Drivetrain vibration

2002 FORD EXPLORER

216,700 MILES • 4.0L • 6 CYL • 4WD

BMEF1984

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The vehicle listed above has an automatic transmission with the four auto 4 x 4 low transfer case. When driving down the road in four auto I have a really bad vibration almost feels like a bad u-joint, but if I put it in for high and drive it down the road the vibration disappears. I’m stumped.

Jan 22, 2022 at 2:35 PM

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JACOBANDNICKOLAS

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
110,190 POSTS

Hi,

That is an interesting one. The idea that it happens in automatic 4wd leads me to think the system doesn't know if 4wd is needed. Basically, this is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle until the vehicle speed sensors identify variations between the rear and front wheel speeds.

I have to ask a question. By any chance are the tires different sizes or do you have good and worn tires mixed? I was able to find a technical service bulletin related to a shudder only when in 4wd auto. Take a look at it below and let me know if you feel it fits what you experience.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Jan 22, 2022 at 4:05 PM