'22 OBX 4A Binding issues... Need TSB

[Hemisfear]

Except the above is absolutely true, and has nothing to do with whether 4A is intended to be a full-time system or not, because the above does not refer to the 4A system.

Instead, it refers to the the functionality of the transfer case that is used in 4H and 4L selections. This is when the transfer case is locked, analogous to when your rear or front differentials are locked - like a spool - effectively locking the half shafts together. The transfer case does the same thing, locking the rear drive shaft and the front drive shaft together, so they can't differentiate, that is spent at different speeds. This is usually but not necessarily what the marketers call a " Part-Time system", also known as a "4x4" system.

What part of PART TIME actually means it's ok to use "all the time"?!

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[JawnyBronco]

When Octavio speaks, people listen…and he says,

 

[crenca]

What part of PART TIME actually means it's ok to use "all the time"?!

I get it, your an "either/or" kind of guy.

It's a complex world, and the Bronco is a complex machine. Through the miracle of modern engineering, the Bronco (well, models with 4A) is both a "part-time/4x4" machine and a "Full time AWD" vehicle, depending up user selection.

Here is some marketing you can follow:

The Bronco is a rainbow machine for a rainbow world. Is it a grocery getter SUV? Yes. Is it a serious 4x4, ready to run the Rubicon? Yes. Is it an all-weather, full-time-all-wheel-drive vehicle you and your family can safety travel in? Yes.

 

[Ducati1098]

What part of PART TIME actually means it's ok to use "all the time"?!

Just want to clarify one more thing since there seems to be confusion about the full time/part time descriptions.
(and maybe this has already been discussed because I haven’t read every back and forth comment. So if it has feel free to ignore this)

But Ford does not refer to the 4A transfer case as part time at all. The only transfer case they refer to as part time is the base transfer case without 4A. This is because with only 4H, it is designed to be part time.

The upgraded transfer case is called the Advanced 4A transfer case. Nowhere in it’s description is it listed as part time. Now while it also doesn’t technically say “full time” that is how it operates. Ford considers 4A its “full time” AWD system. If it wasn’t full time, why would they even add the clutch? Why would you need part time 4A and part time 4H?

 

[crenca]

Why would you need part time 4A and part time 4H?

Just to expand on your point, there is a positive answer to this question. Namely, you want (well, I do ) a mechanically locked (if only it were a planetary gear set instead of involving a chain - but that's another discussion) "part time" transfer case for difficult off road work, and you want (what probably is) a less robust yet limited slip differentiating clutch based system for all weather, full time "AWD" capability.

What Ford calls its "Advanced 4A transfer case" gives us both, and it is a @#$ #*&^% Christmas Miracle

 

[dgorsett]

What part of PART TIME actually means it's ok to use "all the time"?!

It is standard ESOF TC is referred to as Part Time the 4A is referred to as Advanced with Automatic engagement (not full time or awd) in Ford literature I have seen. To be automatic it would have to be running in 4A in the first place. I mean Ducati quoted the shop manual saying 4A can be run in all road conditions, that should be end of story. From the B & P

PowertrainS4
Engine
Details
2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 Engine
Included

Drive
Details
4x4 with Part Time Selectable Engagement
Included

Advanced 4x4 with Automatic On Demand Engagement

 

[Hemisfear]

It is standard ESOF TC is referred to as Part Time the 4A is referred to as Advanced with Automatic engagement (not full time or awd) in Ford literature I have seen. To be automatic it would have to be running in 4A in the first place. I mean Ducati quoted the shop manual saying 4A can be run in all road conditions, that should be end of story. From the B & P

PowertrainS4
Engine
Details
2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 Engine
Included

Drive
Details
4x4 with Part Time Selectable Engagement
Included

Advanced 4x4 with Automatic On Demand Engagement

Even though I wouldn't say the "shop manual" is a great reference for "how to use" features for any vehicle, I think this has been hashed out...but thanks for the input.

Question: Why would one feel the need to be in 4A in good/dry conditions, maybe maneuvering in a tight parking space, etc., asking for a friend?

 

[Hemisfear]

Just want to clarify one more thing since there seems to be confusion about the full time/part time descriptions.
(and maybe this has already been discussed because I haven’t read every back and forth comment. So if it has feel free to ignore this)

But Ford does not refer to the 4A transfer case as part time at all. The only transfer case they refer to as part time is the base transfer case without 4A. This is because with only 4H, it is designed to be part time.

