Engine "shudder" at 35-40mph

[jeepgirl]

My Explorer has developed (or else I have finally noticed) a slight shudder/hesitation/missing in either the engine or tranny in the past week or so. It isn't noticeable at higher speeds at all, and it isn't very noticeable or at all noticeable at lower speeds. I went through transmission hell, so I am sort of familiar with one going bad so I am leaning towards engine trouble. Does anyone have any insight as to what in the heck I should check first? I am really in the dark here. Thanks!

 

[IZwack]

Thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2160326#post2160326

 

[fixxxer]

Check your spark plug wires, make sure one or more has not vibrated loose. When was the last time the wires and/or plugs were changed? Take a look under your hood at night or very low light, you may have a plug wire that is starting to arc to the engine and you will see the little blue flashes much easier in the dark. Water in the gas will also cause an intermittent shuddering and so will a fuel filter needing replacement.

 

[jeepgirl]

Oh gee, I hope it isn't torque converter issues...that sounds expensive and more importantly, beyond my skill set. Hopefully I will find the problem with the spark plugs/fuel filter suggestion. I can't tell you how long it has been since the spark plugs have been changed, so I sure hope that is it. I can't tell you how much I hope it isn't the expensive problem. Thanks for the fast input! Now I have a direction to go.

 

[fixxxer]

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

 

[cxclark01]

I just had this very same symptom. If you have not replaced the plugs/wires, check them first. The plugs looked like they were original equipment ( 230,000 miles ) and electrodes were burned down the to the ceramic. 6 plugs and a set of wires, but it back on the road nicely.