First time in snow...and some questions...

[whoathere]

Well, it is currently snowing out, and has been for like 5 hours. About 3 inches have fallen over northern IL today. This is my first test in the weather to see how the X responds. Now, I only have a 2 wheel drive, OHV explorer, so I was a little nervous....that went away quickly. I am pretty amazed at how well it handles the snow. I have no problems stopping, at all, turning is just fine, I don't lose the backend unless I try, and no problems getting her going from a stop. I am thrilled to say the least, after having a trans am for a few years, I know what its like to have a vehicle that sucks in the weather.

Onto the questions....a few things I did notice. I have never had a vehicle with ABS, and since its a 2000, I'm pretty sure its got ABS. When I slam on the brakes, trying to cause them to lock up, the pedal will go down to a certain point, and stops, when the tires lose tractions, the pedal goes further and makes this clicking type action. Is this how the brakes are supposed to work?

Another thing is that if i spin the tires, or if i'm doing a donut or something, but anytime the rear wheels lose traction, for a period of time I assume, I hear this kind of humming noise...can't really tell where exactly its coming from, but it lasts for like 5 seconds, maybe longer, and then stops. Anybody got any idea what that is?

 

[wired_af]

Yes that is your ABS doing its job. Not sure about the humming.

 

[CowboyPenner]

I've had my Explorer in the snow twice in the last few weeks, snow covered roads with few tire tracks and 6-8 inches deep, and I'm really impressed with how it handles. I have ABS as I'm sure most do and it's 4WD with the Auto-Trac feature. Previously I had a '95 Geo Tracker with 4WD and it was scary sometimes how it handled in the snow. Last night I came home from the bar and as I neared my place a snowstorm suddenly developed which is typical 'cause I live in a snowbelt area. 4km from my house is stretch of road that has a steep downhill.....10% grade....and then up the other side. My ABS worked like a charm and I was able to maintain control going down and the Auto-Trac kept me moving in a nice straight line up the other side. I even tried doing dougnuts in the firehall parking lot to no avail....I couldn't get it fishtail or spinout...unless I REALLY tried and then it was only minimal. My X is super in the snow!!

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

i'm very surprised at how my 92 handles the snow in 2wd.

just get some good tires and a little weight in the back wouldn't hurt.
just pick up a few bags of tube-sand.

 

[BuzzisCrazy2]

Keep it to the wood.............

Buzz

 

[mcG]

thats funny, i had a 97 sport and i just got an 02 transam.

the ex was great in the snow, i dont think 4x4 even kicked in last year when i drove 3 hours through a blizzard since i had some new A/T tires on there.

 

[410Fortune]

low tire pressure works wonders for a 2wd in tne slippery stuff.

 

[whoathere]

The humming noise that I was experiencing, almost sounded like an air ride adjustment on a cadillac. It only lasts for a few seconds and then stops, and it only happens when i lose traction for a few seconds. I just found it kind of odd.