Automatic 4wd
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 142
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From: Southeast Wisconsin
Automatic 4wd
Sorry if this is a dumb technical question - I've never seen it discussed.
The GM heavy duty trucks added an automatic 4wd option. I had something similar on my F-150 Lariat (4A) and it was awesome for bad roads. I always assumed it would only be a half-ton feature, but apparently not. I would love to have it on my next Superduty.
Does anyone know why Ford doesn't have such an option yet?
The GM heavy duty trucks added an automatic 4wd option. I had something similar on my F-150 Lariat (4A) and it was awesome for bad roads. I always assumed it would only be a half-ton feature, but apparently not. I would love to have it on my next Superduty.
Does anyone know why Ford doesn't have such an option yet?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
Where are you getting your information? I just went over to the Chevy website and built a 2022 Silverado 2500HD and a 3500HD. The only drive options were 2WD and 4WD. There was no All Wheel Drive or Automatic 4 wheel drive option.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 142
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From: Southeast Wisconsin
Here is an easy link: https://my.gm.ca/gmc/en/content/dam/...al-english.pdf
Page 242: "AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive): Use when road surface conditions are variable. When driving in AUTO, the front axle is engaged, and the vehicle's power is sent to the front and rear wheels automatically based on driving conditions. This setting provides slightly lower fuel economy than 2."
It's a game changer because it's nearly as good as 4-high, but without the downsides, especially when switching between dry pavement and snow/ice.
It's also in the GM manual on page 241: https://my.gm.com/content/dam/gmowne...ers-manual.pdf
Page 242: "AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive): Use when road surface conditions are variable. When driving in AUTO, the front axle is engaged, and the vehicle's power is sent to the front and rear wheels automatically based on driving conditions. This setting provides slightly lower fuel economy than 2."
It's a game changer because it's nearly as good as 4-high, but without the downsides, especially when switching between dry pavement and snow/ice.
It's also in the GM manual on page 241: https://my.gm.com/content/dam/gmowne...ers-manual.pdf
Last edited by ytechie; Feb 1, 2022 at 08:15 AM. Reason: added gm link
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,220
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From: CA
I've never seen it in a GM HD, but the 1/2 tons had it. Chevy even has an auto and 4 hi only T-case available. In 2019, when I was ordering a GM 1/2 ton, had to get GMC, as adding the tow package on the Chevy kicked out the 2sp t-case.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
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From: Ridgway, CO
Game changer for people who do not know how to properly use 4wd? It is no mare than a reactionary engagement of a traditional part time t-case. Knowing when you need 4wd and selecting it is the same thing but better because you can see the road conditions. The electronic system can not and can only react after slip has occurred. People that switch in and out of 4wd a lot probably do so unnecessarily. Relying on blind electronics and adding another layer of complexity to the vehicles systems isn't something I would be at all interested in personally.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2021
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It is no mare than a reactionary engagement of a traditional part time t-case. Knowing when you need 4wd and selecting it is the same thing but better because you can see the road conditions. The electronic system can not and can only react after slip has occurred. Relying on blind electronics and adding another layer of complexity to the vehicles systems isn't something I would be at all interested in personally.
As I understand it its actually the OPPOSITE of what you state.
Its basically in 4hi and if it senses binding it disengages the front hubs(not the transfer case). The F150, as I understand it, has the same front vacuum hub system as the superduty, but they arent manually selectable.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 142
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From: Southeast Wisconsin
Game changer for people who do not know how to properly use 4wd? It is no mare than a reactionary engagement of a traditional part time t-case. Knowing when you need 4wd and selecting it is the same thing but better because you can see the road conditions. The electronic system can not and can only react after slip has occurred. People that switch in and out of 4wd a lot probably do so unnecessarily. Relying on blind electronics and adding another layer of complexity to the vehicles systems isn't something I would be at all interested in personally.
TFL truck tested a 4-auto system on a snowy hill, and it was as effective as 4H. Sure, 4H was technically and immeasurably better in the test case, but in the real world, it's handy to have.
For sure not a deal-breaker, just wondering why Ford implemented it in the F-150 Lariat but not the SuperDuty's. Cost? Technical complexity? Other?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 142
Likes: 23
From: Southeast Wisconsin
I have 4a in my 21 F150.
As I understand it its actually the OPPOSITE of what you state.
Its basically in 4hi and if it senses binding it disengages the front hubs(not the transfer case). The F150, as I understand it, has the same front vacuum hub system as the superduty, but they arent manually selectable.
