[Simsonic]

There are four drive mode options for our Lightnings: Normal, Off-Road, Sport, Tow/Haul.

None of them mention snow or ice.
1) Which one do we use in these conditions?
2) Do you think Ford will update the truck, via software, to add a snow/ice mode?

Here is the Ford Manual explaining each one:
NORMAL
For everyday driving. This mode is a perfect balance of
excitement, comfort and convenience. All systems that are altered by drive mode control are set to their default settings.
Note: One pedal drive is available in this mode.

OFF-ROAD
For driving on rough uneven terrain. This mode optimizes accelerator pedal response to
give you more control over your vehicle when traversing off-road obstacles. Traction control and stability control settings are optimized, and the rear electronic differential is automatically engaged to enhance vehicle performance in off-road environments. Use this mode when driving through sand, loose gravel, mud, or mixed off-road terrain.
Note: One Pedal Drive is not available in this mode.

SPORT
For sporty driving with improved performance handling and response. This mode increases accelerator pedal responsiveness and provides a stronger deceleration rate when you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal for a spirited driving experience. Powertrain tuning is altered to maximize performance traction and steering feel is altered to have more torque buildup enhancing driver connectivity and feedback. Additionally, propulsion sound is set to its most aggressive setting.
Note: One pedal drive is available and is set to its Sport setting.
Note: Propulsion sound may not be available for all trim levels.

TOW/HAUL
For improved vehicle operation when towing a trailer or hauling a heavy load. This mode adjusts
powertrain tuning and enhances steering response to assist in controlling your vehicle when towing a trailer or hauling large loads in the bed. Additionally, grade braking assist is activated to maintain vehicle speed when descending grades.
Note: One Pedal Drive is not available in this mode.
Note: In certain situations, grade braking assist may not be available. The driver should always be prepared to control vehicle speed with the brake pedal.

 

[Justjoe]

I am thinking that the traction control covers snow and ice.

 

[R.I.P.]

There are four drive mode options for our Lightnings: Normal, Off-Road, Sport, Tow/Haul.

None of them mention snow or ice.
1) Which one do we use in these conditions?
2) Do you think Ford will update the truck, via software, to add a snow/ice mode?

Here is the Ford Manual explaining each one:
NORMAL
For everyday driving. This mode is a perfect balance of
excitement, comfort and convenience. All systems that are altered by drive mode control are set to their default settings.
Note: One pedal drive is available in this mode.

OFF-ROAD
For driving on rough uneven terrain. This mode optimizes accelerator pedal response to
give you more control over your vehicle when traversing off-road obstacles. Traction control and stability control settings are optimized, and the rear electronic differential is automatically engaged to enhance vehicle performance in off-road environments. Use this mode when driving through sand, loose gravel, mud, or mixed off-road terrain.
Note: One Pedal Drive is not available in this mode.

SPORT
For sporty driving with improved performance handling and response. This mode increases accelerator pedal responsiveness and provides a stronger deceleration rate when you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal for a spirited driving experience. Powertrain tuning is altered to maximize performance traction and steering feel is altered to have more torque buildup enhancing driver connectivity and feedback. Additionally, propulsion sound is set to its most aggressive setting.
Note: One pedal drive is available and is set to its Sport setting.
Note: Propulsion sound may not be available for all trim levels.

TOW/HAUL
For improved vehicle operation when towing a trailer or hauling a heavy load. This mode adjusts
powertrain tuning and enhances steering response to assist in controlling your vehicle when towing a trailer or hauling large loads in the bed. Additionally, grade braking assist is activated to maintain vehicle speed when descending grades.
Note: One Pedal Drive is not available in this mode.
Note: In certain situations, grade braking assist may not be available. The driver should always be prepared to control vehicle speed with the brake pedal.

"Snow Mode", "Mud mode" and the likes are gimmicks that make true off-road enthusiasts cringe. I for one am grateful Ford did not go down this rabbit-hole.

