5.0 awd problems in the snow

[jremington59]

I've only had my 5.0 for a short time, but I love the way it hauls through the deep snow. I have a driveway with a slight downward slope and the first time it snowed I backed out through almost a foot of packed snow and didn't spin a tire.

 

[410Fortune]

LOL hilarious at the ABS guy... this is not a POrsche or a Subaru, we could only wish!!

Gen II Explorer's do not have "power to the wheel that grips when one wheel slips" AWD in them.... I wish!

trust us, we know, you see I have held the 5.0L AWD transfer case in my hands... about 4 of them actually, and promptly placed it on Craigslist for sale..... many people on this forum KNOW how these trucks work, as we build them... every bolt

 

[John_Rock]

He's probably thinking of how the v6 4x4 Auto's work. But as stated above the v8 5.0L AWD trucks transfercase is totally just mechanical with no electronics.

 

[ericautopart]

I was going to make a thread talking up the AWD. This is the first REAL snow with my 98 AWD and it's GREAT. 2 feet of snow and not a single issue. I can't even break the tires free and it plows through anything like a tank. I'm 100% satisfied with this truck..best truck I've ever owned.

 

[storlied]

I'm right with ya man, I love this AWD in the snow. Although I would like to try a 4x4 explorer for comparison purposes... my dad's 4x4 ranger didn't do as good as my explorer... but that could possibly because I have more weight and a bigger engine.. who knows.. the traction felt.. odd... I like how the AWD works, even though slightly more power is to the rear.. doesn't bother me any. In fact I use that to my advantage when I'm screwing around, or even if I have to make some kinda manuever to save my butt, I find it very easy to slide the rear of the truck wherever I want it while keeping complete control of the truck's direction and where the slide stops, the front helps pull the truck forward slightly stopping a slide.. it's weird.. had to one time to avoid being hit at a stop light as a traffic jam had me stuck in the intersection and someone wasn't paying attention,.. swung my rear end right outta the way.... don't get me wrong, it scared the crap outta me but the fact I could do it with such ease has me think twice about the 4x4 swap. Although... I love having those options... Seems 4x4 can break a lil more easily than AWD... hell.. it's rare to even hear about a broken AWD.. we just don't have options [low, 2w..ect]

 

[rollinstone]

I've been driving my 5.0 AWD Ex for 10+ years in and out of snow. Never had a problem. The key is driving cautiously in snow/ice conditions....not like you're doing a grand prix. just 'cause ya got AWD doesn't mean you can drive it like the road's dry when there's snow.

I think the old saying goes: "A 4WD will just get you farther away from help" if you drive like an idiot.

 

[BBQ Bandit]

I was going to make a thread talking up the AWD. This is the first REAL snow with my 98 AWD and it's GREAT. 2 feet of snow and not a single issue. I can't even break the tires free and it plows through anything like a tank. I'm 100% satisfied with this truck..best truck I've ever owned.

Agree... socked in Pa with over 1 foot... and the truck had no problems...

Good truck + good rubber + good driving technique = no handling problems.

 

[storlied]

The biggest mechanical issue with the AWD truck's are the front driveshaft.

 

[410Fortune]

only after 97 LOL the 96 d shaft seems to work great!! way to go Ford on that nice CV flange

 

[storlied]

Say what? Did ford not use the cv joint on 97 and older 2nd gens?

It's really not that bad I don't think... at around.. idk... 120k miles mine went out, I can only assume it was the original by the condition.. sure I had issues with Napa's garbage.. but once I ordered a new oem ford one from ericautopart it hasn't had any issues at all.

 

[Happster]

I have a 2006 Eddie Bauer with AWD and push button 4WD. Drove it on light snow and it floats and fishtails badly, like it's pulling to one side from time to time. Feel like its going to spin out. Also happens in 4WD, and I get a fair amount or grinding. Does that sound like I have a bad CV on one side? My last Explorer was a beast in the snow...a 2001 Eddie Bauer. Thoughts on possible problems and troubleshooting techniques greatly appreciated.

 

[CDW6212R]

I have a 2006 Eddie Bauer with AWD and push button 4WD. Drove it on light snow and it floats and fishtails badly, like it's pulling to one side from time to time. Feel like its going to spin out. Also happens in 4WD, and I get a fair amount or grinding. Does that sound like I have a bad CV on one side? My last Explorer was a beast in the snow...a 2001 Eddie Bauer. Thoughts on possible problems and troubleshooting techniques greatly appreciated.

That is not AWD, look at the switch or manual again. It says A4WD, that's automatic 4WD.

The A4WD setting means 2WD unless the speed sensors tell the electronics that the drive shafts are not at the same speed. Then it grabs the front drive shaft with the electromagnetic clutch, similar to an AC clutch. It's automatic, you usually can feel it as the front tires get driven on the fly. The 4WD setting just makes it grab the front drive shaft all of the time, not good on dry pavement.


Check the condition of the front drive shaft, error codes etc. If everything seems mechanically okay, it will likely be the electronics, sensor etc.

 

[Happster]

Thanks Don. You're right, it is A-4WD. So do you agree that one front side may be causing the pulling/fishtailing sensation?

 

[CDW6212R]

I would first try to verify that the transfer case was actually engaging the front drive shaft when it should. But assuming it is I'd guess that one front tire is spinning while the other one isn't, losing any of the front grip and making it feel like a RWD vehicle.

I mashed the gas with my 98 AWD on smooth packed snow in 2004, and it spun just a hair and took off. That was with excellent and new snow tires that do well on ice. It usually takes a lot of slick surface to lose traction from multiple wheels with AWD or 4WD.

The Control Trac doesn't feel as smooth as a locked 4WD or AWD. My 99 V6 has that and I was hoping to someday convert it to V8 and AWD.

 

[pbnj22]

i have an awd 5.0 and it handles great in the snow.. i have pretty old and bald tires too... there are wrangler ATs... I also have about 300 pounds of gear in the back at all times...

 

[dersch6221992]

i have the awd 5.0 also. 2000 mounty.
i mean for the most part i have never ever gotten stuck in this truck. deepest snow ive been in is about 8 inchs and it plowed through it. i can get it to "spin" and get side ways only if it floor it whip the wheel and there is 6+ inchs of snow. itll take off and not spin ever. never get side ways passing. obviously braking is another story but thats not the AWD fault.

like many others have said it seems like something isnt engaging or its just going out. or your missing a drive shaft up front... how long have u had the truck?