The upgraded transfer case is called the Advanced 4A transfer case. Nowhere in it’s description is it listed as part time. Now while it also doesn’t technically say “full time” that is how it operates. Ford considers 4A its “full time” AWD system. If it wasn’t full time, why would they even add the clutch? Why would you need part time 4A and part time 4H?

For changing weather conditions where 4H is not appropriate, just saying! lol

 

[dgorsett]

Question: Why would one feel the need to be in 4A in good/dry conditions, maybe maneuvering in a tight parking space, etc., asking for a friend?

Not saying I would want to, and in fact I don't even have 4A for a lot of reasons, but Ford says it's fine , so it's fine. Tell your friend.

and

"I wouldn't say the "shop manual" is a great reference for "how to use" features for any vehicle"
OM says 4A is for use in "all on road conditions" page 182

 

[joes bronco]

ford say's a lot of things that turn into problems, like the power divider on the explorers never need oil changes. Follow that and around 80k miles you most likely need a new divider.

 

[Ducati1098]

For changing weather conditions where 4H is not appropriate, just saying! lol

Then simply switch out of 4H when it’s not needed. Still failed to explain why a whole other transfer case exists or is an option

Quoted from Ford’s own website:

“Customers have a choice of two four-wheel drive systems, an electronic shift-on-the-fly system, or advanced full-time 4WD system with a reassuring set-and-forget mode, designed for capability when and where customers need it.

Ford’s Advanced 4WD system is an automatic on-demand system with four settings – 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L. When set to 4A (4WD Auto), the on-demand system is fully active and constantly monitors traction conditions, sending a proportional amount of torque to the front wheels as needed.”

That was part of a media release for the Ranger and Everest, which have the exact same transfer case system.

 

[Hemisfear]

Then simply switch out of 4H when it’s not needed. Still failed to explain why a whole other transfer case exists or is an option

Quoted from Ford’s own website:

“Customers have a choice of two four-wheel drive systems, an electronic shift-on-the-fly system, or advanced full-time 4WD system with a reassuring set-and-forget mode, designed for capability when and where customers need it.

Ford’s Advanced 4WD system is an automatic on-demand system with four settings – 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L. When set to 4A (4WD Auto), the on-demand system is fully active and constantly monitors traction conditions, sending a proportional amount of torque to the front wheels as needed.”

That was part of a media release for the Ranger and Everest, which have the exact same transfer case system.

For idiots obviously! lol

 

[SoDak1623]

For anyone curious about the 4A operations and how it works, see the posts on page 6 from BigMeatsBronc. It's not even a new technology, it's been used for a long time in BW transfer cases in various Ford applications.

(2) How AWD works (Includes Ford's 4A system) | Page 6 | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community

 

[Hemisfear]

Not saying I would want to, and in fact I don't even have 4A for a lot of reasons, but Ford says it's fine , so it's fine. Tell your friend.

and

"I wouldn't say the "shop manual" is a great reference for "how to use" features for any vehicle"
OM says 4A is for use in "all on road conditions" page 182

It's the "all road conditions" that I find questionable, considering Ford's wordy definition of GOAT, "Goes Over Any Type of Terrain" instead of the original "Goes Over Any Terrain"!
I've always assumed it was a request by the corporate lawyers to avoid liability in some manor, but I have really no idea.

I use 4A only when I think it's appropriate and would never have it always engaged. I see no reason why someone would want it always engaged unless they didn't have a clue how to operate a 4WD vehicle and use it as "4WD for Dummies", I guess.
I use it as "4x4 Light", but that's me, you do what you feel you should and use it as you like, Ducati will cover any cost you incur. lol (Kidding Ducati)
Happy Trails...

 

[dgorsett]

It's the "all road conditions" that I find questionable, considering Ford's wordy definition of GOAT, "Goes Over Any Type of Terrain" instead of the original "Goes Over Any Terrain"!
I've always assumed it was a request by the corporate lawyers to avoid liability in some manor, but I have really no idea.

I use 4A only when I think it's appropriate and would never have it always engaged. I see no reason why someone would want it always engaged unless they didn't have a clue how to operate a 4WD vehicle and use it as "4WD for Dummies", I guess.
I use it as "4x4 Light", but that's me, you do what you feel you should and use it as you like, Ducati will cover any cost you incur. lol (Kidding Ducati)
Happy Trails...

If I had it I would use it as you do. However, Ford explicitly states it can be used anywhere anytime so those that use it that way should not be experiencing failures.

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