4x4 help on a 2000 Explorer.

[frikki3241]

I have a 2000 ford explorer auto 4 wheel drive . When it is snowwing or roads are snow cover it feels as if something is locking up then releasing it jerks the truck then stops it also does this in 4x4 high when 4 wheel should be locked on....Could someone give me some insight as to what the prob may be ?

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've renamed, and moved your thread to the stock 95-01 section. It sounds like the front hubs might be the problem. Are they auto locking?

 

[frikki3241]

it is a dial from inside truck , so no it doesn't do it by itself ..I belive it is locking on but maybe it isn't ... I know it is very annoying when it jerks the truck like all the time

 

[gijoecam]

In 4auto, it will jerk and buck some when driving in a low-traction condition. That's the system operating normally. If the driveline is binding (e.g. while cornering) when the vehicle comes to a stop, the transfer case clutch is activated at minimum duty cycle, and that can relieve the strain on the driveline. It wouldn't surprise me to feel the driveline un-bind when that happens.

When stopped, the clutch is operated at minimum duty cycle. It's never truly 'locked' in the conventional sense. If you turn the key off, it'll unlock.

-Joe

 

[frikki3241]

yes in auto 4wd this is normal but it also happens in 4wd high and I feel it shouldn't , Also the bucking and jerking in auto is all the time even if it is snowing and roads aren't snowy yet... Also just a question you might know about , Is there a sensor that might be faulty and causing it to come in and out of four wheel drive (when weather is wet)?

 

[gijoecam]

There are several sensors, in fact, but as for which one could be causing a problem, it's a guessing game at best. A dealer (or shop with the proper scan tool) can monitor the GEM inputs and outputs and see what the system is seeing. A knowledgable tech should be able to diagnose it based on which sensor(s) is(are) reading out of range when they shouldn't be.

Now, that being said, when exactly are you experiencing the locking? If it's when accelerating briskly from a stop light on dry pavement, that would be a normal part of the programming. If it's when cruising straight ahead down the freeway or when cornering at parking lot speeds, then I would say that's abnormal and merits further investigation.

Make sense?

 

[frikki3241]

it happens when traveling down the road and at veriable speeds but mostly anything over say 60 kmh . never going slow or when cornering . And makes perfect sence. I was just hoping to avoid the costly diagnosis from a certified tech and do it myself LOL. Guess the answer is take it to a tech lol.

 

[gijoecam]

The more electronics they include on the systems, the less adept the shade tree mechanic becomes. Sign of the times, I guess!

The problem happening at higher speeds is different... not very common around here.... Steady throttle, level ground, higher speeds leads me to think it's either a bad connection or a bad sensor. All that being said, a common offender is the rear axle speed sensor. It fixes similar issues about 3/4 of the time around here, and it's only a $15 part last time I checked. It's the most vulnerable of the three wheel speed sensors, so it would make sense for it to be the prime suspect. Also, inspect the wiring and connectors carefull for any obvious signs of damage. Can't hurt to give it a shot, and if it doesn't solve the problem, you're only out another $15 and an hour of your time.

-Joe

 

[frikki3241]

Thanks Joe ,
I will look into that and I appreciate all your help

-Melanie