Ford Super Duty (2017 year). Manual — part 52

For proper operation, make sure that each
hub is fully engaged and that both hub
locks are set to the same position (both
set to LOCK or both set to AUTO). To
engage LOCK, turn the hub locks
completely clockwise; to engage AUTO,
turn the hub locks completely
counterclockwise.

The ESOF 4WD system:

•

provides 4x4 High engagement and
disengagement while the vehicle is
moving.

•

is operated by a rotary control located
on the instrument panel that allows
you select 4x2, 4x4 High or 4x4 Low
operation.

•

uses auto-manual hub locks that can
be engaged and disengaged
automatically based on the 4x4 mode
selected.

•

will increase fuel economy when used
in the hub lock's recommended AUTO
mode.

4WD Indicator Lights

Note: When a 4X4 system fault is present,
the system will typically remain in whichever
4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault
condition occurring. It will not default to 4X2
in all circumstances. When this warning is
displayed, have your vehicle serviced by an
authorized dealer.

4X2

E163173

Momentarily illuminates when
2H is selected.

4X4 HIGH

E181779

Continuously illuminates when
4H is selected.

4X4 LOW

E181780

Continuously illuminates when
4L is selected.

CHECK 4X4

Displays when a 4X4 fault is
present.

Using a Manual Shift On Stop
(MSOS) 4WD system

(If Equipped)

Note: High shift efforts may be encountered
when attempting to shift into and out of 4x4
modes. It is recommended to allow the
vehicle to roll at a speed below 3 mph
(5 km/h) when shifting between modes.

E233846

2H (4X2)

For general on-road driving. Sends power
to the rear wheels only and should be used
for street and highway driving. Provides
optimal smoothness and fuel economy at
high speeds

4H (4X4 High)

Used for extra traction such as in snow or
icy roads or in off road situations. This
mode is not intended for use on dry
pavement.

211

(If Equipped)

N (Neutral)

Only used when towing the vehicle. No
power to front or rear wheels.

4L (4X4 Low)

Uses extra gearing to provide maximum
power to all four wheels at reduced
speeds. Intended only for off road
applications such as deep sand, steep
grades or pulling heavy objects.

Shifting between system modes

Note: Do not perform these operations if
the rear wheels are slipping or when
applying the accelerator pedal.

Note: Some noise may be heard as the 4x4
system shifts or engages. This is normal. In
order to reduce engagement noise, it is
recommended that all shifts be performed
at speeds below3 mph (5 km/h).

Note: The vehicle should not be driven in
4X4 High with the hub locks disengaged as
this condition may damage driveline system
components.

Engage the locking hubs by rotating the
hub lock control from FREE to LOCK, then
move the transfer case lever from 2H to
4H at a stop or a vehicle speed below
3 mph (5 km/h).

Move the transfer case lever from 4H to
2H at a stop or a vehicle speed below
3 mph (5 km/h), then disengage the
locking hubs (optional) by rotating the hub
lock control from LOCK to FREE.

For proper operation, make sure that both
hubs are set to either FREE or LOCK.

Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 Low)

1.

Bring the vehicle to a stop or a speed
below 3 mph (5 km/h).

2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).

3. Move the transfer case shift lever

through N (Neutral) directly to the
desired position.

4. If the transfer case does not, or only

partially moves to the desired position,
perform a shift with the transmission
in N (Neutral) and the vehicle rolling at
a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h).

5. If shifting to 2H with the vehicle at a

complete stop, disengage the locking
hubs (optional) by rotating the hub
lock control from LOCK to FREE.

Using the N (Neutral) position

WARNING

Always set the parking brake and
leave your vehicle with the
transmission in park (P).

E233846

The transfer case neutral position overrides
the transmission and puts the vehicle in
neutral regardless of transmission gearshift
lever position. The vehicle can move
forward or backwards.

This position should only be used when
towing the vehicle.

212

(If Equipped)

Using the Electronic Shift on the
Fly 4WD system

(If Equipped)

E191851

2H (4X2)

For general on-road driving. Sends power
to the rear wheels only and should be used
for street and highway driving. Provides
optimal smoothness and fuel economy at
high speeds.

4H (4X4 HIGH)

Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels for use in off-road or winter
conditions such as deep snow, sand or
mud. This mode is not for use on dry
pavement.

4L (4X4 LOW)

Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels for use on low traction surfaces,
but does so with additional gearing for
increased torque multiplication. Intended
only for off-road applications such as deep
sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy
objects. 4L (4X4 low) will not engage while
your vehicle is moving above 3 mph
(5 km/h); this is normal and should be no
reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to or
from 4L (4X4 low) for proper operation.

Shifting between system modes

Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator
pedal when a shift in progress message
displays improves engagement or
disengagement performance.

Note: Do not perform this operation if the
rear wheels are slipping or when applying
the accelerator pedal.

Note: Some noise may be heard as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.

Note: 4X4 high mode is not intended for
use on dry pavement.

You can move the control from 2H or 4H
at a stop or while driving. The information
display may display a message indicating
a 4X4 shift is in progress. Once the shift is
complete the message center will then
display the system mode selected.

Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low)

Note: Some noise may be heard as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.

Note: 4x4 low mode is not intended for use
on dry pavement.

1.

Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph
(5 km/h) or less.

2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired

position.

The information display will display a
message indicating a 4X4 shift is in
progress. The information display will then
display the system mode selected. If any
of the above shift conditions are not met,
the shift will not occur and the information
display will display information guiding the
driver through the proper shifting
procedures.

213

(If Equipped)

If Shift Delayed Pull Forward appears in
the information display, transfer case gear
tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this
condition, place the transmission in a
forward gear, move the vehicle forward
approximately 5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the
transmission back to neutral to allow the
transfer case to complete the range shift.

How Your Vehicle Differs From
Other Vehicles

WARNING

Vehicles with a higher center of
gravity (utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles) handle differently than

vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death.

Truck and utility vehicles can differ from
some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be
higher to allow it to travel over rough
terrain without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.

The differences that make your vehicle so
versatile also make it handle differently
than an ordinary passenger car.

Maintain steering wheel control at all
times, especially in rough terrain. Since
sudden changes in terrain can result in
abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure
you grip the steering wheel from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes.

Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps.

You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the
area. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all
four wheels on the ground and they must
be rolling, not sliding or spinning.

Driving Off-Road With Truck and
Utility Vehicles

Note: On some models, the initial shift from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive while
the vehicle is moving can cause some
momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds.
This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and the automatic locking hubs
engaging and is not cause for concern.

Note: Your vehicle may be equipped with
a front air dam that can become damaged
(due to reduced ground clearance) when
taking your vehicle off-road. This air dam
can be taken off by removing 15 bolts.

Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially
equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud
and rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both
on and off the road.

Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On four-wheel
drive vehicles, the transfer case allows you
to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case operation and
shifting procedures can be found in this
chapter. Information on transfer case
maintenance can be found in the
Maintenance chapter. You should become
thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.

Four-wheel drive (when you select a 4WD
mode) uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot.

214

(If Equipped)