Hard slamming when 4WD engages while in "AUTO" mode | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations

  • Register Today It's free!

Hard slamming when 4WD engages while in "AUTO" mode

84FLH

Well-Known Member
Joined
February 14, 2016
Messages
168
Reaction score
25
Year, Model & Trim Level
2000 Mercury Mountaineer
2000 Mountaineer. 320,000 miles. Runs good for it's age.

Thread title says it all. The slamming isn't bone jarring, but close to it and no subtle thing.

If that's not normal, what could be causing it, and what's the fix?

It's been that way since I bought the vehicle almost 7 years ago.

Thanks, everyone.
 






I've never known my Explorers to engage harshly in Auto mode. In fact, it's supposed to be relatively seamless...unless, I suppose, you're really standing on the gas pedal when you hit a spot where more power to the front wheels is needed. The system is designed with a small portion of the drive power (I've read anywhere between 4%-8%) directed to the front axle at all times to soften the transition when more power is called for in slick conditions. In other words, you're never in true 2WD when in AUTO mode like many people mistakenly believe. Hard to believe you've experienced that harsh clunking for 7 yrs without something letting go or seizing. My first inclination would be something going on inside the transfer case.
 






Back
Top