Traction Control questions

[FX4Offroad]

I have a 2019 Lariat FX4 and I was curious what the different traction modes do.

As you know, pressing the center button on the dial changes to from the default "Normal" to 3 different modes:

• Grass/Gravel/Snow
• Mud/Ruts
• Sand

Does anyone know what changes with each of these modes?

Edit - add: I do use "Sand" mode where I off road and it works fantastic even though I don't know exactly what changes it makes.

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[Doc]

I have a 2019 Lariat FX4 and I was curious what the different traction modes do.

As you know, pressing the center button on the dial changes to from the default "Normal" to 3 different modes:

• Grass/Gravel/Snow
• Mud/Ruts
• Sand

Does anyone know what changes with each of these modes?

Edit - add: I do use "Sand" mode where I off road and it works fantastic even though I don't know exactly what changes it makes.

It’s Magic ...

 

[FX4Offroad]

It’s Magic ...

I was looking for more detail but - that works too!

 

[AzScorpion]

I have a 2019 Lariat FX4 and I was curious what the different traction modes do.

As you know, pressing the center button on the dial changes to from the default "Normal" to 3 different modes:

• Grass/Gravel/Snow
• Mud/Ruts
• Sand

Does anyone know what changes with each of these modes?

Edit - add: I do use "Sand" mode where I off road and it works fantastic even though I don't know exactly what changes it makes.

It will change the shift points in the tranny within the different modes. Here's a video explaining the Broncos GOAT modes which is similar to ours. The Bronco has a lot more features than we do but it'll give you an idea how it works.

 

[12Bravo20]

The systems work well when done right. I am happy with how the Ranger FX4 does. The system is similar to what Chrysler has been using in Jeeps for many years. The system worked well in my 2018 Jeep Renegade and 2016 Jeep Cherokee.

Like said, the system manages shift points and also uses the ABS system to control wheel slipping. It will apply the brakes when it detects one or more wheels slipping but only on the wheels that lost traction.

 

[JesseS]

And here I thought that was 'Trail Modes', and the traction control was another thing entirely Like when I want to burn rubber

 

[Big Blue]

And here I thought that was 'Trail Modes', and the traction control was another thing entirely Like when I want to burn rubber

I think we are having some confusion between Terrain Control, Traction Control and Trail Mode. Three entirely different things. Terrain Control is the button in the middle of the 4WD knob. It selects between Normal mode and the Snow, Mud and Sand modes. It will also put the truck into 4WD. Traction Control is the button at the front of the console and is on by default and tied together with Stability Control, which I have heard is now called Curve Control. Trail Mode essentially a low speed cruise control for use on trails.

Need to keep the terms correct to avoid confusion.

 

[JesseS]

I think we are having some confusion between Terrain Control, Traction Control and Trail Mode. Three entirely different things. Terrain Control is the button in the middle of the 4WD knob. It selects between Normal mode and the Snow, Mud and Sand modes. It will also put the truck into 4WD. Traction Control is the button at the front of the console and is on by default and tied together with Stability Control, which I have heard is now called Curve Control. Trail Mode essentially a low speed cruise control for use on trails.

Need to keep the terms correct to avoid confusion.

OK, I will bite, how does TM equate to 'Terrain Control', I thought it stood for Terrain Mode, not to be confused with Traction Control.... wish Ford would keep their nomenclature consistent across vehicles.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

OK, I will bite, how does TM equate to 'Terrain Control', I thought it stood for Terrain Mode, not to be confused with Traction Control.... wish Ford would keep their nomenclature consistent across vehicles.

Hi Jesse,

I think this is covered in the owner's manual, but do not have the files while on the road in my RV.
I would be very surprised that there is inconsistent terminology. I recall that TM was Terrain Management. Snow, Sand, etc....

 

[JesseS]

Hi Jesse,

I think this is covered in the owner's manual, but do not have the files while on the road in my RV.
I would be very surprised that there is inconsistent terminology. I recall that TM was Terrain Management. Snow, Sand, etc....

On the Bronco they are called GOAT modes . As for having files on the road, I just dump PDF manuals in my DropBox, then access them from my iPad or MacBook on the road. And yes its covered in the manual, TM is for Terrain Management.

 

[AzScorpion]

 

[SICKQK]

I used it in the snow this winter.....worked great.

Much smarter than me and my right foot!

 

[Langwilliams]

I don't have it but I'm considering buying the switch an activating it.

 

[Trigganometry]

Still haven’t figured out yet how to activate trail control on non FX4 models have we?

 

[12Bravo20]

Still haven’t figured out yet how to activate trail control on non FX4 models have we?

I'm pretty sure that people have successfully added the switch from the FX4 and then used FORSCAN to activate it in the computer.

Here are a couple of threads on this.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/adding-the-terrain-management-system.11533/

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/terrain-management-upgrade.4901/

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