TRANSIT AWD DRIVE MODES OVERVIEW AND THOUGHTS
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- Answering your questions about the Ford Transit AWD Drive Modes. In this video we go through all the drive modes in the Ford Transit AWD. We go into detail on what is happening and why it's happening in each mode. Sorry there is some video and audio issues, we are working to improve our videos and they will be better soon.
Here are the five drive modes.
Normal
ECO
Slippery
Tow Haul
Mud Ruts
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Outro audio provided by youtube music
Animation video of AWD Dash Dispaly from Ford
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What do you think of the AWD Transit?
Compare to the Mercedes-Benz is super cool and useful, especially in Canada...and half the PRiCE.. You would expect an AWD with driving modes from Mercedes-Benz not from Ford. Just wished the Ford would look as Nice as the Mercedes-Benz
Looks are subjective. Personally I like the transit a lot looks wise. I can understand why you'd like the MB though. The controls and the seat I prefer in the transit over the MB. The controls on the new MB are vastly different then most vehicles. Not the end of the world but it's something to keep in mind. We are in the process of making a comparison video of the Sprinter/Transit/Promaster. Expect it to be long and in depth. Thanks for the comment! Would be nice to see MB come up with some drive modes and make their 4x4 more robust.
I absolutely love it. I want to sell my Tundra and buy one. Finally, someone has built a van that has the power and drive train for those of us who live in the north.
Summary :
- Normal = normal (AWD for increased traction during start-up and acceleration, switches to RWD when cruising )
- ECO = Shifts sooner. Slightly less throttle. Shifts to RWD sooner.
- Slippery = Permanent AWD. Throttle much less responsive. Steering stiffer to prevent jerky movements
- Mud and ruts = Permanent AWD. Traction control off. Throttle fully responsive. Softer steering. Stays in 1st gear, somewhat emulates low range
Basically, yes. Thank you for this!
You sir win the Internet today.
Can you switch modes while driving, or do you need to come to a complete stop before switching mode?
Is there any way to change the drive mode and have it stay in that mode passed shutting down off the vehicle?
that is a great questions, we have not seen anything that would let you do that. Ford needs to update there software to be able to do that. Would be a nice feature.
Good video and good observations on the Transit's drive modes!
Pro Tip: try turning at relatively high steering wheel angle in Mud & Ruts mode. You can really feel the additional torque from the AWD, it can bind up the driveline to mimic conventional 4x4 (which the Sprinter is NOT, by the way. Just because it offers Low Range doesn't make it 4x4; it uses a torque biasing coupler to send ~30% to the front. The Transit's system is actually more capable than the Sprinter despite being branded as "AWD").
Thank you for this tip and that is something we hope to point out in another future video as we have a comparison video of the sprinter/transit/promaster coming soon.
Great, informative video. Would have liked to see you test it in soft unpacked sand in slippery and mud to see which kept you from getting stuck.
Also would like to see how you use the M gear. The Ford manual is useless.
Can someone please tell me what the mpg is please. Surely its not 15mpg!!
I believe the reason you are feeling "stiffer" steering and decreased throttle response while in slippery mode has nothing to do with either throttle mapping or steering assist. The transfer case is clearly sending constant power to front wheels and may even lock 50/50 when possible. To me, it has the feel of driving a truck in 4wd. I have even gotten the van to do a tiny bit of wheel hop with tight turns in slippery mode, certainly with mud/ruts for sure.
Great video! Thanks!
I hadn't seriously considered the Transit until I saw its AWD compared to the 4x4 of the Sprinter. I was surprised how bad the Sprinter's system seemed to be. I always wanted a Sprinter but I'm not so sure anymore.
How would you rank the relative systems?
P - They are two different system, the sprinter is a true 4X4 system like a Truck. The New Transit AWD van is not a 4X4 system you cannot lock the wheels like you can on the sprinter. Although ford did do a great job with the new features and make it feel like a 4x4 system and you can get out of a mess if you find yourself in one. Its not designed like a full 4x4 system. We have a new video coming out soon that will explain this more too.
@@Waldochs Thanks! After rereading my comment I feel like I should point out that I didn't mean to fully disparage the Sprinter system. I used to drive a full-size 4x4 '78 Blazer and similar vintage Bronco, one with locking hubs and the other with automatic hubs and am familiar with the rigamarole of driving forward and disengaging and backing up or whatever the sequence was with the automatic and having to exit the vehicle to engage the hubs of the other... and it's not that bad. I've driven 4WD Explorers since then.
I guess my issue is, in part, that I heard that the Sprinter can't transfer more than 30% of its torque to the front wheels, as opposed the the Transit, which does better. The other issue is supposedly not being able to engage the 4WD on the fly.
