2025 FORD F-150 Four-Wheel Drive User Guide
This blog looks at the 2025 FORD F-150 Four-Wheel Drive, emphasising enhanced performance, off-road capability, and revolutionary technologies. Understand how powerful engine options, durable architecture, and clever traction systems enhance the driving experience.
Four-Wheel Drive
HOW DOES FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE WORK – EXCLUDING: RAPTOR
Using the Electronic Shift On the Fly System (If Equipped)
This four-wheel drive system utilizes a 2-speed Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) transfer case which is also known as a part-time system. This system offers the driver two-wheel drive high, four-wheel drive high, and four-wheel drive low as available modes of operation. When either four-wheel drive high or four-wheel drive low are selected, the system provides mechanically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use in off-road or slippery conditions such as deep snow, sand or mud. Selecting four-wheel drive low also provides additional gearing for increased torque multiplication for conditions like deep sand, steep slopes, or pulling heavy objects. Additionally, the system is capable of recreational flat towing by putting the transfer case into neutral (N). There is further information on driving in unique driving conditions.
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 a four-wheel drive auto is selected, the system continuously varies power to the front wheels for optimum performance for all on-road conditions. Depending on vehicle configuration or options, when either four-wheel drive high or four-wheel drive low are selected, the system provides electronically or mechanically locked power to the front and rear wheels for use in off-road or slippery conditions such as deep snow, sand or mud. Selecting four-wheel drive low also provides additional gearing for increased torque multiplication for conditions like deep sand, steep slopes, or pulling heavy objects. Additionally, the system is capable of recreational flat towing by putting the transfer case into neutral (N).
There is further information on driving in unique driving conditions.
HOW DOES FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE WORK – RAPTOR
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, the system provides mechanically locked power to the front and rear wheels for use in off-road or slippery conditions such as deep snow, sand or mud. Selecting four-wheel drive low also provides additional gearing for increased torque multiplication for conditions like deep sand, steep slopes, or pulling heavy objects. Additionally, the system is capable of recreational flat towing by putting the transfer case into neutral (N).
There is further information on driving in unique driving conditions.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE PRECAUTIONS
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.
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.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE LIMITATIONS
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.
- Turn on a four-wheel drive mode unless the vehicle is stationary.
- 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, especially when driving in a mechanically locked four-wheel drive mode. You can experience the following:
- Additional noise from the transfer case or other drive components.
- Difficulty shifting out of a mechanically locked four-wheel drive mode.
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.
Mechanical Shift Blocking
On vehicles with an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, the transfer case distributes torque to the front wheels by mechanically interlocking the front and rear driveshafts together. Various external factors can affect shifting performance of this type of system including, but not limited to:
- Vehicle acceleration.
- Dissimilar tire sizes.
- Steering input.
If the system detects a mechanical shift blockage at speed after you select two-wheel drive high, the message “4×4 Unable to Disengage See Manual”, could display momentarily. If this message displays, one or more of the following actions can relieve the mechanical shift block:
- Momentary acceleration.
- Momentary braking.
- Bringing the vehicle to a stop.
- Shifting the transmission to neutral and back to drive.
- Shifting the transmission to reverse and back to drive.
- Driving the vehicle around a tight turn at a slow speed.
SELECTING A FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODE – EXCLUDING: RAPTOR
The four-wheel drive mode control is on the instrument panel. To select a four-wheel drive mode, press the four-wheel drive mode control button of the desired mode. You can select two-wheel drive high (2H), four-wheel drive high (4H), or if your vehicle has four-wheel drive auto (4A) at a stop or while driving. Once the shift is complete, the instrument cluster display will then display the selected four-wheel drive mode. While shifts are in progress, the lights on the four-wheel drive control switch can flash and you could see messages in the instrument cluster display indicating that a shift is in progress or to release the accelerator pedal to improve shift performance.
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal while a shift in progress message displays improves engagement or disengagement performance.
Note: Do not perform this operation when cruise control or trail control is selected and active. The system may not shift as expected.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping or while applying the accelerator pedal.
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.
Shifting to or from Four-Wheel Drive Low (4L)
To select or exit four-wheel drive low (4L):
- Bring your vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
- Place the transmission in neutral (N)
- Press the desired four-wheel drive button on the four-wheel drive mode control switch.
