The 4A Advantage

[Silentgiant808]

I've only had the Bronco for 2 months now but this entire winter I have daily driven in 2H Eco except for one time. Where we went out to a National Park for a bonfire and the parking lot was literally a skating rink of ice and the parking spot was on a decline. I used 4A to creep out of that. I find the Bronco is really well behaved in 2H. If the roads are that slippery and conditions are poor should you be going that fast? I guess I drive like an old man.

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[crenca]

I got a set of Nokkian Hakkepelita (sp?) tires.

Anyone put the Nokkian nAT (not strictly a winter tire) on their SAS bronco as a replacement for the Goodyears? F rated (12 ply), but they claim a weight of just over 60 pounds...

https://nokiantyres.studio.crasman....n_Tyres_Outpost_nAT_Info_Sheet_April_2024.pdf

 

[NatureMan]

I’m in here for the subaru comments. I guess 4a in my wildtrak is the closest ill get to having the best sports car/off roader. I think i may have more ground clearance than subarus.

 

[Way2Fast]

I plan on driving down Baja to Cabo on the 24th. Doing the BajaXL.org rally. Looking forward to putting the Wildtrak into Baja mode

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

I’m in here for the subaru comments. I guess 4a in my wildtrak is the closest ill get to having the best sports car/off roader. I think i may have more ground clearance than subarus.

As far as on road performance my Bronco is way more fun to drive than my Focus RS was. On paper they are pretty equal.
Both AWD, manual, turbo. Bronco is a little down on power, but the RS had to be doing illegal speeds to feel fun. It was just too planted.

 

[hellb0y]

I don’t know, I hit 4H and leave it there…I am in Canada, praires, so wintry conditions are like….4 months of the year.

 

[Oldhippie]

As far as on road performance my Bronco is way more fun to drive than my Focus RS was. On paper they are pretty equal.
Both AWD, manual, turbo. Bronco is a little down on power, but the RS had to be doing illegal speeds to feel fun. It was just too planted.

More fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow…why I “daily” my Model A…

 

[Way2Fast]

More fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow…why I “daily” my Model A…

Here is my old car. 1912 Haynes. We did the Great Race for 2300 miles last June

 

[Amochosto]

Here is my old car. 1912 Haynes. We did the Great Race for 2300 miles last June

Was wondering what it was when I saw your avatar a few posts up.

I love when these survivors are still being used, I was on a driving trip in the Swiss alps this summer and we saw a 1930's Bentley on the way to the Stelvio pass, and later, a Bugatti of a similar vintage..

I saw the guy in the Bugatti have a bit of a chuckle when he heard me almost screaming to my friend "Holy ____ it's a ____ Bugatti"

 

[BroncoBeachBuggy]

I guess I drive like an old man.

I'm not an old man yet, but I had a heavy foot in my 20s and got a few tickets/points that bigtime raised my insurance rate. I keep it at the speed limit now. No points.

 

[broncobase1]

I prefer the simplicity of the standard transfer case. It is simple enough to engage 4H on the fly when conditions are bad enough. Having AWD or 4A does not allow you to safely drive faster in marginal conditions, and is probably why the majority of vehicles in the ditch are AWD and 4WD. If you hit a patch of ice AWD/4A isn't going to help much you can slide off the road or rear end a vehicle just the same.

 

[Silentgiant808]

I'm not an old man yet, but I had a heavy foot in my 20s and got a few tickets/points that bigtime raised my insurance rate. I keep it at the speed limit now. No points.

I used to ride Sportbikes quite spirited like on the twisties in my 20's and then graduated to trackdays because everyone was at least going the same direction. I hung up my leathers though once my kid was born so I feel that I got a lot of that out of my system and survived Happy to be about cruising to a destination now and will get there when we get there.

 

[Way2Fast]

Was wondering what it was when I saw your avatar a few posts up.

I love when these survivors are still being used, I was on a driving trip in the Swiss alps this summer and we saw a 1930's Bentley on the way to the Stelvio pass, and later, a Bugatti of a similar vintage..