Also... while I think I recognize the utility of a true 4x4 system for off-roading, I wonder if (and kinda doubt that) the Sprinter is a "better" system since most people will spend 99.99+% of their time on paved roads and the automatic responsiveness of the AWD system seems to be safer than having to think about when you're gonna engage 4WD.
I live in Alaska and despite our reputation for being wild and expansive, you REALLY, REALLY have to go out of your way to find some *legal* place to drive off-road that's not also a dump site and shooting gallery for old cars.
Thanks for you time.
I look forward to your next video : )
P for a big van, AWD is going to be better imo. Unless you are doing serious off-roading, I would prefer AWD. I own a 4x4 truck and an awd vehicle, and the awd is better around town in the snow etc..... awd is completely seamless.
My trucks shift on the fly stopped working a few years ago and having to stop to shift into 4wd is a huge pain in the ass. It is also dangerous. So many times I have hit slippery conditions and stopping is not always an option or convenient.
@@AJourneyOfYourSoul We completely agree with that statement. AWD is better suited in vans and for 95-98% of people that's what they will be happiest with. It will be interesting to see if the other brands develop an AWD chassis as well.
I bought the 2020 Transit AWD Ecoboost and took it for my first trip out to Wyoming and Utah and drove a lot off road - I love the way it drives!
Thank you for the info. Great to hear.
Does AWD have a manual turnoff mode or does it do it automatically? No dealer has any idea. Thanks.
@@ericwilliams626 No, there is no switch or button for you to manually turn off the AWD and the topic of turning off the AWD is not talked about in the owner’s manual. The van’s computer decides when the AWD is engaged or not. There is a button to change to the five driving modes, as shown in this video, that gives you some control over how the power is distributed to the wheels. I’m not sure if I recall correctly, but I think I read that there is a way to set the display so that it shows the distribution of power (as you drive) to each wheel, or maybe axel, but I never set my display to show that. There is a button to turn on or off the traction control system.
@@juliafromwisconsin Okay, thanks. That makes it more clear. As long as AWD isn't on continuously. The sales guy implied that instead of actually knowing the product.
Any rust yet?
I am in Love with Mercedes-Benz Sprinter look but Is such a shame that Mercedes-Benz have the shitty 4x4 bs for $20K extra and doesn't have the AWD and is not even real leather. I am definitely considering a Ford AWD for my camper van conversion now especially I live in Canada. Reliability and safety more important than looks
We think you'll love the transit
Much cheaper repairs with the Ford as well.
Is it possible to set it to slippery or eco and have it stay in the mode selected even when you turn the car off and then on again
Hi, How we can saved in eco mode. because all the time auto changed to normal mode. it is possible to saved ?? also thanks for your video!!
Not that we have seen, we have ask to have it be an update with ford.
Can you switch modes while driving or do you need to come to a complete stop before switching modes?
I would say this system is very similar to porsche macan and cayanne suvs. They call it torque bias, but it generally 80/20 rear front unless you change modes. Also eco mode on my porsche coasts in neutral where when in sport mode it down shifts. This ford system has some slight differences but seems very much the same by it application.
Is the only difference between that and the "trail" version just interior crap? Like is all the drivetrain stuff the same ?
The transit trail has a factory lift and only available in a cargo van. So it has no factory interior in the rear of the van.
how do you think the awd on the transit would do on soft sand with the tires aired down to 15 psi? I really want one of these but if i could get away without having to do the 4x4 conversion that would be awesome. I need to be able to go on soft sand occasionally where i live. I want the cargo transit to hold my surfboards, dog, gf and son
We have not tested it on the sand and with that question we will work it in to get a video of the van going on a sandy beach soon. What state do you live in?
That would be awesome if you can for me! I live on Kaua'i. How's the mpg on your transit and have you run into any big issues with it so far? There's a video on RUclips warning about transit's that i just saw and it honestly crushed my dream of getting one
@@808Mark It will do great in sand, especially if you air down. Per the owner's manual, Ford recommends not driving for more than a couple miles on sand due to a risk of overheating certain driveline components, but they have to make that recommendation assuming drivers are not going to air down. These are 70psi commercial tires so obviously there's a huge difference in drivability on sand at street pressures vs 15psi. 👍
@@briancarl224 could you possibly share a video for me of yours on the sand? Id really appreciate it! I'm about to pull the trigger on a f150 but if i can get the van, that might be better
@@808Mark hey Mark sorry I never replied to your question, did you go ahead and get the F150, or a Transit? I don't own a Transit but due to my work I have spent more time than most driving one, especially off road. I can say that as far as the actual transfer case goes, the Transit is just as capable as an F-150, especially one from a year or two ago.
