97 Eddie Bauer AWD

[FX4 Matt]

I picked up a 97 expedition 5.4 135k on it runs nice the only problem I have is while I have it in the AWD mode starting from a dead stop when I start to accelerate the whole truck shakes like hell. It only will do it in the AWD Setting all other 4x4 settings work fine.
I'm new to the expedition world I sold my 05 F150 lariat supercharged. Some of you may have seen my name on the f150 forums .

Thanks for any info in advance.

 

[ArtGamer60]

Hopefully ? when you are switching it into 4x4 mode ? you are doing it off road ( dirt ) otherwise ? on asphalt ? it causes torque wind up ( need limited slip ) on the asphalt , etc ... surface ) or get ready for catastrophic drive line failure . thought that I would mention this to start with .

 

[Jeff532003]

I'm assuming you have it in the a4wd mode which is automatic four wheel drive not all wheel drive. It engages the 4x4 system when it senses that the truck has lost traction and unlike the previous advice you got it can be used on asphalt as it only engages when it senses slip. The whole point of this mode is to be used on asphalt in less than ideal conditions. That said I'm not an expert on how it works as I am new to the Ford world. I'm guessing it uses the ABS sensor to detect when I wheel looses traction and engages the 4wd. If not then there is a sensor in the drivetrain that must monitor this. I'd guess that your problem lies with that sensor as it sounds like your 4wd is fully engaged when in the a4wd mode. Unless of course your putting it in 4H. Then it's your bad as the poster above stated as full time 4wd is only for off road deep snow conditions.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

can you hear the solenoid operating when you shift between the different modes?
sometimes it takes a second person to listen, from a safe distance & stance of course, while the rotational knob is turned due to engine noise.

does the light indicator on the dash, any mode, flash indicating a poss fault?

+1 on sensor/vacuum line perhaps.

PanHandler.

 

[ArtGamer60]

Ford doesn't recommend running in 4WD on asphalt , it is right in my manual , and Jeff ( a ford mechanic of 22 years ) a friend of mine told me the same thing , you can do it on a roll 10 mph and under , ( normal , it will clunk a little bit )
its your truck , you can do what you want .

 

[Jeff532003]

Ford doesn't recommend running in 4WD on asphalt , it is right in my manual , and Jeff ( a ford mechanic of 22 years ) a friend of mine told me the same thing , you can do it on a roll 10 mph and under , ( normal , it will clunk a little bit )
its your truck , you can do what you want .

That would be standard 4wd. Read your manual under the part about a4wd or do a search in this board for it. In my hunt for expedition knowledge I've found a lot of threads about it. I agree with you that I would not reccomened someone drive with it on when on clear roads but irregardless the truck should not be hopping and skipping on dry pavement if its actually in a4wd. It would only do that in normal 4H or 4L. Its actually supposed to only be in 2wd in a4wd. The transfer case is engaged but the hubs are not locked until the computer detects slippage of the rear wheels.
I apologize if I made it seem like you didn't know what you were talking about as the was not my intention. Just sharing knowledge on how I understand the system to be used.

 

[ArtGamer60]

I could be wrong , wouldn't be the first time ? It states Do not use 4WD on dry , hard surfaced roads except models equipped with Auto 4Wd or AWD This may damage drive lines and axles ? It also states that in normal AWD mode ? It is like 2WD , and as traction is lost at the rear wheels , it will automatically transfer torque to the front wheels up to 100% ? are they talking about normal operation ? which is limited slip as compared to 50/50 in 4x4 ?

It is my understanding that Auto AWD is the running mode on the street ?

 

[ArtGamer60]

The reason that I am asking ? It is also my understanding that the rear axle runs at a different speed than the front ? this makes sense from what I have read ( if there is no give ) would cause torque wind up , they work against each other ? I will just keep playing it safe from a stop , off road .

 

[FX4 Matt]

Thanks for some information I don't test any 4x4 on paved road. Another test in the snow today and I got the AWD light to flash at me. I guess I'll check the vacuum lines? Its just strange can hear the hubs lock in and out from 4h to 4l.

 

[ArtGamer60]

I just thought that for GP I would add this :

 

[toms89]

The reason that I am asking ? It is also my understanding that the rear axle runs at a different speed than the front ? this makes sense from what I have read ( if there is no give ) would cause torque wind up , they work against each other ? I will just keep playing it safe from a stop , off road .

The front and rear gears run the same ratio. Even in 4 low it runs the lower ratio to all 4 tires. The problem lie when you try and turn or if the front and rear tires are worn differently.

 

[ArtGamer60]

The front and rear gears run the same ratio. Even in 4 low it runs the lower ratio to all 4 tires. The problem lie when you try and turn or if the front and rear tires are worn differently.

Point taken ...

 

[toms89]

I picked up a 97 expedition 5.4 135k on it runs nice the only problem I have is while I have it in the AWD mode starting from a dead stop when I start to accelerate the whole truck shakes like hell. It only will do it in the AWD Setting all other 4x4 settings work fine.
I'm new to the expedition world I sold my 05 F150 lariat supercharged. Some of you may have seen my name on the f150 forums .

Thanks for any info in advance.

Are you tires identical in size?? If yes then there is an issue with the A4wd. It is trying to engage when it should not assuming you are on dry pavement accelerating at a normal pace.

 

[FX4 Matt]

All tires are the same size. Could it be the transfer case motor? I don't want to shotgun parts but im just gonna avoid that setting.

 

[toms89]

All tires are the same size. Could it be the transfer case motor? I don't want to shotgun parts but im just gonna avoid that setting.

I am guessing its either a sensor or the gem module itself which controls the A4wd. The fact that it is attempting to engage A4wd while there is no slip is the issue. Since you say it works in 4wd makes me believe the transfer case is working.

 

[mindgame]

The front and rear gears run the same ratio. Even in 4 low it runs the lower ratio to all 4 tires. The problem lie when you try and turn or if the front and rear tires are worn differently.

+1 to Tom.. I also agree to this statement..

I always test from 2WD to AWD to 4WD on dirt INCLUDING pavement, without issues... Providing... it's a straight road... I even test 4Lo on the pavement, for a short distance, providing it is once again... A straight road..

 

[mindgame]

Have you tried changing the IWE Solenoid? Might help.. If not.. You may want to check/replace the ABS/Speed sensors on each wheel hub ..

 

[toms89]

Have you tried changing the IWE Solenoid? Might help.. If not.. You may want to check/replace the ABS/Speed sensors on each wheel hub ..

97 has center axle disconnect. No IWE's

My 2000 has neither..


I believe 97-98 had center axle disconnect. 1999-2002 had neither, front drivetrain always spins with movement of the vehicle. (Of course no power is applied unless the TC clutch is engaged) . 2003 and up have IWE's.

 

[mindgame]

97 has center axle disconnect. No IWE's

My 2000 has neither..


I believe 97-98 had center axle disconnect. 1999-2002 had neither, front drivetrain always spins with movement of the vehicle. (Of course no power is applied unless the TC clutch is engaged) . 2003 and up have IWE's.

Oppps... Sowwee

 

[alaskanexpy]

****** me off my A4wd setting quit working this fall, pretty sure its a HALL sensor in the t-case.

that being said i run 4x4 in alot of situations you guys would freak at. mainly due to black ice..ect its the worst in fall/spring when the roads start melting during the day but shaded spots,side roads..ect ect are snow/ice covered. the A4wd setting was great for this. i gotta get this fixed some time.