Question about AWD and DRL

[raven007ca]

Hello,

I am looking to buy used Ford Escape and saw a few dealers advertising AWD, but when I put in the VIN# in Maintanance Schedule on Ford's website, I see Drivetrain as 4x2. Did those dealers make a "mistake" in the advertising?
Also, to clear things out, on those vehicles that are 4x4, is there a switch that turns 4x4 on/off? Meaning it is not AWD all the time. I know on Jeep Liberty you can turn 4x4 on and as far as I remember there is a lever which can switch 4WD Hi, 4WD Lo.

Also, are DRL installed on all Escapes/Tributes assembled in North America?

Thanks.

P.S. I read about 4WD vs. AWD here, but still not 100% how it applies to Escape.
TCC Shopping Tip: 4WD or AWD? - The Car Connection

[roadkill17]

Look in the Escape, if it has a switch that says 4WD on it, then it's a 4wd, that would be a sure way to know. Escapes dont have a hi/lo setting, they dont even have an off. Its either on automatic 4wd, where it will kick in when it needs to, or you can choose to put the 4wd on yourself. The automatic 4wd setting is not AWD however, they are two different things. AWD actively sends the power to the wheels that need it, 4WD sends the power to all the wheels, all the time. Hope this helps.

[3.9square]

The Escape has a one gear transfer case. Whenever you "lock" it into 4wd mode it goes into 4HI, there is NO 4Lo. This does not mean that it cant go very far or do very fun things, it just means you cant go where Jeeps and other more properly equiped off road vehicles can go. Now, there are only two years that I am aware of that actually allow you to switch to full time 4wd. The other TO MY KNOWLEDGE only have (if equiped) AWD systems that only send power to the wheels that need it or the ones who have the most traction. Most Escapes come with the standard 2wd set up. They are front wheel drive. If you want to know a little bit more here is a link:

Ford Escape and Ford Sport Trac 4x4s Transfer Cases - 4Wheel and Off-Road Magazine

[deimos]

Originally Posted by 3.9square

The Escape has a one gear transfer case. Whenever you "lock" it into 4wd mode it goes into 4HI, there is NO 4Lo. This does not mean that it cant go very far or do very fun things, it just means you cant go where Jeeps and other more properly equiped off road vehicles can go. Now, there are only two years that I am aware of that actually allow you to switch to full time 4wd. The other TO MY KNOWLEDGE only have (if equiped) AWD systems that only send power to the wheels that need it or the ones who have the most traction. Most Escapes come with the standard 2wd set up. They are front wheel drive. If you want to know a little bit more here is a link:

Ford Escape and Ford Sport Trac 4x4s Transfer Cases - 4Wheel and Off-Road Magazine

yeah 4x2 by two means that it has the option of utilizing 4wd it has a electronically controlled 4wd system, the vehicle naturally operates in 2wd(front wheel) until wheel slip is detected once that occurs then the transfer case sends torque to the transfer case to turn the front differential, hence 4x2. i just wish that we had a two speed manually actuated transfer case not electronic.

[Nyt_Muves]

If it is a newer model (08 or newer) there are no buttons. None whatsoever. Mine is engaged all the time. There is no way to deactivate it.

Easiest way to tell is look under the rear and see if there is a differential in the rear axle. If it is a 4X2 there will be no differential back there.

[deimos]

Originally Posted by Nyt_Muves

If it is a newer model (08 or newer) there are no buttons. None whatsoever. Mine is engaged all the time. There is no way to deactivate it.

Easiest way to tell is look under the rear and see if there is a differential in the rear axle. If it is a 4X2 there will be no differential back there.

Your vehicle does not have a button because your transfer case if controlled by the computer when the computer detects wheel slip then it automatically controls your transfer case, and distributes torque to the other wheels. In regards to your statement about, "If it is a 4X2 there will be no differential back there" Wrong, if it is a 4x2 then it has the option of becoming 4wd,(which if it is a 4x2 then it can become 4wd and thus would have to have a rear differential so that torque can be sent to the rear wheels) either from a detected wheel slip or the switch on the dash.

[Nyt_Muves]

Originally Posted by deimos

Your vehicle does not have a button because your transfer case if controlled by the computer when the computer detects wheel slip then it automatically controls your transfer case, and distributes torque to the other wheels. In regards to your statement about, "If it is a 4X2 there will be no differential back there" Wrong, if it is a 4x2 then it has the option of becoming 4wd,(which if it is a 4x2 then it can become 4wd and thus would have to have a rear differential so that torque can be sent to the rear wheels) either from a detected wheel slip or the switch on the dash.

A 2 wheel drive escape does not have a pumpkin (read diferential) on the rear axle. It has a hoop shaped bracket where there would be one, but no drive shafts or rear diff if it is a 2 wheel drive.

[deimos]

Originally Posted by Nyt_Muves

A 2 wheel drive escape does not have a pumpkin (read diferential) on the rear axle. It has a hoop shaped bracket where there would be one, but no drive shafts or rear diff if it is a 2 wheel drive.

I know that, but if you look at what i qouted was "if it is a 4x2 it will not have a rear differential, which is wrong.

[Nyt_Muves]

Originally Posted by deimos

I know that, but if you look at what i qouted was "if it is a 4x2 it will not have a rear differential, which is wrong.

I stand corrected. Mis read.

[deimos]

Originally Posted by Nyt_Muves

I stand corrected. Mis read.

No Problem i do like getting into these convos lots of fun!