Ford Bronco SUV: Two Ways to 4x4
Always consult the Owner's Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty and use appropriate safety gear. Removal of doors for off-road use only.
Off road or on road, driving conditions can change in the blink of an eye. That’s why your Ford Bronco™ delivers two 4x4 systems — standard and advanced — that you can engage, on the fly, whenever you need to.
What Is 4x4 Part-Time Selectable Engagement?
If equipped, the Ford Bronco 4x4 with part-time selectable engagement system uses a 2-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) transfer case. This system offers:
- 2WD High
- 4WD High
- 4WD Low
Note: Vehicle can only shift to 4WD Low under specific conditions. Instructions for shifting to 4WD Low are provided below.
When either 4WD High or 4WD Low is selected, the system provides mechanically locked (50/50 split) four-wheel-drive power to both the front and rear axles for use in off-road or slippery conditions, such as deep snow, sand or mud. When 4WD Low is selected, the system provides additional gearing for increased torque multiplication in conditions such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. Additionally, the system is capable of recreational flat towing by putting the transfer case into the Neutral (N) position.
How to Switch 4x4 Off in Your Ford Bronco SUV
With your Ford Bronco vehicle, you can “shift on the fly,” a 4x4 insider’s way of saying you can change from 2WD to 4WD while your vehicle is moving. If you hear a sound when you do, this is normal. It's simply the front drivetrain coming up to speed. Think of it as the sound of a new adventure starting.
To select a 4WD mode, push the associated button located on the G.O.A.T. Modes™ Goes Over Any Type of Terrain dial:
- 2H — 2WD High
- 4H — 4WD High
- 4L — 4WD Low
- 4A — 4WD Auto, if equipped
Remember: 4WD High automatically engages based on the drive mode selected.
Next, you will want to know how to shift to or from 4WD Low with the 4x4 part-time selectable engagement transfer case:
- Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
- For vehicles with an automatic transmission, place in Neutral (N). For vehicles with a manual transmission, fully depress the clutch pedal and place the transmission in the Neutral (N) position.
- Move the four-wheel-drive controller to the 4L position.
And finally, here's how to shift to or from 4WD Low with advanced 4x4 with electronically controlled on-demand engagement 2-speed transfer case:
- Bring your vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 kph) or less.
- For vehicles with an automatic transmission, place in Neutral (N). For vehicles with a manual transmission, fully depress the clutch pedal and place the transmission in the Neutral (N) position.
- Move the four-wheel-drive controller to the preferred position.