For normal driving in the snow you will want to use "Normal mode". The all-wheel drive complimented with the traction control will give you the best control. Especially when driving on the road, you will not want to use Off-Road mode in the snow. It locks your rear differential, and will make the rear of the truck much less stable on snow and ice.

Why is that? Locking the differential means that both tires spin at exactly the same rate. As you attempt a corner, one cannot turn faster than the other to compensate so on a slippery surface they both break traction and the result can be the rear end coming around unexpectedly (un-good on the road). In Normal mode on the same iced-up corner, all wheels are still driving, but the traction control allows differential wheel speeds so both wheels can maintain traction. Even if one of the wheels breaks loose, the traction control attempts to only let one of them spin at any given time so that the other can retain the lateral traction required to keep the vehicle going on its intended path.

If you consider these Locked vs Unlocked benefits, you don't need any goofy "terrain modes", simply select Locked (offroad) or unlocked (normal) as the situation dictates.

For a situation where you would want to lock the differential (Off-Road Mode), consider you are going through a diagonal ditch that lifts your right front and left rear off the ground. Whereas traction control will probably get you through this, it will be more graceful and controllable to just lock up the rear diff and avoid the spinning.

That said, 99% of the time for 99% of the drivers, Normal mode is going to be more than enough traction to get you anywhere you want to go. Ford's traction control is actually very good.

 

[KElkhorn]

"Snow Mode", "Mud mode" and the likes are gimmicks that make true off-road enthusiasts cringe. I for one am grateful Ford did not go down this rabbit-hole.

For normal driving in the snow you will want to use "Normal mode". The all-wheel drive complimented with the traction control will give you the best control. Especially when driving on the road, you will not want to use Off-Road mode in the snow. It locks your rear differential, and will make the rear of the truck much less stable on snow and ice.

Why is that? Locking the differential means that both tires spin at exactly the same rate. As you attempt a corner, one cannot turn faster than the other to compensate so on a slippery surface they both break traction and the result can be the rear end coming around unexpectedly (un-good on the road). In Normal mode on the same iced-up corner, all wheels are still driving, but the traction control allows differential wheel speeds so both wheels can maintain traction. Even if one of the wheels breaks loose, the traction control attempts to only let one of them spin at any given time so that the other can retain the lateral traction required to keep the vehicle going on its intended path.

If you consider these Locked vs Unlocked benefits, you don't need any goofy "terrain modes", simply select Locked (offroad) or unlocked (normal) as the situation dictates.

For a situation where you would want to lock the differential (Off-Road Mode), consider you are going through a diagonal ditch that lifts your right front and left rear off the ground. Whereas traction control will probably get you through this, it will be more graceful and controllable to just lock up the rear diff and avoid the spinning.

That said, 99% of the time for 99% of the drivers, Normal mode is going to be more than enough traction to get you anywhere you want to go. Ford's traction control is actually very good.

*Off-Road mode may still be where you would want to go for deep snow, in previous vehicles I have found the "sand" mode to work much better than "snow and ice" to get where I need to go.

 

[R.I.P.]

*Off-Road mode may still be where you would want to go for deep snow, in previous vehicles I have found the "sand" mode to work much better than "snow and ice" to get where I need to go.

"Sand Mode" unlocks the diffs, as limited slip works better in sand. The difference between Sand Mode and Snow Mode with the terrain selectors is torque delivery. Sand mode delivers more torque to the wheels then Snow mode does, which is why it would work better in deep snow.

Drive characteristics of course vary on different vehicles, but this is a general rule.

See why these terrain modes are so goofy? Most off-roaders would rather control the torque ourselves (you know, with the pedal) and have straight-forward control of the LS and lockers.

 

[Simsonic]

"Snow Mode", "Mud mode" and the likes are gimmicks that make true off-road enthusiasts cringe. I for one am grateful Ford did not go down this rabbit-hole.

For normal driving in the snow you will want to use "Normal mode". The all-wheel drive complimented with the traction control will give you the best control. Especially when driving on the road, you will not want to use Off-Road mode in the snow. It locks your rear differential, and will make the rear of the truck much less stable on snow and ice.