The instrument cluster display will display a message 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 the instrument cluster display will display information guiding the driver through the proper shifting procedures. If there is a transfer case tooth blockage a message will display in the instrument cluster display. To alleviate this condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move your vehicle forward approximately 5 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.
SELECTING A FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODE – RAPTOR
To select a four-wheel drive mode, press the four-wheel drive mode control button of the desired mode. You can select two-wheel drive high (2H), four-wheel drive high (4H), or four-wheel drive auto (4A) at a stop or while driving. Once the shift is complete, the instrument cluster display will then display the selected four-wheel drive mode. While shifts are in progress, the lights on the four-wheel drive control switch can flash and you could see messages in the instrument cluster display indicating that a shift is in progress or to release the accelerator pedal to improve shift performance.
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal when a shift in progress message displays improves engagement and disengagement performance.
Note: Do not perform this operation when you have cruise control or trail control selected and active. The system may not shift as expected.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping or while applying the accelerator pedal.
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.
Shifting to or from Four-Wheel Drive Low (4L)
To select or exit four-wheel drive low (4L):
- Bring your vehicle to a stop.
- For vehicles with an automatic transmission, place in neutral (N). For vehicles with a manual transmission, fully press the clutch pedal.
- Push 4L on the four-wheel drive mode selector.
The instrument cluster display will display a message indicating a four-wheel drive shift is in progress. If any of the above shift conditions are not present, the shift does not occur and the instrument cluster display will display information guiding the driver through the proper shifting procedures. If there is a transfer case tooth blockage, a message displays in the instrument cluster display. To alleviate this condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move your vehicle forward approximately 5 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.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODES
TWO-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH
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.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE AUTO
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.
Note: Four-wheel drive auto can turn on or off automatically based on Drive Mode selection.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE HIGH EXCLUDING: RAPTOR
Four-wheel drive high provides electronically or mechanically 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.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE LOW
Four-wheel drive low provides electronically or mechanically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use on low traction surfaces, but 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.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE INDICATORS
Two-wheel Drive High
Illuminates briefly when two-wheel drive high is selected.
Four-wheel Drive Auto
Illuminates when four-wheel drive auto is selected.
Four-wheel Drive High
Four-wheel Drive Low
Illuminates when four-wheel drive low is selected.
TRANSFER CASE FLUID CAPACITY AND SPECIFICATION
Use fluid that meets the defined specification and viscosity grade. If you do not use fluid that meets the defined specification and viscosity grade, it could result in:
- Component damage that your vehicle warranty does not cover.
- Reduced vehicle performance.
Capacities
| Variant | Quantity |
| Four-wheel drive (Electronic shift on the Fly). | 1.5 qt (1.4 L) |
| Automatic four-wheel drive (Torque on demand). | 1.5 qt (1.4 L) |
| Two-speed automatic four-wheel drive (Mechanical lock). | 1.9 qt (1.8 L) |
Materials
| Name | Specification |
| Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid(U.S.) Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid / Huile pour boîte automatique MERCON® LV Motorcraft®(Canada) XT-10-QLVC(U.S.) CXT-10-LV6(Canada) |
WSS-M2C938-A |
TRANSFER CASE FLUID CAPACITY AND SPECIFICATION – RAPTOR
Use fluid that meets the defined specification and viscosity grade. If you do not use fluid that meets the defined specification and viscosity grade, it could result in:
- Component damage that your vehicle warranty does not cover.
- Reduced vehicle performance.
