Explorer Shudders when in park , running and a door closes

[peterk9]

Did you ever get this problem fixed, I'm in the same boat and the dealership seems clueless

Welcome to the Forum.
In reading the post it seems 'shaking or shakes' would be a more appropriate term.
Also, I don't think you'll get an answer from the member you quoted since the member was last seen here on August 1, 2019 as mentioned in the post above yours. Also, there are no other such posts that I can recall.

Peter

 

[avyarboro]

Welcome to the Forum.
In reading the post it seems 'shaking or shakes' would be a more appropriate term.
Also, I don't think you'll get an answer from the member you quoted since the member was last seen here on August 1, 2019 as mentioned in the post above yours. Also, there are no other such posts that I can recall.

Peter

I figured it was a long shot. I thought I would try. The local dealership is lost. The vibration is coming from the electric rack and pinion, but something is setting it off the wheel angle sensor when the power circuit for the door ajar circuit is open.

 

[MRankin]

My 2015 Expl XLT started doing this exact same thing when I am stopped, in forward drive, foot on the brake, AC on most likely and there is a shudder felt through steering wheel and brake pedal. Does not happen all the time and not all that much really, but the shudder goes away instantly when I VERY briefly lift off the brakes and apply brakes again. To me it seems the vaccum brake assist when lifting off the brakes clears the shudder. Never noticed the shudder with a door opening or similar but will keep an eye out. Thinking I need to look at the throttle body and get it cleaned. Have about 150K miles and owned it since bought it as a dealer program with about 5K miles on it. Also I have followed the factory maintenance sched and I did have the trans fluid flushed at some interval the past yr or so.. cannot remember the mileage that triggered them to recommend the flush.

 

[ncsuengineer256]

My 2015 Expl XLT started doing this exact same thing when I am stopped, in forward drive, foot on the brake, AC on most likely and there is a shudder felt through steering wheel and brake pedal. Does not happen all the time and not all that much really, but the shudder goes away instantly when I VERY briefly lift off the brakes and apply brakes again. To me it seems the vaccum brake assist when lifting off the brakes clears the shudder. Never noticed the shudder with a door opening or similar but will keep an eye out. Thinking I need to look at the throttle body and get it cleaned. Have about 150K miles and owned it since bought it as a dealer program with about 5K miles on it. Also I have followed the factory maintenance sched and I did have the trans fluid flushed at some interval the past yr or so.. cannot remember the mileage that triggered them to recommend the flush.

I have this same issue. What seems to cause it:
1. Going from drive to park.
2. Foot is still on the brake
3. Door opened (sometimes mine does it without a door open event)
4. Shuddering starts
5. Once you hear the transmission "click" after letting off the brake, the shuddering normally stops

I think it's related to the torque converter, as it's responsible for any energy transfer between the engine and transmission.

Just my theory, I'm interested in what other folks think.

Just for data points:
2014 Explorer Limited
~56k miles
3.5L TiVCT engine
6F50 transmission

 

[jason46]

I have this same issue. What seems to cause it:
1. Going from drive to park.
2. Foot is still on the brake
3. Door opened (sometimes mine does it without a door open event)
4. Shuddering starts
5. Once you hear the transmission "click" after letting off the brake, the shuddering normally stops

I think it's related to the torque converter, as it's responsible for any energy transfer between the engine and transmission.

Just my theory, I'm interested in what other folks think.

Just for data points:
2014 Explorer Limited
~56k miles
3.5L TiVCT engine
6F50 transmission

Reminds me of the transmission nightmare with my Acura, car would shudder then I would shudder.. Is the fluid old maybe time for a change.

 

[ncsuengineer256]

Reminds me of the transmission nightmare with my Acura, car would shudder then I would shudder.. Is the fluid old maybe time for a change.

That's the weird part. I've already done a drain and fill on the transmission and meticulously checked / monitored the level several weeks after I did it. The issue still persists

 

[KatRowsam]

I have searched the form and see things for shuddering while driving (not the issue I am having) So if I am placing in the wrong place I am very sorry! I have a 2015 Ford Explorer Limited. While the car is running and placed in park, if someone gets out and closes the door the whole car shudders. It will also do this when I place the car in park and shut it off...it shudders the whole car as well (that's a new one). It will also shudder while in drive but my foot is on the break and someone closes a door. Sometimes it just does it while idling. Most of the shuddering seems to center around the park position, foot on brake and closing of doors while in the park position and running. Just wondering if anyone has experienced the same problem and might have a solution or recommendation for me. Please help if you can.

My 2014 does the same thing. Everyone thinks I'm crazy, but it happens when someone slams the door.

 

[Mbrooks420]

There’s another thread on this exact issue.

 

[peterk9]

There’s another thread on this exact issue.

Threads were combined. Thank you.

Peter

 

[ncsuengineer256]

Adding another data point / observation, I had the shudder issue yesterday while in Drive. One of my kids opened the door, and sure enough, when they closed it the transmission started shuddering. So my transmission does this in both Park and Drive. I really wish I could figure out the root cause.

Anyone have any theories so far? I saw one post where someone thought it was the electric steering rack causing the issue, but I'm 99% sure it's being caused by the transmission given that the energy is dissipating throughout the chassis.

 

[MRankin]

My shudder has not happened in a long while so I have not been able to take note of a door opening triggering it. Seems when I am stopped with foot on brake and simply put from drive into park is when my shudder occurs.

 

[texsn95]

Is this the same shudder you get when you're rolling both windows up, they both hit the top at the same time and the rpms drop by a few 100?

 

[peterk9]

Is this the same shudder you get when you're rolling both windows up, they both hit the top at the same time and the rpms drop by a few 100?

That certainly isn't normal.

Peter

 

[ncsuengineer256]

Is this the same shudder you get when you're rolling both windows up, they both hit the top at the same time and the rpms drop by a few 100?

I would venture that the RPM drop is related to an increased current draw by the window motors. The alternator tries to compensate and you experience a transient dip in RPMs. Just my theory.

However, that doesn't seem to be the same shudder that most folks have been talking about in this thread. It's more violent and seems to be caused by the transmission.

 

[texsn95]

Right, and it's done something similar when turning the headlights on. I'm surprised there's any fluctuation with a 205amp alternator. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[albrobocop]

Did you ever get this problem fixed, I'm in the same boat and the dealership seems clueless

Did anyone ever find out about this issue? One day I was trying to find the source of the vibration/shudder and I grabbed the passenger tie rod and felt a vibration. I pulled on it slightly and it stopped the vibration. It is coming from the center of the vehicle somewhere but everything feels tight?

 

[Turdle]

Will this generation explorer drive or reverse with the door open? I think the transmission might switch to safe lock mode with a door open. Might explain a sensation when it closes.

 

[peterk9]

Will this generation explorer drive or reverse with the door open? I think the transmission might switch to safe lock mode with a door open. Might explain a sensation when it closes.

I backed my Explorers up with the door open and also with the 2020 Aviator.

Peter