How to Use Ford's Terrain Management System
When you purchase a new vehicle with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, you expect nothing less than capable performance in every terrain. Whether the backroads of Joshua Tree National Forest or the sandy beaches in SoCal, there’s no excuse for getting stuck.
Did you know that many Ford
vehicles are equipped with Ford’s Terrain Management System? Discover what this
terrain-taming technology is all about, from your local Southern California Ford Dealers.
What the Terrain Management
System is All About
Terrain Management System is
designed to adjust the vehicle’s driving dynamics for the type of terrain
you’re driving on. It uses throttle position, vehicle speed, and steering angle
to determine how your vehicle is responding compared to your commands. Torque
is then adjusted front to rear and side to side in a split second to enhance
traction.
Ford’s Terrain Management
System has four driver-selectable modes that can be operated along with the
shift-on-the-fly 4WD system so you can tailor your vehicle’s response depending
on the type of terrain you’re on. AdvanceTrac settings are automatically
adjusted based on your selection.
- Normal Mode is for two-wheel-drive operation on easy-going terrain.
- Grass/Gravel/Snow Mode improves stability for low-traction
situations.
- Mud/Ruts Mode sends maximum torque to all four wheels.
- Sand Mode that allows for wheel slippage in situations where you’re
on soft ground.
All modes other than Normal
mode can be used in either 4HI or 4LO mode.
Some new models like the
2020 Ford Explorer offers additional TMS settings including Sport, Tow/Haul,
Trail, and Eco, giving you even more adaptability to driving conditions.
How to Use Ford’s Terrain
Management System
Using the Terrain
Management System is simple and takes no time at all to master. Here’s a step-by-step
in putting TMS to work for you.
- Locate the rotary 4WD or AWD dial on your console.
- Press the button marked ‘TM’ in the center of the dial.
- On the driver’s information display, you’ll see the Terrain
Management System mode displayed.
- To change the mode, press the ‘TM’ button again. Press repeatedly
until you’ve reached the TMS selection that matches your desired terrain.
Keep in mind that the 2H
transfer case mode must be selected for Normal Mode while the other three
selections will work with either 4HI or 4LO, but not 2HI.
Which Ford Vehicles have
Terrain Management System?
Several current and coming
models are equipped with Ford’s Terrain Management System. They include the new
Ford Explorer, Expedition, Escape, Ranger, and the Ford F-150 Raptor. Look for
more models in the future to be equipped with this innovative, safety-focused
technology.
Are you looking for a new
vehicle that can tackle any terrain you put it in? There’s a Ford model
equipped with Terrain Management System with your name on it. Test drive ford
vehicles like the new Explorer SUV with Terrain Management System and discover
new vehicle specials at your local Southern California Ford Dealers.
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