Why is that? Locking the differential means that both tires spin at exactly the same rate. As you attempt a corner, one cannot turn faster than the other to compensate so on a slippery surface they both break traction and the result can be the rear end coming around unexpectedly (un-good on the road). In Normal mode on the same iced-up corner, all wheels are still driving, but the traction control allows differential wheel speeds so both wheels can maintain traction. Even if one of the wheels breaks loose, the traction control attempts to only let one of them spin at any given time so that the other can retain the lateral traction required to keep the vehicle going on its intended path.

If you consider these Locked vs Unlocked benefits, you don't need any goofy "terrain modes", simply select Locked (offroad) or unlocked (normal) as the situation dictates.

For a situation where you would want to lock the differential (Off-Road Mode), consider you are going through a diagonal ditch that lifts your right front and left rear off the ground. Whereas traction control will probably get you through this, it will be more graceful and controllable to just lock up the rear diff and avoid the spinning.

That said, 99% of the time for 99% of the drivers, Normal mode is going to be more than enough traction to get you anywhere you want to go. Ford's traction control is actually very good.

I think this is why us "normal" drivers would like some clarification. Just put 'snow' and 'ice' into the description for normal drive mode then. Also, would that apply to 'deep snow' too? If so, just put it in the description for that mode.

I understand that for some of you hardcore off-road enthusiasts want more individualized control with your pedals so you can do these things yourself (like differential adjustments), most of us just want to keep it simple.

I just want to be able to drive the vehicle the best way possible for the conditions and wants (like sports mode). I think having limited number of options and modes is fine. The simpler the better.

 

[KElkhorn]

I think this is why us "normal" drivers would like some clarification. Just put 'snow' and 'ice' into the description for normal drive mode then. Also, would that apply to 'deep snow' too? If so, just put it in the description for that mode.

I understand that for some of you hardcore off-road enthusiasts want more individualized control with your pedals so you can do these things yourself (like differential adjustments), most of us just want to keep it simple.

I just want to be able to drive the vehicle the best way possible for the conditions and wants (like sports mode). I think having limited number of options and modes is fine. The simpler the better.

I guess clarification would then be to keep it in "normal" mode regardless, with low center of gravity and all wheel drive, traction control is going to keep you going.

 

[Simsonic]

I guess clarification would then be to keep it in "normal" mode regardless, with low center of gravity and all wheel drive, traction control is going to keep you going.

Which is the best option for most conditions. Personally, I think Ford should include in the description with a quick something that says that. Also because snow and ice had traditionally been seen as an adverse driving situation (normally) and driving culture and ideas need to change. EVs and technology are rapidly helping vehicles drive better in all conditions which is awesome.

 

[R.I.P.]

Fair assessments. A super simple suggestion then is to certainly leave it in normal mode; unless you actually want to lock your rear differential, and know the effects of locking the rear differential (can be very hard on the vehicle if done in the wrong conditions).

Not sure? Leave it in "Normal".

 

[Simsonic]

Fair assessments. A super simple suggestion then is to certainly leave it in normal mode; unless you actually want to lock your rear differential, and know the effects of locking the rear differential (can be very hard on the vehicle if done in the wrong conditions).

Not sure? Leave it in "Normal".

Yup...now I know, and hopefully everyone else does too.

 

[Jhalkias]

Curious if anyone has experience yet driving in the snow, and any thoughts on it.

I get my Lightning this week, and it will be my daily driver instead of my Mach E. When I had a Lightning loaner (the primary reason why I decided to take the plunge and get the Lightning after all) I had a much less connected road feel than what I have in the Mach E. The Lightning seems to "float" over the road. I will also add that I drive almost all the time in 1pd mode in the Mach E (I have had the car almost 2 years) but when it snows, I turn that OFF. I have never been comfortable in snow not being able to coast and independently modulate the brake if I needed to - it takes a lot of touch to do that in 1pd, and in snow or ice you often have to more quickly react and NOT hit the brakes.

Any thoughts or experience?

 

[ChasingCoral]

Curious if anyone has experience yet driving in the snow, and any thoughts on it.

