BS Big Bend - GOAT mode

[politicoup]

Hello Bronco Community!
Just got my 24 BS Big Bend Cactus Grey. Quick question regarding to GOAT mode. For now I’m driving as my daily pavement commute. However, what GOAT mode do you guys use for gravel roads? Big Bend model comes with Icy or Sand.

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[BritNowInOhio]

I just use Normal.

 

[davidg4781]

Normal.

I haven't come across anything to use slippery in yet. I use sand at the beach, mostly if the sand is really loose. If it's hard/compact I just leave it in normal.

 

[politicoup]

Normal.

I haven't come across anything to use slippery in yet. I use sand at the beach, mostly if the sand is really loose. If it's hard/compact I just leave it in normal.

Oh okay, I am still learning about the vehicle and it’s GOAT mode. So only icy or sand mode activates the 4x4 driving mode correct ? Not on Sports mode?

 

[DWG]

Using 4WD starts on page 183 of the owners manual. G.O.A.T mode starts on page 240. I have never really paid attention to how 4WD is working on my BS since I am already used to it from my Escape and Edge which have intelligent 4WD but if it is operating similarly it works automatically. So far I have only been in Normal Mode. Someone can correct me if I am wrong. It is usually in 2 wheel drive and goes into 4WD when it senses wheel slip.


PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION: This system is a proactive system. It has the ability to anticipate wheel slip and transfer torque to the rear wheels before slip occurs. Even when wheel slip is not present, the system is continuously adjusting to the torque distribution, in an attempt to improve straight line and cornering behavior, both on and off road. The system automatically turns on every
time you switch the ignition on. If any component requires maintenance, a message appears in the instrument cluster display.

Page 183 also shows a graphic of the image that can be displayed on the dashboard showing you which wheels are receiving power. For instance (I haven't actually checked this on the BS) but on my other Ford's the image is also almost in 2 wheel drive and even on dry pavement when starting from a stop the rear wheels will also engage for a brief moment as you accelerate.

A cautionary note: Again someone can correct me if this is not right regarding the Bronco sport but if 4WD is left on automatic (not locked) it still will only work in snow by being in 2 wheel drive and going to 4 wheel drive when the system senses rear wheel spin. In automatic the system is only working while you are stepping on the gas. It is not working while coasting or your foot on the brake. So my other Ford's only have automatic Intelligent 4WD. If I am driving 4WD kicks in when needed as long as I am stepping on the gas. If I am coming to a stop and driving on a slippery surface like snow it will not engage since my foot is not on the gas.

 

[Mwittke5857]

I just use Normal.

On lose dirt/gravel roads & trails, I use Normal. Deeper snow, I've had the best luck in Sport mode. Note, I do have a 5-Star tune (performance 93)

 

[Mark S.]

A cautionary note: Again someone can correct me if this is not right regarding the Bronco sport but if 4WD is left on automatic (not locked) it still will only work in snow by being in 2 wheel drive and going to 4 wheel drive when the system senses rear wheel spin. In automatic the system is only working while you are stepping on the gas. It is not working while coasting or your foot on the brake. So my other Ford's only have automatic Intelligent 4WD. If I am driving 4WD kicks in when needed as long as I am stepping on the gas. If I am coming to a stop and driving on a slippery surface like snow it will not engage since my foot is not on the gas.

I'm really confused about this. What specifically are you asking? The 4WD system transfers power as required automatically if the system is set to NORMAL. I'm not sure why you would be concerned about what's happening with the system when you are decelerating/braking. The system improves traction under acceleration; if you're not accelerating there's no power going to any of the wheels.

 

[DWG]

I'm really confused about this. What specifically are you asking? The 4WD system transfers power as required automatically if the system is set to NORMAL. I'm not sure why you would be concerned about what's happening with the system when you are decelerating/braking. The system improves traction under acceleration; if you're not accelerating there's no power going to any of the wheels.

I am not asking anything. I was replying to OP's comments above mine. My comments are based on my experiences with my 3 Fords. As I said if any part of my comment is incorrect feel free to correct my comment as it related the BS.

 

[Dadio]

I'm really confused about this. What specifically are you asking? The 4WD system transfers power as required automatically if the system is set to NORMAL. I'm not sure why you would be concerned about what's happening with the system when you are decelerating/braking. The system improves traction under acceleration; if you're not accelerating there's no power going to any of the wheels.

Hey Mark it definitely can be confusing, also made worse by the fact that the BIg Bend and Outer Banks have different 4x4 features than Badlands models. In both cases though, The different GOAT modes affect acceleration, deceleration (tranny downshifting) steering, shift points and braking. For example downshifting in SPORT mode is more aggressive than in SLIPPERY mode where ice could be present.

 

[Mark S.]

Hey Mark it definitely can be confusing, also made worse by the fact that the BIg Bend and Outer Banks have different 4x4 features than Badlands models. In both cases though, The different GOAT modes affect acceleration, deceleration (tranny downshifting) steering, shift points and braking. For example downshifting in SPORT mode is more aggressive than in SLIPPERY mode where ice could be present.

I thought the question was specifically about 4WD operation, not G.O.A.T. mode operation in general. I believe I have a good understanding of how the different G.O.A.T. modes function as they relate to 4WD, and I don't believe the system engages the power transfer unit unless the driver locks the system in 4WD or demands power with the accelerator pedal.

 

[Mark S.]

I am not asking anything. I was replying to OP's comments above mine. My comments are based on my experiences with my 3 Fords. As I said if any part of my comment is incorrect feel free to correct my comment as it related the BS.

Perhaps I misunderstood your comment. I agree with you that when the G.O.A.T. mode is set to NORMAL the computer automatically transfers power via the power transfer unit (PTU) to the rear wheels when the front wheels slip. I do not think the PTU is engaged when decelerating or braking.

 

[Robink]

The Big Bend doesn't have 4wd. I spend a lot of time in the backcountry desert on rock and sand/gravel and I have a BB. I drive it in normal most of the time. If I need more traction and control I put it in L (Low). If I need more power I put it in Sport mode and L. If I'm in DEEP sand I will put it in the sand mode. I've never used slippery. I think most people don't know how to use LOW. That's your friend in these cars.

 

[Warped9]

You can use Slippery in snow. That's what I did this winter the few times I used it.

 

[politicoup]

Thank you for all the reply and comments. Swapped out the stock antenna to stuby one and looking to swap out the stock tires as well.

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