Powertrain or a 4x4 drive fault

[Hendog]

Hello, found some on this subject, but seems pretty varied. Trying to understand if okay to drive. Message showed up yesterday on 2021 powerboost. I am unable to change the drive modes. Says 4x4 fault and to service soon.

“A powertrain or all wheel drive/four wheel drive fault has been detected“. It’s Only in standard drive mode now. I was in eco when it started. Drove okay the 10 miles or so home after message. Started it this morning and the message was still there. Any thoughts?

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[HammaMan]

Need the codes or vin for someone with the software to pull codes OTA. You can also go to a autoparts store to get the codes if you don't have a reader.

 

[Hendog]

I get “check 4x4”. “Service vehicle soon”. When starting up. must have something to do with that engagement and why can’t change modes or just switch out of 4 high. “Feel” like it’s drivable in this state till I can get in, but still wondering if any other experiences out there. Sucks…

Need the codes or vin for someone with the software to pull codes OTA. You can also go to a autoparts store to get the codes if you don't have a reader.

thanks.. I have to look into what’s involved in getting reader. ?

 

[Sneezy]

I get “check 4x4”. “Service vehicle soon”. When starting up. must have something to do with that engagement and why can’t change modes or just switch out of 4 high. “Feel” like it’s drivable in this state till I can get in, but still wondering if any other experiences out there. Sucks…

thanks.. I have to look into what’s involved in getting reader. ?

Mine gave me the same message a few months ago and it ended up being whatever module that controls the drive modes/4x4 engagement that went out on mine. It drove totally fine until the dealer could get me in, I just couldn’t change drive modes or select 4x4

 

[Old Bear]

If it is stuck in 4x4 High, that is a problem. You will feel some wheel hop when cornering, as something has to slip to compensate. It is hard on tires and drivetrain. Now if it is stuck in All 4 or 2 wheel drive, have at it, no problem. Just don't go off-roading ...

 

[Hendog]

Mine gave me the same message a few months ago and it ended up being whatever module that controls the drive modes/4x4 engagement that went out on mine. It drove totally fine until the dealer could get me in, I just couldn’t change drive modes or select 4x4

Exactly what my situation seems to be. Thanks!

 

[Hendog]

If it is stuck in 4x4 High, that is a problem. You will feel some wheel hop when cornering, as something has to slip to compensate. It is hard on tires and drivetrain. Now if it is stuck in All 4 or 2 wheel drive, have at it, no problem. Just don't go off-roading ...

Thanks.. it’s in 2 high. Seems fine it’s just getting a Powertrain fault message that’s makes one nervous

 

[Sneezy]

Thanks.. it’s in 2 high. Seems fine it’s just getting a Powertrain fault message that’s makes one nervous

Yeah I got the same message in the Ford Pass app about it being a powertrain fault, but I never had a check engine light illuminate. I believe there was just a wrench icon on the dash that wouldn’t clear as well as the message on every startup.
I believe the module that they replaced lives under the passenger seat if I remember the service tech correctly

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Hello, found some on this subject, but seems pretty varied. Trying to understand if okay to drive. Message showed up yesterday on 2021 powerboost. I am unable to change the drive modes. Says 4x4 fault and to service soon.

“A powertrain or all wheel drive/four wheel drive fault has been detected“. It’s Only in standard drive mode now. I was in eco when it started. Drove okay the 10 miles or so home after message. Started it this morning and the message was still there. Any thoughts?

Hi there. This powertrain concern doesn’t sound like something we want you to experience with your F-150. Could you please send us a PM with your VIN and the name and location of your Ford dealer? I'd be happy to look into how I can assist you on my end.

 

[unt1999]

I'm getting the same "Powertrain Malfuction/Reduced Power" message in FordPass when I try to change the Drive Mode. This only happens randomly, so I'm worried the dealer will say bring it back when it acts up again. The truck will also occasionally get jerky when I get this message.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I'm getting the same "Powertrain Malfuction/Reduced Power" message in FordPass when I try to change the Drive Mode. This only happens randomly, so I'm worried the dealer will say bring it back when it acts up again. The truck will also occasionally get jerky when I get this message.

Good morning, David! I would be glad to help you out with these error message concerns should you need further assistance. Just shoot us a PM with your VIN and dealer name/location, and I'll get right on it. To send a private message, just click on our username and select "Start Conversation". Thank you!

 

[Griffalo]

I just got this message the first time on 5/24/25 but then it went away on its own. It popped up again on 5/28/25 and then on 5/31/25. I'm calling the dealer Monday and trying to arrange to get it in for them to check it and the GSM as it would fold down but on two different occasions, it wouldn't come back up. The truck is a 24 F150 XLT with 5,375 miles on it.

 

[Eirejohn]

Got the same message this morning never had an issue before

 

[Griffalo]

Update to previous post:

I'm taking it back to the dealer tomorrow morning for them to replace the GSM. Seems there is a TSB on this issue and after testing, the recommended fix is to replace the GSM. Service advisor says it will take about an hour so I'll be waiting for them to get it done. I'll post back after I get if done. I had it in last week and they had to order the part for it. That's why it's going back in the morning.

 

[Goldeneye36]

Got the same message this morning never had an issue before

From what I'm seeing this seems like a generic message that can be a number of different faults. I'm currently dealing with this situation right now and waiting on a new GSM for my truck to come in. My truck is currently fine other than the wrench light coming on intermittently.

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