2016 4x4 locking hub ?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
2016 4x4 locking hub ?
Probably been answered before but I can't find it. When you shift into 4x4 using the auto mode then shift out, do you have to go the opposite direction to unlock the hubs or do they unlock automatically?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,861
From: Frederick, MD
if the hubs are in the auto position then you don't need to exit the truck. Just a flip of the switch.
Locked on the hubs means the the hubs are locked in with the front driveshaft only. Your front end is turning but no power.
Still have to hit the switch to engage the transfer case and send the power to the front.
Locked on the hubs means the the hubs are locked in with the front driveshaft only. Your front end is turning but no power.
Still have to hit the switch to engage the transfer case and send the power to the front.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
If you engage the 4x4 using the SOF feature will you see the hub indicator show it ?? What I'm saying does the hub dial physically change from auto to lock show that it has engaged or is the action contained internally within the hub. This, of course, assumes that you have not disengaged the 4x4 using the dash control prior to stopping to check.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Guys my question is if I'm using the auto feature with the hubs in auto once I'm in four wheel drive and put it back into two wheel drive do the hubs remain locked in until I drive the other direction. That is how it used to work did they change this
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 84
I don't back up. I can engage and disengage 4x4 from the ESOF switch moving in a forward direction without issue. There is a short delay depending on conditions of the wheels vs the information to the computer. Not sure how far back you are referencing but it was the same with the 2008-2010 SD generation. This is how it works on my brother's 2003 generation F150 ESOF 4x4 as well.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Thinking back a "few" years to when all we had was manual 4x4 systems ( ie. early Jeeps) if we tried to disengage the transfer case when it was still under tension it felt like it was stuck in 4x4. Going a bit in reverse simply relaxed that tension and allowed the shift to move much more smoothly without being yanked out of gear. I suspect that's what is happening here. The system is simply under tension in the forward direction and a short bit of rearward travel will allow the tension relax and permit the auto shifting mechanism to disengage. If you attempted to disengage with the system under tension from driving in reverse it would take some forward motion instead.
Now this is from someone with only basic knowledge of what's happening in these modern 4x4 systems. Much more familiar with the older manuals.
Now this is from someone with only basic knowledge of what's happening in these modern 4x4 systems. Much more familiar with the older manuals.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,118
Likes: 650
From: NH
I have engaged and disengaged both the manual floor shift 4x4 and auto 4x4 at 70mph many times with no harm. Just be smart about it...don't engage while steering left or right, lift off the throttle when you shift, and make sure the front and rear wheels are spinning at the same speed.
The auto 4x4 system does not need to be backed up, and I found the hubs disengaged quicker than the transfer case.
The auto 4x4 system does not need to be backed up, and I found the hubs disengaged quicker than the transfer case.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 10,107
Likes: 96
From: Hempstead, TX
I have engaged and disengaged both the manual floor shift 4x4 and auto 4x4 at 70mph many times with no harm. Just be smart about it...don't engage while steering left or right, lift off the throttle when you shift, and make sure the front and rear wheels are spinning at the same speed.
The auto 4x4 system does not need to be backed up, and I found the hubs disengaged quicker than the transfer case.
The auto 4x4 system does not need to be backed up, and I found the hubs disengaged quicker than the transfer case.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 10,107
Likes: 96
From: Hempstead, TX
Scott, there are occasions where I will only lock the hubs, but by engaging the transfer case on a straight stretch of freeway, I'm catching the whole system. I don't have concerns about my hubs freezing, as the number of days per year below freezing where I live can be counted on one hand with fingers to spare.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 460
Likes: 5
From: Central BC, Canada EHH
When engaging the auto hubs, you need to be stopped before doing so, once locked in they will stay locked in until you reverse direction, you can shift in and out at any speed as long and front driveline running same speed as rear, lifting throttle helps engagement and disengagement. I manually lock in the hubs 6 months a year, shifting in and out of 4wd 60-80mph is never an issue. The f150's are not comparable, the front driveline and hub assembly are engaged 100% of the time, it never stops rotating, the only difference is if it is engaged in the TC or not.