01 explorer 4x4 feels like rear end slips 3/9/05

[explorer012001]

Guys, My 01 xls 4x4 has a problem. When driving on a ice and snow covered hwy at 60 mph it happens. The back end feels like it slips for an instant then seems to give a jolt and make a thump sound when traction is restored. It has 45000 miles on it. The nob on the dash is set on normal not 4x4 high or low. It has been doing this for about a month. Any ideas?

 

[TPLYNCH]

The jolt is the auto 4x4 kicking power to the front wheels to compensate for the rear end losing traction.

P.S. In the future, please post in a more appropriate forum (General Explorations or Under the Hood for a question like yours) as this is NOT an emergency (hence the 911 name of this forum)

 

[explorer012001]

This slippage wasn't noticed in the 1st 40000 miles

Thanks , My explorer has been in the ford dealer since tues. and they can't find anything amiss so far. My question is if this has not ocurred in the first 40000 what has changed or worn out. If I were to install new tires with a more agressive tread would that fix it. The original goodyear wranglers are on it now.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Tires will have an effect, especially worn ones, on 4x4 engagement. Also, it could just be the TOD (torque on demand) clutch that engages the 4x4 in the transfer case wearing. Have you noticed any buzzing or other strange sounds when decelerating at highway speeds?

 

[explorer012001]

slip sliding away

I have not noticed any of the sounds you mentioned. I picked up my explorer yesterday . The dealer found nothing wrong with it. Now it is on record with the dealer at least ; if it gets worse after extended warranty runs out