Jay JohnsonOn the current Bronco, 4-wheel drive is selected through the GOAT Modes dial rather than a separate lever. Shifting into 4-High can be done on the fly while driving, but 4-Low requires a complete stop. This covers the 2021 and newer Bronco specifically, not the classic Bronco's older mechanical system.
In This Guide
Can You Shift a Ford Bronco Into 4H While Driving?
4-High engages automatically based on which GOAT Mode is selected on the dial, and it can be shifted into while the vehicle is moving, a capability Ford calls shifting on the fly. There's no need to stop or put the transmission in Neutral for this one. We break down each individual GOAT Mode in our GOAT Modes guide.
How Do You Shift a Ford Bronco Into 4L?
4-Low is different. Bring the Bronco to a complete stop first. On an automatic transmission, shift into Neutral. On a manual, fully depress the clutch and shift into Neutral. With the vehicle stopped and in Neutral, move the four-wheel-drive controller to the 4L position. Attempting this shift while still moving isn't how the system is designed to work.
What Does 4A Mean on a Ford Bronco?
Broncos ordered with the Advanced 4x4 option add a third setting, 4A, alongside 4H and 4L. In 4A, the system automatically shifts torque distribution between two-wheel and four-wheel drive based on the GOAT Mode selected, rather than requiring the driver to manually choose 4H. Broncos without Advanced 4x4 only offer manual 4H and 4L selection through the dial.
Is It Normal to Hear Noise When Shifting a Bronco Into 4WD?
A sound during the shift into 4-wheel drive is normal and expected. It's the front drivetrain components coming up to speed to match the rear, not a sign of a problem.
How Do You Shift a Ford Bronco Back to 2H?
Returning to 2-wheel drive from 4-High follows the same on-the-fly process in reverse, selectable through the same dial. Coming out of 4-Low requires the same stop-and-Neutral process used to get into it in the first place.
FAQ
Can I shift into 4-High while driving?
Yes. 4-High can be shifted into on the fly while the vehicle is moving, without needing to stop or shift into Neutral.
Do I need to stop the Bronco to shift into 4-Low?
Yes. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shift into Neutral (or fully depress the clutch on a manual), then move the controller to 4L.
What is 4A on a Ford Bronco?
A setting available with the Advanced 4x4 option that automatically shifts torque distribution based on the selected GOAT Mode, instead of requiring the driver to manually select 4H.
Is it normal to hear a noise when shifting into 4-wheel drive?
Yes. That's the front drivetrain coming up to speed to match the rear, not an indication of a problem.
Do all Broncos have the same 4x4 controls?
No. Broncos without the Advanced 4x4 option only offer manual 4H and 4L through the dial. Broncos with Advanced 4x4 add the automatic 4A setting on top of those two.
Not sure which setting fits which terrain? See our breakdown of 4-Low vs. 4-High in our off-road glossary.
