Possible AWD issues??

[derick82]

Hello guys,

I am new to owning a Ford vehicle so I'm not as well versed on these as you guys are. I am having a problem with the front end on my 2002 Explorer XLT. When driving on the expressway mostly it feels almost like the AWD is trying to engage and disengage itself while driving? I will be driving and the front end gets kinda "Jumpy/Jerky". Kinda feels like something is trying to engage/disengage. It shifts in and out of 4 low and 4 high when stopped so I don't think it's the control module. Does anyone know if I can unplug the control module and take it for a drive to see if it helps, essentially disabling the AWD? It is an odd feeling so it's hard to describe, but any thoughts or insight would be helpful. Thanks a lot!

 

[Exproblems]

Hello guys,

I am having a problem with the front end on my 2002 Explorer XLT. When driving on the expressway mostly it feels almost like the AWD is trying to engage and disengage itself while driving? I will be driving and the front end gets kinda "Jumpy/Jerky". Kinda feels like something is trying to engage/disengage. !

Check the size, tread and wear on your tires. If one of them is worn down more than the other or you have a tire of a different size from the rest, your auto 4x4 sounds like it is trying to engage. When the system sense any kind of wheel slippage, it trys to engage 4x4 temporarily. Nothing to worry about, but you'll have to get 4 tires of the same size and tread wear. According to info I found on this web site, pulling fuses #17 & #18 will disengage the auto 4x4 system till you can correct any tire issue you may have.

 

[derick82]

Check the size, tread and wear on your tires. If one of them is worn down more than the other or you have a tire of a different size from the rest, your auto 4x4 sounds like it is trying to engage. When the system sense any kind of wheel slippage, it trys to engage 4x4 temporarily. Nothing to worry about, but you'll have to get 4 tires of the same size and tread wear. According to info I found on this web site, pulling fuses #17 & #18 will disengage the auto 4x4 system till you can correct any tire issue you may have.

This was the problem! The previous owner put larger than stock tires on the truck and I recently replaced the two front tires with the factory size tire, leaving the rear two tires a different size. I pulled the two fuses and took it for a test drive and no more problems. This HAS to be the issue, because it didn't start until I changed those tires. I am not very familiar with an AWD system, and had NO idea such a small change could make such a big difference. Looks like i'm buying 2 more tires next payday. Thanks for the quick reply!!!!

 

[Exproblems]

. Looks like i'm buying 2 more tires next payday. Thanks for the quick reply!!!!

No problem, glad it was a simple fix.