⚡ Ford Lightning Forum ⚡ banner

No Snow Mode Option in the Lightning's Drive Modes

7K views 19 replies 9 participants last post by  Gman 
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.
 
*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.
 
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". :cool:
 
Top