I saw the guy in the Bugatti have a bit of a chuckle when he heard me almost screaming to my friend "Holy ____ it's a ____ Bugatti"

My partner in the Haynes is from London. He has a 1928 Bentley blower. It was his idea to buy the Haynes and do the Great Race

 

[Amochosto]

My partner in the Haynes is from London. He has a 1928 Bentley blower. It was his idea to buy the Haynes and do the Great Race

The Bentley I saw was visually similar to a Blower (a car I've dreamed of getting one day or a similar vintage Alfa Romeo) but honestly, I don't have enough knowledge about what specific signs that it is or isn't supercharged.


{edit} I guess that honkin big supercharger hanging out front of the grill helps to id it!

 

[Gotchaa]

Some details on how the 4x4 system works:

Four-Wheel Drive Systems - System Operation and Component Description
System Diagram





System Operation

Four-Wheel Drive

The 4WD (four wheel drive) systems consists of:

• Transfer case
• Driveshafts
• Front axle
• Rear axle
• AWD module
• ATCM

The transfer case has five modes of operation:

• 2H - Two-wheel drive high
• 4A – Four-wheel drive auto
• 4H - Four-wheel drive high
• 4L - Four-wheel drive low
• Neutral – For recreational flat towing

(2H) OPERATION

When the ATCM is in (2H), power is delivered to the rear wheels only. This mode is appropriate for normal on-road driving on dry pavement and provides the best fuel economy. Torque is passed through the transfer case to the rear driveshaft at a 1:1 ratio. In (2H):

• The ATCM sends a (2H) mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
• The transfer case clutch is at or below the kiss point.
• The reduction sleeve connects the input shaft and output shaft
• (2H) will momentarily be displayed in the message center at key up and after a 4WD to (2H) shift.

(4A) OPERATION

When (4A) is selected on the ATCM , the 4WD system provides electronically controlled four-wheel drive with power delivered to all four wheels, as required, for increased traction. (4A) is appropriate for all on-road driving conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, light snow or gravel. Shifts from (2H) or (4H) to (4A) can be made at any speed. In (4A):

• The ATCM sends a (4A) mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
• The shift motor positions the ball ramp device at the clutch kiss point when driving conditions do not require 4WD.
• The shift motor positions the ball ramp device to apply the clutch when wheel slip is anticipated or detected.
• The reduction sleeve connects the input shaft and output shaft
• (4A) is displayed in the message center.

AUTOLOCK

If the system is in (4A) and AWD module detects driving conditions that require greater 4WD performance, the AWD module temporarily turns on (4H). The message center displays 4X4 TEMPORARILY LOCKED. The 4WD system automatically returns to (4A) after the system no longer detects these driving conditions. The message center will temporarily display 4X4 RESTORED.

POWERTRAIN TORQUE PROTECTION

If the system is in (4A) and AWD module detects excessive stress or high energy going through the clutch (clutch is slipping excessively while the system is commanding max clutch torque), the shift motor will release the clutch and message center indicates 4x4 TEMPORARILY DISABLED. When the system had the ability to cool off, 4x4 operation will be automatically restored. The message center will temporarily display 4X4 RESTORED.

(4H) OPERATION

(4H) provides electronically 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. Shifts from (2H) to (4H) can be made at any speed. In (4H):

• The ATCM sends a (4H) mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
• The shift motor positions the ball ramp device to completely apply the clutch.
• The reduction sleeve connects the input shaft and output shaft
• (4H) is displayed in the message center.

(4L) OPERATION

(4L) provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use on low traction surfaces but does so with an additional gear reduction for increased torque multiplication. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. (4L) does not engage when your vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is normal and should be no reason for concern.

Shifts to and from (4L) can only be made below 3.1 mph ( 5 km/h) with the transmission in Neutral. When performing this shift, wait until the 4x4 Shift in Progress message disappears in the IPC before moving the selector lever back to Drive. If the vehicle speed or transmission range is not within parameters, the message center will indicate the necessary action needed to complete the shift. In (4L):

• The ATCM sends a (4L) mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
• The shift motor positions the ball ramp device to completely apply the clutch.
• The shift motor positions the reduction sleeve connecting the planetary carrier and output shaft
• (4L) is displayed in the message center.

NEUTRAL OPERATION

For recreational towing (all 4 wheels on the ground) the transfer case should be placed in Neutral.
Refer to: Neutral Flat Tow Activation and Deactivation (307-07B Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Advanced 4x4 with 4A Mode, General Procedures).

