Pulse Vacuum Hub locks
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford Pickup, 2009 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2009 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2009 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) system has a feature which allows the driver to override the vacuum-operated hub locks. When the front hub lock dials are manually turned to the LOCK position, the hub locks are locked through the dial at all times, regardless of the position of the instrument panel mode select switch (MSS).
When the front hub lock dials are manually turned to the AUTO position, the hub locks use an internal spring-locking mechanism that is vacuum-operated by the ESOF system, and are locked with the MSS in the 4X4 High or 4X4 Low position and unlocked with the MSS in 2WD position. Refer to Hub lock for additional AUTO hub lock system operation.