Anyone else keep accidentially putting their truck in 4H?

[deeve]

I really think it’s the phone cord maybe doing it. It is a coiled cord and I bet that’s grabbing when I put it back.

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[BobDP]

I don't really know how I keep doing it, but I somehow am hitting the 4 wheel drive knob and putting it in 4H pretty often. I cannot tell if it is my phone cable somehow doing it or I'm moving my leg against the dial but it seems like every other day I find myself in 4H. Yesterday it happened twice. After looking at it a bit, the knob is pretty easy to turn compared to other trucks with similar shift knobs I have seen.

Yes, several times! It turns WAY TOO EASY! It is the only thing I don't like about the truck. I would gladly pay for a upgraded switch with actual click stops or something. The 2010 design was way better! If they had put it up on the dash where that one was, that would have been better at least.

 

[BobDP]

I had that problem with my Colorado and finally installed a simple 3" long cabinet door handle over it. Never happened again and it looked factory installed. A terrible design since they also don't have a light on the dash to tell you that you are in 4wd.

Yes, they do on the light

 

[JimJa]

I have to use 4x4 to get to the highway in winter from my home...every time, a distance of six miles. Same for returning. Once, while driving to pick up furniture my wife ordered, a trip of 150 miles, I forgot to take it OUT of 4x4 for about half the trip. Have owned numerous 4x4 vehicles and never have done that before. I was worried I might have caused some damage as the road were clear once getting to the highway. My bad for not being more observant but no damage was done. I'm okay with the rotary dial and at 6'2" I've not inadvertently turned it. A different location or more resistance would be an improvement however. My hope is these "nits" we've noted in this forum will be taken care of when the truck is given a refresh.

 

[r1ch999999]

I've done it a few times, but only because that is where the shift knob was on my Fusion. Stupid ass design for either really.

 

[Joe Cloutier]

It's a dopey design in a dopey location IMO. A couple toggle switches mounted up high where they are visible without having to look down at the freaking floor would be great.

We really like our Ranger... but the location and type of switches and buttons leave a lot to be desired... like the HVAC controls... wth?

Yes … the raise lower heat is challenging in the dark for the Lariat trim... The switch should have been proud of the panel not flush... I guess your are expected to speak to it only...

 

[HenryMac]

Yes … the raise lower heat is challenging in the dark for the Lariat trim... The switch should have been proud of the panel not flush... I guess your are expected to speak to it only...

With our XL trim... talking to the HVAC is a fools errand

 

[Nick Barber]

I've bumped it by accident reaching down in the tray for something, going 55 on the highway on dry pavement. I turned it off right away. The truck seemed to bog down a little but didn't feel like any damage had been caused.

 

[Nick Barber]

I've done it twice over the past year. It is kind of a dopey design. If they want to keep the rotary dial where it is, they should make it have a bit more resistance when turning, kind of like the rotary shifters for the trans in many cars. Right now I can engage 4H with an accidental flick.

A "lift and twist" mechanism would have at least been smart if keeping the dial in the same location.

 

[DavidR]

I have had this happen a few times. I don't have time to read the whole thread right now, so apologies if this has already been mentioned, but I'm thinking of making something similar to the switch guards you've probably seen on some wall switches. It's a tradeoff, though, since it would add a split second or so to accessing the control in a pinch. Something similar in concept to this but that would fit over the 4WD control:

 

[Deleted member 1634]

This whole thread is quite interesting. Not once have I bumped the 4WD knob or even come close. Hadn't even considered it to be an issue that someone would have.

I'll go against the grain and say I actually kind of like it where and the way it is. The location and amount of knob resistance is ideal for switching between 2H and 4H on a whim quickly for short periods of time like at an icy stoplight or trying to crest the hump into the garage or something, since I can just rest my hand down there comfortably and spin it without having to reach or fumble with something further away. Something I've had to do a few dozen times this winter already since we don't have 4auto in this truck (I'll invest in snow tires for next winter).

I understand the design, since there are multiple ways to switch into 4WD (either the knob or the TM button for those of us that have that), so it has to be a knob with no end points.

This is my first 4WD vehicle, so I don't have anything to compare it to. It could have more resistance maybe, but as with any other "issue" with this truck, I've just learned to compensate accordingly. I guess that makes me happily ignorant maybe.

 

[hughesjv]

I don't really know how I keep doing it, but I somehow am hitting the 4 wheel drive knob and putting it in 4H pretty often. I cannot tell if it is my phone cable somehow doing it or I'm moving my leg against the dial but it seems like every other day I find myself in 4H. Yesterday it happened twice. After looking at it a bit, the knob is pretty easy to turn compared to other trucks with similar shift knobs I have seen.

I am surprised I have not had this issue as I am pretty large man. Even though I have not I agree there must be a better location for the control and I also agree with the other poster the HVAC controls are difficult to find when you want to change it.

 

[RangerRaptor]

It’s happened a few times. Putting stuff in and out of the tray moves your hand right past the control knob. My Raptor had it on the dash. Just as easy to reach, but never by accident.

 

[Msfitoy]

Never have this problem but duct tape can be useful here....

 

[RangerRaptor]

Lock-out adapter with padlock mount...

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