I get my Lightning this week, and it will be my daily driver instead of my Mach E. When I had a Lightning loaner (the primary reason why I decided to take the plunge and get the Lightning after all) I had a much less connected road feel than what I have in the Mach E. The Lightning seems to "float" over the road. I will also add that I drive almost all the time in 1pd mode in the Mach E (I have had the car almost 2 years) but when it snows, I turn that OFF. I have never been comfortable in snow not being able to coast and independently modulate the brake if I needed to - it takes a lot of touch to do that in 1pd, and in snow or ice you often have to more quickly react and NOT hit the brakes.

Any thoughts or experience?

I haven't tried ice or snow yet in Sherman but I tracked him at Dominion Raceway. There is no question that the higher center of gravity and soft suspension results in much more lean and sway hitting turns at speed. The Mach E will be planted better on curves than any truck. On ice and thin snow that will equate to traction loss on curves much sooner than the Mach E. However, at lower speeds the larger wheelbase will result in a power stance that will be more planted for power delivery. I expect the Lightning to do well on thick snow as well.

 

[chillaban]

Just to add my Lightning experience in the recent Tahoe storm: Normal Mode is great for almost all situations. I also found turning off 1 pedal drive helped with ice conditions in terms of not accidentally triggering ABS frequently resulting in inconsistent deceleration.

I did have to use Off Road mode once in order to drive onto my “lawn driveway” that had a 3 ft snowbank and a slight incline. Without it the wheels were slipping and the truck wasn’t going up the incline. I don’t know if it was the locking of the differential or disabling of traction control that made the difference but with more time I bet I could’ve tried one or the other in Normal mode.

 

[HellBoy]

Just to add my Lightning experience in the recent Tahoe storm: Normal Mode is great for almost all situations. I also found turning off 1 pedal drive helped with ice conditions in terms of not accidentally triggering ABS frequently resulting in inconsistent deceleration.

I did have to use Off Road mode once in order to drive onto my “lawn driveway” that had a 3 ft snowbank and a slight incline. Without it the wheels were slipping and the truck wasn’t going up the incline. I don’t know if it was the locking of the differential or disabling of traction control that made the difference but with more time I bet I could’ve tried one or the other in Normal mode.

no winter tires I am going to guess...

 

[HellBoy]

I have already driven the Lightning through a blizzard, 10in of accumulated snow, blowing snow....you pick the poison. Great traction in normal mode, didn't have to touch off road mode or anything else just yet - my Lightning is properly equipped with winter tires though.

Off road mode could be useful in really deep snow - thinking 1 foot or more....hopefully I won't get to see that much accumulated snow at once this season.

 

[chillaban]

no winter tires I am going to guess...

That is correct, just the stock all seasons.

I would love winter tires but my driving is mostly between the Bay Area and Tahoe, and it’s prohibitively inconvenient that twice a week I’m supposed to take off all 4 tires at the base of the mountain because it’s 55 degrees and above the safe temp for Blizzaks at the base of the mountain but snowy at the top of the mountain.

Driving on top of unplowed snow is a corner case that is extremely rare for me and maybe happens one or two days per snow season.

 

[Simsonic]

Normal mode in snow has worked amazingly well for me (as designers of the Lightning have recommended). I wouldn't mess with it, unless you are going through really deep snowpacks of one foot or more...then Off-Road mode it is.

 

[ChasingCoral]

Normal mode in snow has worked amazingly well for me (as designers of the Lightning have recommended). I wouldn't mess with it, unless you are going through really deep snowpacks of one foot or more...then Off-Road mode it is.

Are you leaving 1PD on?

 

[Simsonic]

Are you leaving 1PD on?

I do because it works and worked for me.

Some people like to release the pedal and have it coast. I feel more in control with one pedal because I can control it more. I think it comes down to how you want to interact with the pedal. Ultimately, I know the truck is faster than I am and reacting to spinning and freeing of the tires, so I trust it.

Try it out and let us know, but overall 'normal mode' in the snow was phenomenal. The Lightning handles better than anything I've ever driven in snow. It's cool.