• The IPC sends a Neutral mode status to the AWD module via the GWM .
• The shift motor positions the ball ramp device to completely apply the clutch.
• The shift motor positions the reduction sleeve to only engage the output shaft
• “Neutral Tow Enabled” is displayed in the message center.

G.O.A.T. Modes

NOTE: Not all G.O.A.T. modes are available in each trim level.

The vehicle is equipped with Goes Over Any-type of Terrain (G.O.A.T.) Modes that allows the driver to enhance the off-road performance of the vehicle by selecting the mode best suited to the terrain and driving conditions. Each mode changes a number of the vehicle parameters within the engine, transmission, traction control and 4WD systems.

Normal

• For everyday driving. This mode is the perfect balance of excitement, comfort and convenience. This is the default mode after each ignition cycle, the driveline settings remain the same prior to the ignition cycle.
• (2H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. All four-wheel drive modes are selectable when in normal mode.
• The front electronic locking differential, if equipped is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential, if equipped is available.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is available if (4H) or (4L) is selected.

Eco

• For efficient driving. This mode helps deliver maximum fuel efficiency and helps to increase driving range.
• (2H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. (4L) is not selectable in eco mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is not available in eco mode.
• The rear electronic locking differential is available.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is not available in eco mode.

Sport

• For sporty driving with improved performance handling and response. This mode increases accelerator pedal response and provides a sportier steering feel. The powertrain system holds onto lower gears longer, helping your vehicle accelerate faster.
• (2H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. (4L) is not selectable in sport mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is not available in sport mode.
• The rear electronic locking differential is available.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is not available in sport mode.

Slippery

• For less than ideal road conditions such as snow or ice covered roads. This mode can be used for crossing terrain where a firm surface is covered with loose, wet or slippery material. Slippery mode lowers throttle response and optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.
• (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. Both four-wheel drive modes are selectable in slippery mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential is available.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is not available in slippery mode.

Sand

• For off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow. This mode may help get your vehicle unstuck from deep snow or sand.
• (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. (4L) is selectable in sand mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential is engaged when in sand mode and is available in all selectable four-wheel drive modes.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is available in (4H) or (4L).

Mud/Ruts

• For off-road driving. This mode enhances vehicle performance to traverse muddy, rutted or uneven terrains.
• (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. (4L) is selectable in mud/rut mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in four-wheel drive low.
• The rear electronic locking differential is engaged when in mud/ruts mode.
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is available in (4H) or (4L).

Rock Crawl

• For off-road driving and optimum rock-climbing ability. Rock crawl mode optimizes the throttle and transmission response to provide you additional control of your vehicle.
• (4L) is the only four-wheel drive mode selectable in rock crawl, the system prompts you to put your vehicle into (4L) upon selection.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential is engaged when in rock crawl mode.
• The stabilizer bar disconnects when in rock crawl mode.

Baja

• For high speed off-road driving. Baja mode optimizes the throttle control for better response and torque delivery.
• (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode.
• The front electronic locking differential is available when in (4L).
• The rear electronic locking differential is available
• The stabilizer bar disconnect is available in (4H) or (4L).

G.O.A.T. Mode availability by series

	Normal	Eco	Sport	Slippery	Mud	Sand	Baja	Rock
Base	x	x	x	x		x
Big Bend	x	x	x	x	x	x
OuterBanks	x	x	x	x	x	x
Wildtrack	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Black Diamond	x	x	x	x	x	x		x
Badlands	x	x		x	x	x	x	x

Component Description



All Terrain Control Module (ATCM)

The ATCM contains the G.O.A.T. modes rotary dial, 2H, 4H, and 4L switches. The ATCM is the logic module for the front and rear ELD , the stabilizer bar disconnect, and all G.O.A.T. mode features.

AWD module

The AWD module is the logic module for the four-wheel drive system. Multiple modules/system inputs are used for the four-wheel drive system to determine the percentage of torque to be transferred to the front wheels.

Transfer Case

A supplementary gearbox attached to the transmission. The transfer case directs power to the front drive axle via the front drive shaft.
Refer to: Transfer Case (307-07D Transfer Case - Advanced 4x4 with 4A Mode, Description and Operation).

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