2007 explorer AWD "Button"

[Machine090767]

My explorer is an AWD, but also has push buttons for 4x4 high and low.
If the Explorer is already an AWD, why is there a button (which does nothing when you push it) or SHOULD the button do something, like light up?

 

[Rcflyer330]

does it have the auto 4x4 button?
the auto 4x4 kicks in when needed but if you need 4x4 high or low all the time (off roading for example) you can choose to do so.

from my understanding in 4x4 auto there is still power going to the front wheels something like 95% rear 5% front from what i have read.

when you push the button for 4x4 high the button will not light up but there will be a light in the cluster that comes on.

 

[Machine090767]

Thanks for the reply.

 

[thebrakeman]

4th gen vehicles with 4x4/AWD are always in some form of AWD mode. When you start the vehicle, it will be in 4x4-Auto. V6 models will have some torque going to all wheels all the time, and change that torque split if slip is detected. V8 models will have torque going to the rear wheels only in normal conditions, and push torque to the front as needed.

But if you are on road where you don't want to wait for auto-sensing, you can lock the center differential 50/50. With the Explorers, that's the 4x4-hi hot-button. With the Mountaineers, you go into the dash menu system, and select AWD-Lock. This will have much better performance in snow covered roads, or off-road. It is also better for the system, so it's not constantly engaging/disengaging. Much smoother operation when the roads are bad. But if roads are only wet or dry, DO NOT lock the center diff. Use Auto/normal mode. Lock the diff is only when you are on ice, or a deformable surface like snow, sand, mud, etc.

The Explorer will also have a 4x4-low mode (Mounty does not). That's for severe off-road use only.

 

[k1w1t1m]

To put it simply the button you talk of puts it back into the on-road configuration if you have had it in 4HI or 4LO