Informative video, just took delivery of a new 2020 AWD van a couple of weeks ago and was in normal mode going down BLM type roads and went from dirt to snow to deep snow (single track). Things were going great with the AWD driving slow about 10-15 kmh and snow was starting to get to deep decided to turn around and AWD ‘shut down’ while doing an 8 point turn. No wheel spin until AWD shut down and then we were stuck! The van had new snow tires on and the AWD did not come on until we were manually pushed out by some jeep guys and on our way back down the road towards pavement. We pulled out manual and read that AWD could shut down if it over heats but we were not pushing it in the slightest. We had 147 km on the van. Dropped van off at dealer for a trailer hitch install (part was delayed prior to vehicle delivery) and had them check why AWD shut down. There were no codes of AWD shut down and dealer could find nothing. Dash warning light and AWD did shut down as rear wheels did spin when we were stuck on ice covered snow. Ford said to to dealer since no codes then just leave it for now. Have not gone back out on BLM type road with snow but not feeling warm and fuzzy currently about the AWD. Thank you for explaining the modes. I did try switching modes after AWD shut down but no change in circumstances. Nothing seemed hot, no hot smell, gauges were normal so it was/still is a mystery. If it happens again I will video it for service advisor and then dealership will have to do more troubleshooting. Pretty sure there must be a overly sensitive sensor somewhere, but at least it should have shown a code. Not my first 4x4 or AWD either. Collision camera also shut down on hiway and also no code but it was fogged up in little window. I stopped and looked at windshield as I have had it happen on my BMW previously for same reason. Abrupt temperature changes on the wet coast. Not upset but cautiously watching at this point.
Thanks Ken for the comment. Sorry to hear about the things you've dealt with. Hopefully this gets resolved for you. The AWD on the Transit is quite good.
That’s not good.
Ken, do you have anything to add re your issue with AWD shutdown?
@@johnwilliamson9453 I haven’t had a shutdown in the last 18 months but I did find the plug that goes into the computer module under the floor mat by the parking brake was not locked in and loose. Once I locked the plug in with the catch I have not had any shutdowns since. The van must have arrived from the factory this way as I cannot see anyway the module plug could work loose once it is clipped in. I played with it to see if it would unsnap and once the clip is shut on the plug it will not release. Somebody at the factory must have missed this and also no body at the dealer located the plug issue since the systems check came up normal when they tried to troubleshoot. They found no error codes ☹️ but since I got stuck and dash said 4 wheel drive shutdown it was very real. I must assume it was the plug as I went through this winter with no issues and also I have been in the desert in soft sand with no drivetrain issues. Actually no issues at all with truck since and 30K kms.
@@kensoutham6828 Well that’s great news and a frustrating encounter for you! Don’t know how you figured it out, but glad its sorted!
So is this AWD same as the XDrive on BMW and the 4Motion on VW where the torque transfers from left to right-right to left or just just from front to rear and rear to front..???!!!
Not the same at all as it's designed by Ford but yes it does deliver power based on the specific wheel losing power. Typically though it's only front to rear.
Thanks for the great review! Do you know if the swivel seat option allows the seats to swivel 180 degrees? I can’t find anyone that seems to know. I’ll be ordering a 2020AWD soon. Thanks
Our Middle Bucket seats swivel 360 Degrees, on the Ford Transit the Swivels also swivel 360 degrees, at this time there is no power option with the swivel. Give us a call if you need anymore help.
Waldoch Do you have a video for that? Would be super helpful. Thx
Did you ever pull the trigger and get it ? How is it ?
@@rubiconoutdoors3492 yes, we got a 2020 transit 350 AWD highroof. It’s been great, best decision we very made.
One thing I'm not certain about. Does the van start up in a default mode and if so which one is it? Or do you always have to choose a mode when starting the car? Can you switch modes on the fly or do you always have to stop. I'd think you'd have to stop to switch to mud, but say you are in normal and want to switch to eco, or the conditions ahead are clearly changing and you need to switch to slippery. Having to stop to switch seems like it would not be useful. I could not tell if you ever switched your modes on the fly in this video. Otherwise a great piece of information on this AWD system
Transit AWD starts up in Normal mode everytime time you start the vehicle. You don't have to choose a model everytime you drive unless say it's winter and you want to run the snow mode all the time. Typically normal mode is good for most conditions. The Additional modes are situational so it's not something you'd need to be switching from all the time. You can switch modes on the fly. It's not recommended to switch into mud mode while going down the road but you can. It would be smart to only switch into mud/ruts mode when at a complete stop. Otherwise, switching to eco or slippery, you can do on the fly while driving. I did switch on the fly a couple times but it's hard to tell in the video. Thank you for the comment!
