My ’96 Explorer V6 has acted strangely at high speeds since I bought it 4 years ago. At speeds around 80-85 mph, there is a sudden vibration that will instantly cease if I ease up on the throttle. It feels like the engine is missing or the torque converter is locking/unlocking rapidly. The engine throws no codes and otherwise runs well. Over the years I have performed regular maintenance that has eliminated some potential issues. The plugs and wires have been changed. I have swapped transmissions. I tested the coil pack and everything was proper.

I recently did a front suspension overhaul (upper and lower ball joints, shocks, sway bar end links) and now this annoying high speed issue is the only thing problem remaining. I was going to start by cleaning the MAF and putting in a new fuel filter (fuel starvation?) but after that I really don’t know where to look and I’m not one to start replacing parts to hope it solves the problem.

I was hoping someone may have experienced this problem and determined the solution or could point out some suggestions to help me diagnose the cause. Thanks.

i had same issue...was the fuel pump...clogged. like you said, starving for fuel. and its a relatively cheap fix...and if you are suspecting your fuel pump, it means you probably could stand to have it replaced

yaknowhatimean