(ANSWERED) - 4WD vs snow?

[ExplorerSTLine]

All my previous rides have been AWD. This is the first time I have a 4WD. So, I normally just leave my Drive Mode set to NORMAL. In the past - I didn't worry about driving through the snow because I knew I had AWD. Do I have to select SLIPPERY if I want my ride to be in 4WD? Thanks gang.

 

[Caster]

If it is a 25' it will kick into 4WD in any mode whenever it detects the need to do so.

 

[northof60expST]

The Explorer ST is mainly rear wheel drive until slip is detected. Called Intelligent four-wheel drive by Ford. By going into Slippery mode the system will regulate power and traction control.
You have a screen in the dash where you can see the power distribution between the rear and front axles.

 

[powerboatr]

If you select that info screen.
Roll out about 5 mph
Plant the go foot on the fun pedal
The graphic will indicate a huge amount of torque is delivered to front as long as load dictates

And your st is only a few % away from real full time awd. Not sure why they don't call it awd
My insurance company lists it as awd
And credits it as such
In slippery mode...the computer limits power to wheels to aid in loss of traction and will fell like it's being held back..
But it works very well in snow, slush, conditions

 

[Madisonville ST]

The intelligent 4WD system continuously monitors vehicle conditions and adjusts the power distribution between the front and rear wheels. It combines transparent all-surface operation with highly capable four-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active and requires no driver input. It is capable of handling all road conditions including street and highway driving as well as off-road and winter driving. You can optimize more 4WD control by selecting different drive modes.

According to the owners manual.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

These cars are technically AWD, Ford just advertises it as Intelligent 4wd, why I don’t know. The transfer case uses clutches to engage or disengage the front wheels. The front wheels are usually getting power at low speeds, when accelerating, or when slip is detected, then get disconnected at cruising speed. I don’t think anything happens to how the AWD system works when you change drive modes. It changes just traction control, throttle response, cluster cosmetics, and some other little things.

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

If it is a 25' it will kick into 4WD in any mode whenever it detects the need to do so.

OUTSTANDING. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

The Explorer ST is mainly rear wheel drive until slip is detected. Called Intelligent four-wheel drive by Ford. By going into Slippery mode the system will regulate power and traction control.
You have a screen in the dash where you can see the power distribution between the rear and front axles.

I have seen that screen in my previous Edge and Escape(s). I don't see the same type of screen in the 25 Explorer. I get something that displays the axles in Off Road that shows wheel degrees, etc. It sure doesn't look like it shows which wheels are getting traction. Maybe I am misreading the display?

 

[Chamorro85]

You'll have to cycle through the screens that show power going to the wheels.

The system is great in snow when you change settings. The power is deff cut back to keep my heavy foot from breaking the tires loose. Towed in the snow and regular driving are much improved when it's gets bad out.

Every day driving when I can still see the road I normally don't change the drive mode.

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

You'll have to cycle through the screens that show power going to the wheels. The system is great in snow when you change settings. The power is deff cut back to keep my heavy foot from breaking the tires loose. Towed in the snow and regular driving are much improved when it's gets bad out. Every day driving when I can still see the road I normally don't change the drive mode.

Noppa. I have cycled through and the only display is for OFF ROAD and shows degrees, etc.

 

[awd5992]

Noppa. I have cycled through and the only display is for OFF ROAD and shows degrees, etc.

Unfortunately they removed this screen from the 2025 models.

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

Unfortunately they removed this screen from the 2025 models.

Bummer - I truly loved monitoring that display.

 

[Chamorro85]

Noppa. I have cycled through and the only display is for OFF ROAD and shows degrees, etc.

That's a bummer for sure. Wonder if you can turn back on with FS?

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

That's a bummer for sure. Wonder if you can turn back on with FS?

That would be nice but that stuff is above my pay grade.

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

The intelligent 4WD system continuously monitors vehicle conditions and adjusts the power distribution between the front and rear wheels. It combines transparent all-surface operation with highly capable four-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active and requires no driver input. It is capable of handling all road conditions including street and highway driving as well as off-road and winter driving. You can optimize more 4WD control by selecting different drive modes.

According to the owners manual.

Just noticed your answer. Fantastic - that is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

 

[cheetoduster]

Just noticed your answer. Fantastic - that is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/..._Ford_Explorer_U625_Owner_Manual_enUSA_v1.pdf

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/..._Ford_Explorer_U625_Owner_Manual_enUSA_v1.pdf

Thanks!