There's absolutely no reason to avoid switching modes on the fly. Ford makes no recommendation that you stop/slow/anything else when switching modes. The transmission and AWD system are fully capable of changing from mode to mode on the fly.
@@briancarl224 Thanks for your input. Ford doesn't have any input on it from what we know but based on our experience switching from Mud ruts mode at highway speed puts a lot of strain on the drive system and it's not something we would recommend. But any of the other modes shouldn't be a problem.
I found this video very informative. We are currently planning a van build for next year and were considering doing a full 4WD conversion. Would be really interested to see a video to show how well the AWD in Mud Ruts Mode compares to the capability of 4WD.
Thanks so much! We are working on a video like that. Depending on the conditions you're intending to go, you may find the AWD to be the better solution. The biggest hurtle you'll have is the T-case overheating in a drivetrain stressful environment such as mud. Beyond that the rest of the system is very capable.
@@Waldochs, thanks for your reply. Yes, it would be extremely helpful to understand what sort of driving conditions would justify a full 4WD setup such as the Quigley offerings as opposed to what is possible with the factory AWD.
I would put money on the AWD being just as capable as a 4x4 conversion as long as you're comparing apples to apples (e.g. the 4x4 conversion is not also lifted, has more aggressive tires, etc). The AWD transfer case is highly capable, but keep in mind Ford did not design the Transit as an off roader and obviously its tires and ground clearance keep it from being as capable as something bigger/taller. But just because it's called AWD doesn't mean it's some mickey mouse system out of a smaller vehicle. Also, the t-case will not overheat in mud, nor in any normal types of off-roading including deep sand. If it does, it has protections built in so it won't sustain permanent damage.
@@briancarl224, I'm hoping sooner rather than later somebody can properly compare them on a like for like basis. Put a 2" lift and some KO2"s on one of these Transit AWD's and see how they stack up against a Quigley or Quadvan.
I have a Ford Transit 350 HD AWD. I have a question, to change the drive mode I have to stop the car completely or I can do it without stopping
You can do it on the fly. Though going into mud/ruts mode I wouldn't do as you're driving down the road. That one you'd want to come to a complete stop for.
@@Waldochs Thank you very much for the reply. It is very helpful
What is your location I looking to buy one12 passenger van 2020 AWD
go to our website. www.waldoch.com or you can call us at 651-464-3215. We are located in Forest Lake, MN
Were there any differences in braking noticed? For instance soft brakes going down inclines, only rear brakes when slippery or braking to get out of a slide, that kind of thing? thx. great vid.
No we didn’t, it was great on inclines and rain and bad weather. It’s has the braking system to stop that from happening. We did not try to get on the brakes hard.
@@Waldochs Thx, no matter. Mines on the way!:)
Very cool! Exciting
Hello and thanks for sharing this video. I have a few questions to help me with my purchase. Is the 2020 transit cutaway AWD 3.5 Ecoboost using the Gen 2 ecoboost engine? Will I be better off road with a true 4x4 or will the Transit perform just as well with the mud rut or slippery setting? Are you reviewing the USA based transit or European?
Yes all Transits for 2020 should be using the gen 2 motor. This is port and direct injected. These are the US based models and all our information including this comment is specific to the US models. As for 4x4 verse AWD, depends on where you're going and what you're doing. I'd bet 98% of owners will only need AWD. It's a better option if the vehicle will the majority of the time on the road. If you intend to go into deep back country muddy roads, 4x4 will likely be a better fit.
How do you think this would do on beach sand (with tire pressured lowered/ lift and tires) ?
We think very well, we have not had the chance to drive in on the beach yet, its on your video list to make one of it driving on the beach. It drives pretty good through the snow, which we feel is like the beach a little.
Which driving mode is best for fuel economy?
Eco mode would be the best for Fuel Economy.
Is the Transit configuration similar to the AWD systems of previous Ford's; that is, does it make use of the PTU (power transfer/takeoff unit) that has been prone to overheating and seal failures? Perhaps Ford has rectified these problems? If not, I will wait a few years until they work the kinks out.
The issues you've mentioned have been addressed in 2020. These should no longer be an issue. The system is better in that it has warning systems in place if the PTU is about to be overheated. It slow disables AWD when it does get overheated. I do know of some aftermarket companies are working on making an external cooler for the PTU. Nothing on the market yet.
@@Waldochs Thanks for the reply. I would think that the PTU would also have to be a bit more robust to handle the add'l weight of the Transit platform. Tnx again.
