2020 AWD system overheat warning seconds after pulling out of driveway?

[lolford]

I live on a dirt road (now snow road) and pulling out of the driveway (first drive of the day) I noticed a LOT of wheel spin even though I was in 4 high. I kept going and got a error saying 4WD system overheated. The message would come up for a second then disappear repeatedly

Trying to cycle to 4 Auto lead to a really bad noise so I pressed 4 high again and it stopped.

It's very cold out so that might explain the noise switching modes but how could the system overheat after a few seconds when it's -20C outside?

 

[Docwagon1776]

If you have 4auto then the transfer case is clutch based lockup no matter if you're in auto or high. Only Ford offers an auto setting with mechanical lockup currently. It'll lock and unlock as it tries to route traction to the tires that have the best grip and it sounds like you overtaxed it by having it cycle repeatedly and quickly. Outside temp doesn't matter much for what's happening internally, though it will help it cool back off faster. There isn't much fluid so it can get hot quick.

Turning off traction control can help if you're in situation relying on wheel spin.

 

[Curmudgeon]

@lolford Even though my truck is 2014 it has the same style transfer case (clutches), just an older version. And our weather is probably warmer than yours but this year we have seen frequent temps in the -15C to -20C range, more so than usual. My transfer case is behaving itself, no noise, seems to work as it should.

You don't mention your odometer reading but it might be a good idea for you to change the fluid in your transfer case, it could be due. Fluid level or fluid age is most likely not the problem but most of the moving/sliding/grinding/scraping bits in our trucks love new fluid/oil.

Also, if you do it yourself you can check the drain fluid for particles and pieces that shouldn't be there! Good luck!

 

[crash68]

Trying to cycle to 4 Auto lead to a really bad noise so I pressed 4 high again and it stopped.

I would suspect there a problem with the transfer case if it's making noise while shifting modes. It's capable of shifting while traveling up to 55 mph, should go from 2WD to Auto or 4 High without and back without feeling any difference.
Might want to have the transfer case serviced and check if there's any metal in the fluid.

 

[huntergreen]

Try 4WD low. Also, what tires are you running ?

 

[lolford]

If you have 4auto then the transfer case is clutch based lockup no matter if you're in auto or high. Only Ford offers an auto setting with mechanical lockup currently. It'll lock and unlock as it tries to route traction to the tires that have the best grip and it sounds like you overtaxed it by having it cycle repeatedly and quickly. Outside temp doesn't matter much for what's happening internally, though it will help it cool back off faster. There isn't much fluid so it can get hot quick.

Turning off traction control can help if you're in situation relying on wheel spin.

Thanks but can I even overheat it if the truck just started after sitting all night?

This was maybe 20 feet out the driveway which is why I think it could be something else?

 

[lolford]

@lolford Even though my truck is 2014 it has the same style transfer case (clutches), just an older version. And our weather is probably warmer than yours but this year we have seen frequent temps in the -15C to -20C range, more so than usual. My transfer case is behaving itself, no noise, seems to work as it should.

You don't mention your odometer reading but it might be a good idea for you to change the fluid in your transfer case, it could be due. Fluid level or fluid age is most likely not the problem but most of the moving/sliding/grinding/scraping bits in our trucks love new fluid/oil.

Also, if you do it yourself you can check the drain fluid for particles and pieces that shouldn't be there! Good luck!

Truck is at 100K right now, I wonder though does the dirt road make it more like it's 200k lol

 

[Docwagon1776]

Thanks but can I even overheat it if the truck just started after sitting all night?

This was maybe 20 feet out the driveway which is why I think it could be something else?

There may be something else wrong for sure, but clutches overheat if used to hard for their condition. Did you check the oil in your transfer case? Is it at the correct level? Using it hard with that thick oil super cold may mean it wasn't lubricating that well yet and creating hot spots. Or maybe not. You're not going to be able to diagnose it without more info on fluid level and condition.

 

[lolford]

There may be something else wrong for sure, but clutches overheat if used to hard for their condition. Did you check the oil in your transfer case? Is it at the correct level? Using it hard with that thick oil super cold may mean it wasn't lubricating that well yet and creating hot spots. Or maybe not. You're not going to be able to diagnose it without more info on fluid level and condition.

Thanks! I think I probably have two issues then! We don't have anywhere that sells the fluid within a 3 hour drive so I'm probably going to take it to the dealer to get checked out!

 

[Docwagon1776]

Thanks! I think I probably have two issues then! We don't have anywhere that sells the fluid within a 3 hour drive so I'm probably going to take it to the dealer to get checked out!

Oof, that sucks. If it's not in warranty, maybe consider a well recommended local shop vs the dealership. Not that the dealership will do a bad job, but you're going to pay more for the same work generally.

Checking fluid level isn't hard, but if you don't have an inside place to work and it's cold as a witch's tit I definitely understand the appeal of using the calibrated checkbook to do the job.

 

[Dean2]

Thanks! I think I probably have two issues then! We don't have anywhere that sells the fluid within a 3 hour drive so I'm probably going to take it to the dealer to get checked out!

Amazon for the fluid, or Rock Auto.

 

[lolford]

Oof, that sucks. If it's not in warranty, maybe consider a well recommended local shop vs the dealership. Not that the dealership will do a bad job, but you're going to pay more for the same work generally.

Checking fluid level isn't hard, but if you don't have an inside place to work and it's cold as a witch's tit I definitely understand the appeal of using the calibrated checkbook to do the job.

LMAO calibrated checkbook!