt road. It is a nice option.

 

I agree. I think it keeps you out of trouble with an Exploder...we have a 4x2 now and it's one wheel drive and pretty easy to pitch sideways in the wet. Gave my son a demo of that once and "cured" him. Neither kid likes driving that way and I always catch hell even if a tire chirps on a paint stripe or manhole cover..... Of course, they speed, but no tickets for either. Knock on my head.....

 

Do you hear a good clunk when u accelrate hard on loose surface in the auto 4x4 position. I just bought a 07 V8 and when i stab the throttle in the grass or dirt i hear a slightly loud clunk in the front end is that normal noise from everything engaging or may i possibly have a problem

 

Yes....it sounds terrible when the auto 4x4 engages on loose surfaces. It does kill the fun of spinning a tire now and then.

 

I first noted this on our 2002 EXP when I pulled off the side of the road onto the gravel.... Cranked the wheel and pulled back on the road to turn 180 degrees and go the opposite direction.. all 4 tires going a different speed... "auto" kicked in and I though I had a busted axle with all the noise... then OK on the straight way !