No PTU here, this system has a full time transfer case like an F150 (for example). You'll only find PTUs on FWD based systems where the crank shaft runs east-west but the torque has to turn north-south to get to the rear. RWD vehicles' powertrain and driveline is all north-south so no PTU.
I wouldn't spend money on an aftermarket cooler for the Transit's AWD, especially if it's for the non-existent PTU :)
@@briancarl224 Tnx for the explanation. But doesn't the Transit have the transverse mounted 3.5L engine in it? Wouldn't that require a similar torque re-routing system to deliver power to the rear wheels? The F150 truck platform has a conventionally mounted V6 in it, does it not? So a transfer case is utilized. Am I missing something?
@@chefduane3742 Nope, the Transit's engine is conventional/longitudinal. So the driveline layout is just like a pickup: trans behind engine, t-case behind trans, front and rear propshafts going to each axle. It's a very robust setup.
What is the shortest Ford Transit with AWD and will tow 5,000 lbs ? Please answer, l have been looking a long time.
A 150 Transit AWD, 129 wheelbase, low roof with the 3.5L PDFI is capable of 5,000 pounds towing.
I'd still rather have the Quigley 4x4 conversion. It's expensive but having the ability to choose RWD or 4WD is worth it, not to mention the low range 4x4.
It really depends on what you're going to use it for. Many won't need 4x4. AWD really is a great option for almost everyone.
@@Waldochs Agreed. I only speak for myself.
I need the largest 1 ton I can get with SRW. But I also need all terrain tires. So far, I’ve been told it’s not possible to get an all terrain tire for the 3500 SRW Transit. I’ve seen a couple of 1.75-2” lifts available for this van but best I can tell, the Transit 3500 requires 120-112 load rated tires. I’ve read you can squeeze 255/70R16’s on. I’ve found BFG K02s in an E rating but still short of the load ratings Ford calls for on the van.
Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated
I did some looking and didn't find anything. I could be wrong. Things will likely change in the next year or so. This might be worth contacting a tire brand direct as they would be more insightful on it. All I'm seeing is a lot of all season tires and highway currently.
Waldoch thank you. Had Discount Tire and NTB looking today. We couldn’t find anything in a AT that would hit the 121 load rating.
So I’m ordering a 2” lift, have a body shop that is going to trim the pinch weld and then lineX the wells. Going to a 31” BFG KO2 that gets me very close to the rating needed.
I don’t carry super heavy weight. I should have ordered the 2500 instead of 3500. It would have made life a little easier on the tire rating. But, there really isn’t much different in the two 2500 vs 3500. I was told everything is the same excerpt rear springs. The Ford dealer isn’t sure if there is a difference in the front springs.
I carry about 2000 lbs in back with shelving and tools. Occasionally I’ll load up a bunch of hardwood flooring, or tile. I build new homes.
But when I load up heaving it’s also a short drive and it’s always on city and residential streets.
I’m only off road on new developments and individual new builds. Clay and top soil in warm moths, Ice and Snow in colder.
I’ve never been stuck in my 4x pickup but work vans regularly get stuck trying to get materials and tools into these sites. I’m hopeful the AWD and the BFG AT’s will keep that from happening often
Please email us at info@waldoch.com we can help you out.
I watched your test drive in the snow and that was a joke. How about going up a steep hill or an icy hill. Preferably something that would actually test the system. My Promaster will do what you did in that test.
Being there isn't any snow this time of year, it will have to wait till next winter. It was something we wanted to do but didn't have a good environment to do it. We'll make it happen this winter
@@Waldochs Fair enough.
Great insight and overview. Can you do a t150 SWB cargo?. Thanks a lot well done
What are you looking to see?
price
That van is $74,996.00 AWD with different options the van can be higher or lower.
What is the mpg on it?
It depends on the chassis and engine you choose. This one specifically averages 16mpg between city and highway. This all of course depends on how you drive as well.
Wonder what towing capacity the AWD's have
It depends on the chassis you select and motor. It ranges from 3,300 to 6,600. Example, if you got the 2020 Ford Transit AWD 350 High Roof Extended with the 3.5L Ecoboost engine, you'd be looking at 6,100. Or if you got the 350 Low Roof with the 3.5L Ecoboost, you'd be looking at 6,600. It all depends on what you're setup is. The lowest rating for AWD is 3,300 and that is the Passenger Van Transit 350 148" wheelbase High Roof Extended with the 3.5L Ecoboost at 3,300.
@@Waldochs thank you for the information.
Your video has too much guessing to be useful
yes we would agree, it was the first AWD van we got. Thank you for your comment.
good video.