Four Wheel Drive (4X4) System - Ford ZD Escape Series Manual

Drive modes
The transmission will select the
appropriate gear for optimum
performance based on ambient
temperature, road gradient, vehicle load
and driver input.
Adaptive learning strategy
Your automatic transaxle electronically
controls the shift feel by using an
adaptive learning strategy. This feature is
designed to optimise shift smoothness. It
is normal for your transaxle to shift firmly
during the first few hundred kilometres of
operation until the adaptive strategy has
been learned.
The adaptive learning strategy is
maintained by power from the battery.
When the battery is disconnected or a
new battery is installed, the transaxle
must relearn its adaptive strategy.
Optimal shifting will resume within a few
hundred kilometres of operation.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4X4)
SYSTEM
4x4 system general
information
WARNING
For important information
regarding safe operation of this
type of vehicle, see Driving hints (page
90).
Your vehicle is equipped with a 4x4
system. This 4x4 system can use all
four wheels to power the vehicle. This
helps increase traction, enabling you to
drive your vehicle over terrain and road
conditions not normally travelled by two-
wheel drive vehicles.
Transmission
Power is always supplied to the front
wheels and to the rear wheels through
the transaxle and Rotary Blade Coupling
(RBC) unit that allows you to select a
four-wheel drive mode best suited for
your current driving conditions.
Operating modes of the 4x4
system
With the 4x4 LOCK mode
deactivated:
• The 4x4 system provides four-
wheel drive with full power delivered
to the front axle at all times,
and to the rear axle as required
for increased traction. This is
appropriate for normal on-road
operating conditions, such as dry
road surfaces, wet pavement, snow
and gravel.
With the 4x4 LOCK switch
activated:
• The 4x4 system provides four-
wheel drive with full power to both
axles at all times. It is only intended
for severe or off-road driving
conditions, such as deep snow and
ice (where no dry or wet pavement
remains uncovered) and shallow
sand or mud.
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