4A Mode

I use 4A all the time here in West Yellowstone, Montana. It's smooth as butta. I have a 21 Badlands SAS and never feel it do it's thing. I love it.You will as well I'm sure.

Like @Sven said, smoove like butta

I use it all winter, can't tell if it has engaged or not...

Sven

I use 4A all the time here in West Yellowstone, Montana. It's smooth as butta. I have a 21 Badlands SAS and never feel it do it's thing. I love it.You will as well I'm sure.

Good to hear. My Sport Trac 4x4 engagement is an experience. There is no 2wd only mode. 4x4 mode has all the subtlety of a 17 yr old doing a neutral drop on a deserted back road.

The Bronco uses a clutch pack inside the transfer case for 4-Auto. Fundamentally it sits there and monitors the wheel speed sensors, and when it detects slip it'll engage that clutch patch and send power to the front wheels. (Oversimplified, but yeah.)

Personally, I'm not a huge fan, tried to get used to it, but didn't happen. I won't lie, it is super smooth, it works well, and can be a huge benefit for most people. But I as someone who grew up on more "traditional" 4x4 vehicles, I like a simple on/off so I can change my driving behavior accordingly. With 4-Auto I have to guess what the vehicle is going to do, and I don't like guessing.

But I suspect that's largely a "me problem" and most people don't have that issue. Either way... the traditional 4-High and 4-Low modes are still available, so no real complaints from me.

If you put it in slippery mode, it turns on and driven it with highway speeds with no issues. Can’t even tell.

I use it in rain, dirt and light snow…smooth operation and seems a little more “planted”…switch to locked 4x4 on lower traction stuff…

RagnarKon

The Bronco uses a clutch pack inside the transfer case for 4-Auto. Fundamentally it sits there and monitors the wheel speed sensors, and when it detects slip it'll engage that clutch patch and send power to the front wheels. (Oversimplified, but yeah.)

Personally, I'm not a huge fan, tried to get used to it, but didn't happen. I won't lie, it is super smooth, it works well, and can be a huge benefit for most people. But I as someone who grew up on more "traditional" 4x4 vehicles, I like a simple on/off so I can change my driving behavior accordingly. With 4-Auto I have to guess what the vehicle is going to do, and I don't like guessing.

But I suspect that's largely a "me problem" and most people don't have that issue. Either way... the traditional 4-High and 4-Low modes are still available, so no real complaints from me.

I agree with Ragnar. I like the standard 4x4. i know when it's on and off. I don't care for the rear wheel slipage option as well. I wish there was a way to just order the 2H, 4H, 4L and be done with it, just like on my old 2004 TJ.

To my understanding, manually switch to 4A did not benefit with all GOAT mode functions. Select GOAT setting to slippy mode (in snow or rain) and the drivetrain will switch into 4A itself and engage the computer setting. this way the car will have the benefit with the actual use of the GOAT mode. Same thing when using rock crawling etc... Please correct me if I am wrong!

I had an '18 Expedition XLT with 4x4. Only button you could push for 4WD was 4A. I never warmed up to knowing that the computer would turn on the 4x4 when it sensed I needed it. I did have a vacuum leak which left one of the front tires locked in the hub. Made a grinding noise erratically in 2wd. So if you hear a shearing ice crunch noise, good chance that's your problem.

I traded that in (same amount I paid for it!) In August of '21 on the BD that I ordered.
I specifically wanted what part time 4WD. High and low option, know when to use it and not to, etc..

4a - Ithink it is a good choice for folks making a run around town on snowy/icy streets, so they don't have to switch between 2wd and 4wd. But if you know you are going off-road or streets are bad, you probably want the peace of mind of having all 4 tires working for you from minute one instead of the computer doing it for you.

AdventureTeam

Since the weather in Central PA was messy today, I enabled 4A mode. My only experience with auto 4x4 mode is in my 2007 Sport Trac Limited, which is the default mode. It is abrupt when it engages. How does that compare to a Bronco?

All my other Fords with 4x4 had vacuum actuators (2 Rangers, gen 1 Sport Trac and a 2004 SCrew) and 4x4 was a concious decision and a botton or knob.

4A is intended (and for all intents, is) to be like that found on most AWD cars. It is meant to be driven on pavement and provide an extra level of security in the event of wet, icy, or otherwise traction-compromised surfaces… many folks drive in 4A all the time when on the road, and just don’t think about it… My salesman runs his demos in 4A always when available…

2H is 2H is 2H, meant to for daily driving on pavement or dirt, obviously limited on slick roads…

4H and 4L are basically the 4WD we all grew up with… not meant for hard pavement. Period.

There should not be any ”clunking” or abruptness in the Bronco…. It is smart enough NOT to let you shift into 4L without being stopped and in neutral… 2H, 4A, and 4H can all be shifted into while on the fly… changing a GOAT mode from normal (2H) to sport (4A) automatically changes the gear box without your help. If you choose to you can actually change back to 2H while in Sport without issue…. It will become pretty intuitive…

I run 2H mostly, strictly for fuel economy reasons (and I live where roads are almost always bare and dry.

Was running 4A for a couple of days here in NE Ohio. Can not perceive engagement, other than improved traction.

pk9394

To my understanding, manually switch to 4A did not benefit with all GOAT mode functions. Select GOAT setting to slippy mode (in snow or rain) and the drivetrain will switch into 4A itself and engage the computer setting. this way the car will have the benefit with the actual use of the GOAT mode. Same thing when using rock crawling etc... Please correct me if I am wrong!

You are correct that the slippery GOAT mode provides more than just 4A. For example, it changes throttle response and shift points in the transmission. I can't recall the other differences, but suffice it to say that it provides more benefits than simply using 4A.

timhood

You are correct that the slippery GOAT mode provides more than just 4A. For example, it changes throttle response and shift points in the transmission. I can't recall the other differences, it suffice it to say that it provides more benefits than simply using 4A.

Using the GOAT mods definitely improves all of the transmission options.

Not sure if this is the best place for this post... I don't have 4A (but kinda wish I had the option), but I'm always paranoid about just when it is Ok to use 4H around town. I'm never sure what traction conditions warrant the use and I'm always on edge. I know it shouldn't be used on dry pavement, but what about things like black ice conditions? Or heavy rain?

Umichigan

Not sure if this is the best place for this post... I don't have 4A (but kinda wish I had the option), but I'm always paranoid about just when it is Ok to use 4H around town. I'm never sure what traction conditions warrant the use and I'm always on edge. I know it shouldn't be used on dry pavement, but what about things like black ice conditions? Or heavy rain?

You should not exceed 50–55 mph in 4H, if plans to stay in 4H for long drive in wet, snowy, or icy roads you should also monitoring your transmission temperature, thats what I will do.

pk9394

You should not exceed 50–55 mph in 4H, if plans to stay in 4H for long drive in wet, snowy, or icy roads you should also monitoring your transmission temperature, thats what I will do.

What is considered a worrisome transmission temperature? The highest I think I've seen it is just over 200deg.

when i tow my 3500lb fishing boat at peak summer i see 210 +/- on hwy most of the time is flat no hills.

pk9394

You should not exceed 50–55 mph in 4H, if plans to stay in 4H for long drive in wet, snowy, or icy roads you should also monitoring your transmission temperature, thats what I will do.

I don't recall this in the Bronco manual? Perhaps you are not talking about dirt tracks. I will have to check. I regularly drive in 4 high well over 55 mph. I know the Raptor is for fast desert driving;' however, I thought the Bronco was able to do so as well.