Driving Off-Road With Truck And Utility Vehicles; How Your Vehicle Differs From Other Vehicles - Ford 2004 F150 Owner's Manual

will not engage while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be
no reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low) for
proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD High)
• Move the 4WD control between 2H and 4H at any forward speed up to
55 mph (88 km/h).
Note: Do not perform this operation at speeds above 45 mph (72 km/h)
if the outside temperature is below 32°F (0°C).
Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note: Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Depress the brake
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
• If shifting into 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4X4 LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turn on indicating the shift is complete.
• If shifting out of 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4X4 LOW light in the
instrument cluster turn turn off indicating the shift is complete.
Note: Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is
normal.

Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles

4WD 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.

How your vehicle differs from other vehicles

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.
Driving
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