Weather Mode or 4 Auto

[Jeff-Ohio]

We had our first minor snowfall in Cincinnati since I got my truck. To keep things safe, I tried "Weather Mode" this morning, but something didn't feel quite right. I could definitely feel additional drag and mechanical engagement at all times whether there was wheel slippage or not. I checked the Power Distribution display and it confirmed what I was feeling and showed that the front wheels were always powered, albeit, to a lesser extent than the rear. My wife's Acura MDX behaves this way regardless of whether or not there is wheel slippage, but her all wheel drive system is unnoticeable, whereas what I felt in the Raptor was unsettling. Has anybody else tried the Weather Mode? I did not try 4 Auto with the Normal Mode (I'm assuming this is possible), but I'm pretty sure the difference I felt wasn't just due to the change in throttle mapping in Weather Mode; it definitely had a restricting mechanical feel.

 

[Delmer]

We had our first minor snowfall in Cincinnati since I got my truck. To keep things safe, I tried "Weather Mode" this morning, but something didn't feel quite right. I could definitely feel additional drag and mechanical engagement at all times whether there was wheel slippage or not. I checked the Power Distribution display and it confirmed what I was feeling and showed that the front wheels were always powered, albeit, to a lesser extent than the rear. My wife's Acura MDX behaves this way regardless of whether or not there is wheel slippage, but her all wheel drive system is unnoticeable, whereas what I felt in the Raptor was unsettling. Has anybody else tried the Weather Mode? I did not try 4 Auto with the Normal Mode (I'm assuming this is possible), but I'm pretty sure the difference I felt wasn't just due to the change in throttle mapping in Weather Mode; it definitely had a restricting mechanical feel.

Still waiting on the truck to arrive so have had plenty of time to read the Raptor Supplement and OM a few times. Seems like the real comparison would be between "weather mode" and plain 4A on the dial. As you mention, weather mode "automatically engages 4x4 Auto, lowers throttle response and optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces."

 

[Jeff-Ohio]

Still waiting on the truck to arrive so have had plenty of time to read the Raptor Supplement and OM a few times. Seems like the real comparison would be between "weather mode" and plain 4A on the dial. As you mention, weather mode "automatically engages 4x4 Auto, lowers throttle response and optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces."

When I head out at lunch, I will test using just 4 Auto and Normal mode to see if that feels better. I really hope so!!!! Weather Mode on wet and occasionally slushy roads felt like I was in full 4X4 mode on a dry road.

 

[TheProcessoperator]

When I tried out the weather mode, the throttle sensitivity was decreased tremendously and so much so that I felt like I had to floor it to make the truck accelerate at all. I believe that is one of the main differences between water mode and normal mode in 4 auto. In 4 auto, the throttle sensitivity is unchanged. I do not think that the power distribution programming changes from either mode.

 

[17Jake]

1500 miles > like weather mode in slippery conditions

 

[krodUT]

The throttle response is definitely lowered in weather mode.

There's a media video out there in Cali where they have the Ford guys talking. It's the same video where they show the chassis of the truck with only the engine on it. Towards the end of the video there's a poster that has all the drive modes, and a grid of how they differ. He specifies that in weather mode they do this so you won't lose traction.

The nice thing is you can just put on 4h in Normal and you're good. I did this today and was able to make better donuts in the parking lot.

 

[Kansan]

It snowed here as well last night, I drove in with weather mode on, it was great... no noticeable drag. This thing is a blast to drive in the snow, unreal. I offered to drive everyone to work this morning.

 

[Aaron]

I believe that is one of the main differences between water mode and normal mode in 4 auto. In 4 auto, the throttle sensitivity is unchanged. I do not think that the power distribution programming changes from either mode.

Water mode:

 

[Jeff-Ohio]

1500 miles > like weather mode in slippery conditions

If you drove your truck in Normal Mode in 4 Auto on a dry road for the purpose of testing, would it feel different to you than driving in Normal Mode in 2WD? The manual says you can drive in 4 Auto on dry roads, but I would never do that based on what I am feeling. Unlike my wife's Acura MDX or my Nissan Armada, I am feeling some binding just like I would feel if I put it in 4WD high on a dry road. Unless I am having issues, the 4 Auto function is no where near as smooth as expected. In fact, it feels bad enough that I don't think I will use it unless the roads are almost completely covered in snow.

 

[17Jake]

Don't notice anything unusual in WM or 4A > both smooth