As I understand it its actually the OPPOSITE of what you state.
Its basically in 4hi and if it senses binding it disengages the front hubs(not the transfer case). The F150, as I understand it, has the same front vacuum hub system as the superduty, but they arent manually selectable.
"Autotrac active two-speed transfer case on 4x4 models electronically controls “4 Auto” mode, allowing the truck to seamlessly shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive based on road conditions."
More Turbo
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it doesnt auto engage, it auto disengages the front hubs. Again, how I understand it works on the F150.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2021
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Likes: 320
Bullet 3 on this page: https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/che...dohd/2020.html - it's in the transfer case.
"Autotrac active two-speed transfer case on 4x4 models electronically controls “4 Auto” mode, allowing the truck to seamlessly shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive based on road conditions."
"Autotrac active two-speed transfer case on 4x4 models electronically controls “4 Auto” mode, allowing the truck to seamlessly shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive based on road conditions."
I have no clue how the GM system works, never looked into it, never cared to.
ETA: GM system says it uses clutches to transfer power up front in auto mode.
https://www.gmc.com/gmc-life/how-to/...0four%20wheels.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
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From: Ridgway, CO
I understand where you're coming from, but I when I had it, it was great. No more binding at the boat ramp, and if road conditions are questionable, there was little downside to engaging it. Especially since these new trucks are so light in the rear end.
TFL truck tested a 4-auto system on a snowy hill, and it was as effective as 4H. Sure, 4H was technically and immeasurably better in the test case, but in the real world, it's handy to have.
For sure not a deal-breaker, just wondering why Ford implemented it in the F-150 Lariat but not the SuperDuty's. Cost? Technical complexity? Other?
TFL truck tested a 4-auto system on a snowy hill, and it was as effective as 4H. Sure, 4H was technically and immeasurably better in the test case, but in the real world, it's handy to have.
For sure not a deal-breaker, just wondering why Ford implemented it in the F-150 Lariat but not the SuperDuty's. Cost? Technical complexity? Other?
I had the system in an Expedition, tried it, didn't like it. As I mentioned it is reactionary and I can be proactive. I mean how hard is it to turn the **** for 4x4 on or off? Handy, or a lazy persons default for when they do not really want to actively participate in the art of driving a vehicle? The more things like this we add to vehicles the worse drivers get. Heck I would have killed to get manual hubs and a manual shift lever in my truck. Going 4 auto is completely the wrong direction for my needs and wants on a truck.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 184
Likes: 123
Personally I would love to have this. Where I live the roads are often wet and the temp near, at or just below freezing so there's potential for black ice. You just never know. I don't want to put it in 4WD the whole commute due to binding but a 4WD auto option would solve that.
Now if the roads were pure ice or snow, sure i'd shift in to 4WD and leave it there as I wouldn't have to deal with binding and the road conditions warrant it. But most often there are spots of black ice and you just don't know.
Modern 4WD auto or AWD systems work very well and extremely fast.
Now if the roads were pure ice or snow, sure i'd shift in to 4WD and leave it there as I wouldn't have to deal with binding and the road conditions warrant it. But most often there are spots of black ice and you just don't know.
Modern 4WD auto or AWD systems work very well and extremely fast.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
Personally I would love to have this. Where I live the roads are often wet and the temp near, at or just below freezing so there's potential for black ice. You just never know. I don't want to put it in 4WD the whole commute due to binding but a 4WD auto would solve that.
Now if the roads were pure ice or snow, sure i'd shift in to 4WD and leave it there as I wouldn't have to deal with binding and the road conditions warrant it. But most often there are spots of black ice and you just don't know.
Modern 4WD auto or AWD systems work very well and extremely fast.
Now if the roads were pure ice or snow, sure i'd shift in to 4WD and leave it there as I wouldn't have to deal with binding and the road conditions warrant it. But most often there are spots of black ice and you just don't know.
Modern 4WD auto or AWD systems work very well and extremely fast.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 184
Likes: 123
How does 4wd HELP on black ice? You would be MUCH better off in 2wd and reliant on the traction control system. Part time 4wd on black ice is an invitation to lose control. Binding 4wd? Are the corners that tight? The other day I dove 90 miles home from sledding in 4wd by accident. The road was snow covered when I started. I drove 80 miles of pavement before realizing it was still in 4wd. Never once did I notice any "binding": of the system taking place. I have driven on winter roads for over 30 years. This system is just another dumbing down of driver skills.
This system most definitely, without a doubt, helps. It does not hinder me and I can still apply my knowledge and experience.