Capacities
| Variant | Quantity |
| Two-speed four-high lock (Torque on demand). | 1.9 qt (1.8 L) |
Materials
| Name | Specification |
| Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid(U.S.) Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid / Huile pour boîte automatique MERCON® LV Motorcraft®(Canada) XT-10-QLVC(U.S.) CXT-10-LV6(Canada) |
WSS-M2C938-A |
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE –TROUBLESHOOTING
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 displays, have your vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE – INFORMATION MESSAGES – EXCLUDING: RAPTOR
| Message | Action |
| Check 4×4 | A four-wheel drive system fault is present. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. |
| 4×4 Shift in Progress | The four-wheel drive system is making a shift. |
| For 4×4 LOW Shift to N | Displays when you attempt to switch to four-wheel drive low mode and you do not shift the transmission to neutral (N). |
| For 4×4 LOW Slow to 3 MPH | Displays when you attempt to switch to four-wheel drive low mode and your vehicle’s speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h). |
| For 4×4 LOW Slow to 5 km/h | |
| To Exit 4×4 LOW Shift to N | Displays when you attempt to switch from four-wheel drive low mode and you do not shift the transmission to neutral (N). |
| To Exit 4×4 LOW Slow to 3 MPH | Displays when you attempt to switch from four-wheel drive low mode and your vehicle’s speed is greater than 3 mph
(5 km/h). |
| To Exit 4×4 LOW Slow to 5 km/h | |
| Shift Delayed Drive Forward | Displays when there is a transfer case gear tooth blockage while shifting to or from four-wheel drive low mode or to the neutral state. Place the transmission in a forward gear, move your vehicle forward approxim- ately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the transmission back to neutral (N) to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift. |
| 4×4 Temporarily Disabled | Displays when the four-wheel system detects elevated system temperature and temporarily stops providing power to the front wheels. The system automatically resumes normal function when the system temperature returns to normal. |
| 4×4 Unable to Disengage. See Manual | Displays when the four-wheel drive system detects a mechanical shift block when shifting out of four-wheel drive high. |
| 4×4 Restored | Displays when the four-wheel drive system resumes normal function. |
| 4X4 Temporarily Locked | Displays when the four-wheel drive system detects driving condition which temporarily require greater four-wheel drive perform- ance. The system automatically resumes normal function after the system no longer detects these driving conditions. |
| Shift to Neutral | Displays when the system requires an additional transmission shift to neutral (N) to complete a transfer case shift. |
| To Engage 4×4 Slow to 3 MPH | Displays when you command a four-wheel drive shift during conditions which are potentially harmful to the driveline components |
| To Engage 4×4 Slow to 5 km/h | |
| To Engage 4×4 Release Accelerator Pedal |
| Message | Action |
| Check 4×4 | A four-wheel drive system fault is present. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. |
| 4×4 Shift in Progress | The four-wheel drive system is making a shift. |
| For 4×4 LOW Shift to N | Displays when you attempt to switch to four-wheel drive low mode and you do not shift the transmission to neutral (N). |
| For 4×4 LOW Slow to 3 MPH | Displays when you attempt to switch to four-wheel drive low mode and your vehicle’s speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h). |
| For 4×4 LOW Slow to 5 km/h | |
| To Exit 4×4 LOW Shift to N | Displays when you attempt to switch from four-wheel drive low mode and you do not shift the transmission to neutral (N). |
| To Exit 4×4 LOW Slow to 3 MPH | Displays when you attempt to switch from four-wheel drive low mode and your vehicle’s speed is greater than 3 mph
(5 km/h). |
| To Exit 4×4 LOW Slow to 5 km/h | |
| Shift Delayed Drive Forward | Displays when there is a transfer case gear tooth blockage while shifting to or from four-wheel drive low mode or to the neutral state. Place the transmission in a forward gear, move your vehicle forward approxim- ately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the transmission back to neutral (N) to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift. |
| 4×4 Unable to Disengage. See Manual | Displays when the four-wheel drive system detects a mechanical shift block when shifting out of four-wheel drive high. |
| 4×4 Restored | Displays when the four-wheel drive system resumes normal function. |
| 4X4 Temporarily Locked | Displays when the four-wheel drive system detects driving conditions which tempor- arily require greater four-wheel drive performance. The system automatically resumes normal function after the system no longer detects these driving conditions. |
| Shift to Neutral | Displays when the system requires an additional transmission shift to neutral (N) to complete a transfer case shift. |
| To Engage 4×4 Slow to 3 MPH | Displays when you command a four-wheel drive shift during conditions which are potentially harmful to the driveline components. |
| To Engage 4×4 Slow to 5 km/h | |
| To Engage 4×4 Release Accelerator Pedal | Displays when the four-wheel drive system requests that you release the accelerator pedal to complete a four-wheel drive shift. |
Useful Links:
2023 – 2024 Ford F-150 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review