how to tell if in 4 x 4 - Ford Forums

rervf23 · 12-01-2008, 08:47

I have a 2007 Explorer Eddie Bauer with 4.6 V8. We had a snowstorm last night and I pushed the button for "Auto 4 X 4" - no lights lit up and I really could not tell if I was in 4 wheel drive or not. When I pushed "4 X 4 High" an indicator on the dash lit up. When in Auto 4X4 is it normal for no indicator lights to be lit.

hsb · 12-01-2008, 10:48

There is no indicater light for the auto, just high and low. When its in auto, the vehicle puts it in and takes it out of 4x4 as needed. Unless you are driving on a completely snow covered road that is slippery, leave in auto, otherwise you may mess up the transfer case.

rervf23 · 12-01-2008, 17:22

Thanks HSB for the reply. I know you said there is no indicator light for Auto 4X4, so how do I now know if I am in Auto 4X4 or not because I have been pushing the button quite a few times trying to get a light to come on.

hsb · 12-01-2008, 18:18

4x4 auto is the "default", unless you select 4x4 high or low, you will be in 4x4 auto. The only things it could be is 4x4 auto, 2x4 until the vehicle senses 4x4 is needed, 4x4 high for slippery conditions and 4x4 low, good for towing boats, etc up slippery ramps. If it is in high or low, the indicator light will come on, no indicator light for auto.

rervf23 · 12-01-2008, 22:06

OK, very good. Thanks for clearing things up for me. The reason I just couldn't get this straight is this is the first vehicle with an automatic 4X4. Other vehicles I had all had the floor mounted transfer case stick.

Again, thanks.

hsb · 12-02-2008, 05:39

Also if it were actually in 4x4 high or low, you would obviously feel the front wheels pulling, esp in a turn. And if it were in low, you wouldnt be going very fast, no matter how fast you were going. Enjoy your new ride.

rervf23 · 12-02-2008, 14:30

Thanks again, hsb.