I have 2013 Platinum. When wheel slippage occurs and in auto four wheel drive with traction control on, the truck heistates and bogs down for 3-4 seconds before finally "going". It's as if the auto 4X4 and traction control are fighting each other before the 4X4 finally engages. This has lead to a couple of near misses when I have pulled into traffic only to experience no acceleration. This does not happen when in 4X4 high with traction on, nor if I turn traction control off while in auto 4X4. The dealer wan't sure if it was normal behaviour for these trucks, but did diagnose and replace a faulty front ABS sensor. Unfortunately the problem remains. As I have no prior experience with Ford's auto 4X4 system, I want to know from others if this is normal for these trucks?

 

^^^ No.

For a system that is desinged to monitor traction conditions many time per second, a 3-4 second delay is an eternity, and indicative of a problem.

Yer dealer seems rather disengaged - they could readily have contacted higher to gain the knowledge they need to determine a course of action (if any). And they should have. Escalate.

"Fordservice" - if yer listening ... lol

good luck
MGD

 

MGD...do you have 4A? I cannot recall.

I have it on my '13 Platinum like the OP. I will side with the OP and state that with 4A selected AND traction control on that the two computers lag and make the truck bog somewhat. Like the OP, disabling traction control (single button push) does make the 4A more responsive and seamless in operation.

Personally, I'd call it normal. That's for others to decide though.

 

Not in the truck - in the wifey's SUV.

It doesn't do this, and it's the same technology - the slip-sensing intervals are measured in milliseconds - there is no reason fer a delay of that magnitude.

I'd push fer a firmware update.

MGD

 

Thanks for the replies. Anybody else have experience with the 4 auto system?

 

Yes, I have pretty much the same problem, accompanied by some noises. Had nearly identical problem with my 2005 as well. See my post here entitled "4x4 Weakness?"

Turns out Ford is using the same locking hub system since 2004 and vacuum leaks are the culprit in most cases.

The dissappointing part is that this is a problem Ford has known about for many years and the only improvement they've made for it soo far is an improved vacuum solenoid that used to cause leaks. They added a water shield to it so it doesn't get wet and its contacts won't corrode.