Embarrassingly stupid question about 4WD system

[ugawino]

Proud owner of new 2015 XLT 4WD w/appearance package. But one nagging question I couldn't get satisfactorily answered by the dealership or find a straight answer to on-line: Does my Explorer automatically shift from FWD into 4WD when it senses the need to? I'm not talking about the little dial on the console. Just in general.

Thanks. This is my 3rd Explorer (1995 and 2000 in addition to a 2003 Ranger). I'm used to having to flick a switch on the dash to engage a 4WD hi or Low system. But I don't see anything like this on the 2015.

Thanks!

 

[peterk9]

Proud owner of new 2015 XLT 4WD w/appearance package. But one nagging question I couldn't get satisfactorily answered by the dealership or find a straight answer to on-line: Does my Explorer automatically shift from FWD into 4WD when it senses the need to? I'm not talking about the little dial on the console. Just in general.

Thanks. This is my 3rd Explorer (1995 and 2000 in addition to a 2003 Ranger). I'm used to having to flick a switch on the dash to engage a 4WD hi or Low system. But I don't see anything like this on the 2015.

Thanks!

Welcome to the Forum.:wavey:
Short answer is YES.

Here is just a small part of what your 2015 Owner's Guide (Page 212 of the 2nd printing) says;

USING YOUR FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) SYSTEM
The intelligent 4WD system continuously monitors vehicle conditions and
automatically adjusts the power distribution between the front and rear
wheels. It combines transparent all-surface operation with highly capable
four-wheel drive.

Peter

 

[ugawino]

Thanks, Peter.

 

[omar302]

You also have a display setting in the instrument cluster to show the AWD in action & you'll see how power is being distributed between tires.

 

[darienal]

I have to admit when I drive the wife's explorer I often switch the display to watch the power distribution...

 

[orangesoda123]

I have to admit when I drive the wife's explorer I often switch the display to watch the power distribution...

Ditto. Its fun to watch! I should probably watch the road a little more though

 

[ugawino]

You also have a display setting in the instrument cluster to show the AWD in action & you'll see how power is being distributed between tires.

Cool!

I haven't played around much with the stuff on the left side of the display. I'm doing good just to figure out the radio.

 

[HamHands]

Cool!

I haven't played around much with the stuff on the left side of the display. I'm doing good just to figure out the radio.

UGAWINO, what is the "Appearance Package?" And yes, the AWD system shifts automatically on the fly. It's quite unnoticeable as the manual puts it... I haven't had to go offroad yet but I'm going to go ahead and say that the stock Hancook's, while darn good on the streets are going to be less than dismal in the mud/sand... I'm thinking of throwing on some moderate Mud Terrains on her already and selling the Hancooks on Craigslist. They only have 400 miles on them...

 

[peterk9]

UGAWINO, what is the "Appearance Package?" ...

The Appearance Package available on the 2015 XLT;
Leather-trimmed seats with Miko® suede insert and contrasting stitching
20” Machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
Magnetic Metallic painted grille, mirror caps and liftgate appliqués
Black body side cladding and roof rack side rails
Body-colored door handles
Floor mats with unique badging

It was removed from the 2016 model.

Peter

 

[ugawino]

UGAWINO, what is the "Appearance Package?" And yes, the AWD system shifts automatically on the fly. It's quite unnoticeable as the manual puts it... I haven't had to go offroad yet but I'm going to go ahead and say that the stock Hancook's, while darn good on the streets are going to be less than dismal in the mud/sand... I'm thinking of throwing on some moderate Mud Terrains on her already and selling the Hancooks on Craigslist. They only have 400 miles on them...

Peter K9 did a nice job of listing the features of the "appearance package." You also get EXPLORER across the front hood (like the Sport).

I've been pretty happy with the Hankooks. I live in the country down a long gravel road so that's all the "off-roading" I plan on doing in the Explorer. They are great on the road in dry and wet. We'll see how they act this winter when snow is on the ground.

 

[expoman55]

AWD display?

Hey PeterK9, You are amazing at what you know about packages.. Do you know if the AWD tire display is available in the 15 sport ? Is there anyway to shift to rear wheel with front assist vs front with rear?

 

[peterk9]

Hey PeterK9, You are amazing at what you know about packages.. Do you know if the AWD tire display is available in the 15 sport ? Is there anyway to shift to rear wheel with front assist vs front with rear?

It should be available for viewing in the left hand information display. You can not change the drive wheels. The Explorer is a FWD biased vehicle. The Terrain Management System will allow for some changes in the front to rear drive power distribution but that is all.

Peter

 

[expoman55]

cool I don't remember seeing it on either side thus I asked. LOL

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

Do you know if the AWD tire display is available in the 15 sport ?

Left side LCD screen. Select "display". Scroll through.

 

[Tony407]

It works REALLY well too. The intersection near my house always has a little gravel near the stop sign and I purposely goose the gas when the front wheels are in the gravel and the rears aren't. Instantaneous grip from the rear wheels as if the gravel wasn't even there. Oh the little things I do for amusement...

Tony