Drive modes
Drive modesThis page holds Ford Drive Mode Indicator symbols. The list of drive modes on our original page grew so large it became apparent that separate manufacturer pages would be appropriate.
Note that if you are surprised to see one of these it is likely a drive mode has been accidently activated via one of the buttons on the steering wheel.
First up are relatively benign set of modes. At the far left is a Normal Mode Indicator. It is a simple set of lane lines included the hashed lane separator. The second is a Sport Mode Indicator that actually belongs to the set of G.O.A.T. Mode Indicators in Bronco models cited below.
These are three of a set of related drive modes for Ford 4-wheel drive vehicles. First up is a Trail Mode Indicator. Next is an Off Road Mode Indicator, which seems to only replace a tree with a hill or rock. The last is a Rock Crawl Indicator which one supposes looks like a pile of rocks and a trail.
Fortunately, the same vehicles that use the image symbols above offer an AUTO setting, Multi-terrain Select control or MTS AUTO, that will simply choose exactly the mode that is needed. This is an improvement over the excessive number of choices otherwise available.
Ford decided that the Mustang GTD needed its own unique appearing drive modes. From left to right are Normal Drive Mode, Custom Drive Mode, Drag Strip Mode, and Track Mode. Of these, only the Drag Strip Mode connects visually to the indicator’s meaning. It even takes a moment to recognize a crash helmet in the Track Mode indicator! Normal and Custom would need to be memorized or looked up each time, so why create these??
Compare them to what was done for the Mach-E below.
The Mustang Mach-E EV brings in a new set of modes. The first is a re-use of an existing Excite Mode indicator, now seen as an Unbridle Mode indicator in black and white. The second is Unbridle Extended Mode, intended for high-performance driving and is for track and closed course use only. The last is a Rally Sport Mode indicator, which adjusts the Unbridle Modes for high-performance off pavement driving for sprint style dirt and multi-terrain courses.
And because it electric, the Mach-E offers up a Whisper Mode. Whisper Mode is for relaxed driving and poor weather. Ford says it is the best mode for driving in slippery conditions. The mode decreases accelerator response at partial inputs and tunes the steering for comfort.
Note that Bronco models feature entirely separate set of modes called G-O-A-T Modes. You can find them here.
Also, there are added Steering modes here and Exhaust modes here, all courtesy of the new Bronco.
——————————————————————-
The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY