On the new '08 FEH I purchased, while the sticker indicated this was a i4WD vehicle, nowhere on the inside or out is this indication. So how does this work? As it's controlled by the car (and not me), when will I know it's on? If I ever sell this vehicle, how can I convince them it is i4WD?

(Sorry for the newbie car question - but thanks for your help!)

 

Mine is 2WD but I think all Escape 4WD are intelligent 4WD systems that sense when you need 4WD and automatically shift into 4WD. To convince someone that it is 4WD, have them look underneath and see if there is a driveshaft and rear differential.

 

I have a 2005 AWD Escape Hybrid. The system is controlled by computers and will go into and out of AWD as needed. I can not really tell but have noted in rainstorms my gas milage drops and I assume this is from the engagement of the AWD system. Your VIN will reflect the AWD nature of your vehicle.

 

On mine I have a big chromey 4WD emblem on the panel next to the climate controls. As far as I can tell, you can't tell when it shifts, there's no indication that I've ever seen, and I've been in situations where I know it's kicked in.

 

What year is your FEH? Either I'm flat out missing it (possible - still learning about this vehicle) or Ford did away with it. I expected to see it in the same spot you mentioned, but it's just a blank panel.

 

There is nothing on the exterior or interior of the Gen2 FEH to indicate 2WD or 4WD. Billyk is correct that it's reflected in the VIN.

The rear drive differential and shafts are visible from the rear. You don't have to crawl under there to see this; it's visible from behind. On the 2WD there's just a big round hole where the rear diff and shafts are missing. If you're behind another Escape in traffic, you can tell instantly if it's 2WD/4WD by the absence/presence of the rear diff.

 

I will just add that I wish there was SOME indication that the AWD/4WD system has been engaged. It could be just an indicator light on the dash, a message on the Message Center, or for those with the Nav System, the hybrid graphic display showing power being sent to the rear wheels too.

 

That's an interesting idea. I am picturing a little light coming on when my FEH detects front wheel slippage and the center differential engages. That might be kind of cool, and it would certainly help reinforce my delusion that I "need" all wheel drive.

My Prius had stability control. When I tested it in a snowy parking lot I discovered that it would beep loudly and flash the skid-control light when they system engaged. It basically just added more panic to an already unsettling situation. Imagine, right when you should really be focused on your driving, a loud beep and flashing light. Whose idea was THAT?

 

That sounds like the way the traction control works on my Mustang. Except, the dash indicator is a non-alarming green, and there is no sound.

 

Do we know its not a typical AWD system? Ie where all four wheels are controlled by the differentials and are getting power all the time... and there isn't any electronic control of the power?

I know nothing about AWD systems... just trying to learn not start an argument.