4x4 question
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
4x4 question
Iam new here and dont want to start a thread just to ask a question , so here goes
My truck is F150 2016 4x4 XLT
My question is , when using 4 wheel drive do you pull out the posi tracktion button also ? or just turn the **** to 4x4 H ?
My truck is F150 2016 4x4 XLT
My question is , when using 4 wheel drive do you pull out the posi tracktion button also ? or just turn the **** to 4x4 H ?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 108
From: Staten Island, NY
Generally, 4X4 is sufficient unless you're in deep doo-doo. Locking the rear does just that and doing so in anything less than very low traction situations can cause expensive noises. The only time I've used the locking rear on my Lariat was in moderately deep mud with slippery, wet rocks.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Generally, 4X4 is sufficient unless you're in deep doo-doo. Locking the rear does just that and doing so in anything less than very low traction situations can cause expensive noises. The only time I've used the locking rear on my Lariat was in moderately deep mud with slippery, wet rocks.
Does the positraction **** make all 4 wheels pull ?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 108
From: Staten Island, NY
One thing, it is NOT positraction. Positraction refers to a system that locks up when it detects one wheel on an axle starting to spin but behaves as an open diff at all other times - otherwise it would be difficult to go around corners. Ford's system is a locking differential. When engaged, both rear wheels are locked together. On dry pavement and high traction surfaces it WILL be difficult going around corners. Each rear wheel receives 50% of the power going to the rear all the time. That's why you don't want to use a locked rear in snow and ice unless you like going sideways a lot.
It ONLY functions on the rear axle.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Heya Dawg, welcome to FTE! 
Just so you understand how forums work, asking your own question and starting your own thread is EXACTLY how forums are supposed to work. Please don't hijack another users thread to ask your own questions about your truck. We can only learn from each other if we have separate threads addressing problems, not one single thread where everyone posts and asks whatever they want regarding the problems they are having with their truck.
Can you imagine a thread like that? It wouldn't be helpful or useful at all.
Stewart
Just so you understand how forums work, asking your own question and starting your own thread is EXACTLY how forums are supposed to work. Please don't hijack another users thread to ask your own questions about your truck. We can only learn from each other if we have separate threads addressing problems, not one single thread where everyone posts and asks whatever they want regarding the problems they are having with their truck.
Can you imagine a thread like that? It wouldn't be helpful or useful at all.
Stewart
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Newport News, VA
What ever you do DO NOT pull out the **** in any position and drive on dry pavement. You can and will damage the internals of the rear differential.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 32
I engage the 4x4 once in a blue moon only when the road is absolutely straight, perhaps every 5,000 miles or so, so that the components are lubed.
I agree with the above.. do NOT engage the lock (pulling it out) unless the traction is loose. I only engage it on sand or snow, never anywhere else.
I agree with the above.. do NOT engage the lock (pulling it out) unless the traction is loose. I only engage it on sand or snow, never anywhere else.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 108
From: Staten Island, NY
Also, the Advanced Trac system can take over control of the locking diff in certain situations.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
In 4H equal power is sent to all 4 wheels. In moderately low traction situations - loose dirt, moderate snow, etc. a wheel will slip here and there. Front and rear axles each get 50% of the available power. Both front and rear differentials behave as open diff's sending power to the wheel with the least traction. If a front OR a rear wheel starts to spin it will get the most power. In theory, you could get one front and one rear wheel in the air and be stuck. Happens all the time in big rocks with open diff's.
One thing, it is NOT positraction. Positraction refers to a system that locks up when it detects one wheel on an axle starting to spin but behaves as an open diff at all other times - otherwise it would be difficult to go around corners. Ford's system is a locking differential. When engaged, both rear wheels are locked together. On dry pavement and high traction surfaces it WILL be difficult going around corners. Each rear wheel receives 50% of the power going to the rear all the time. That's why you don't want to use a locked rear in snow and ice unless you like going sideways a lot.
It ONLY functions on the rear axle.
One thing, it is NOT positraction. Positraction refers to a system that locks up when it detects one wheel on an axle starting to spin but behaves as an open diff at all other times - otherwise it would be difficult to go around corners. Ford's system is a locking differential. When engaged, both rear wheels are locked together. On dry pavement and high traction surfaces it WILL be difficult going around corners. Each rear wheel receives 50% of the power going to the rear all the time. That's why you don't want to use a locked rear in snow and ice unless you like going sideways a lot.
It ONLY functions on the rear axle.
You can't get two wheels in the air and have them spin freely. The trucks have both two wheel spin control and one wheel spin control (which is always active). This effectively stops one wheel spin (which the truck can sense) and hits the brakes on the free spinning wheel. There is still some slippage but the system works well. Locking the rear diff stops all slippage on the rear for precision control when needed. The front will still engage one wheel traction control.
So the quick answer is yes, power is (almost) always sent to all four wheels when needed in 4 high.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
This is how the system works for 4 high. 4 low is not quite the same as all the nannies are disabled except for one wheel spin control.
Not 100 percent sure on the AWD as there is a clutch used in the transfer case that I haven't really delved into. I'd presume the two wheel spin control (front speed vs rear speed) is what sends the signal to the clutch.
Not 100 percent sure on the AWD as there is a clutch used in the transfer case that I haven't really delved into. I'd presume the two wheel spin control (front speed vs rear speed) is what sends the signal to the clutch.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
The F150 doesn't have the intelligent 4wd system. The closest you can get is the terrain management system on the Raptor. The 4A does use an electric TOD transfercase that takes its input from wheel speed, engine load % and transmission output speed. The system you are referring to is the advance trac system which is designed to increase control and stopping ability of the truck. It will cut throttle and you will see engine power reduced message on the gauge cluster. Pressing and holding the traction control button for 10 seconds disables TC and AT but doesn't bypass RSC, to bypass all put it in 4Lo.