2015 Expedition EL - Shutter/vibrate at 45-80 mph during acceleration

[Chuck_A-19]

I had to take a road trip this past weekend and my 2015 EX EL (82,000 OD) started to shutter/vibrate briefly (while on cruise) each time it needed to increase speed. The shutter/vibration lasted for just a second each time. I took it off of cruise and it continued to do it. For a 600 mile drive boy was it annoying. I'm curious what I should be looking at or how to get this fixed. Does this sound like a misfire or something worse?

Thanks
Chuck

 

[Trainmaster]

Misfire, wheel balance, bad tire, universal joint... Probably one of those.

When were the plugs last changed? Look for pending codes with a good quality code reader.

Does the vibration clear up at higher speed? If it does, I'd check the wheel balance. Switch tires front to back and see if it changes.

If the spark plugs were never changed in 82K miles, I'd start there.

Good luck and welcome here!

 

[Chuck_A-19]

Thanks @Trainmaster. I don't think it's the tires, they were recently rotated/balanced. The shutter/vibration feels more like it's coming from the engine area and I feel it in the pedals. Again, it only last a second and only happens when acceleration is needed. Not sure the plugs have ever been changed actually. Supposed to be 100k plugs, but they probably need changing.

 

[Timo2824]

My Transit with the 3.5 eco started randomly throwing a check engine light that would go back off after 3-4 restarts and rough idle after driving, especially if I never got above 3,000 rpm. it started after ~70,00 miles, I did the intercooler weep hole back in May and haven't had a single check engine light since. Occasionally there is still a bit of rough idle, but it's what I would consider normal v6 sputter.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I had to take a road trip this past weekend and my 2015 EX EL (82,000 OD) started to shutter/vibrate briefly (while on cruise) each time it needed to increase speed. The shutter/vibration lasted for just a second each time. I took it off of cruise and it continued to do it. For a 600 mile drive boy was it annoying. I'm curious what I should be looking at or how to get this fixed. Does this sound like a misfire or something worse?

Thanks
Chuck

I have a 2015 Expedition Limited 4x4, purchased new. The transmission fluid and filter was changed at the dealer at 75,*** miles (not a flush). I have never towed with the vehicle - strictly passenger use.

At 91,*** miles - the vehicle began to shudder when I began to accelerate (while moving). Gentle acceleration - no “flooring” of the accelerator pedal.

I made an appointment at the dealer, which took 8 days for the first available. While the technician was driving the vehicle for an inspection, the transmission failed. He said their were numerous stored failure codes.

All of the issues began when the transmission began to shudder. It was intermittent and occurred at different speeds and roadway condition (level, uphill, etc.).

The technician also stated there was a stored trouble code for a #2 cylinder misfire - caused by a defective ignition coil (although there was no check-engine light on, or flashing).

I had replaced the original plugs at 45,*** miles. They were black and burnt, although I use top-tier fuel. I had the dealer replace the plugs again when they rebuilt the transmission. They also replaced the one bad coil.

I have a Ford Premium Extended Care service contract. The dealer initially told me they would replace the transmission with a new one as it was defective - but then Ford’s warranty department required them to rebuild the transmission instead of replacing it.

The repair took 51 days after the failure was diagnosed. The Ford parts system was unable or unwilling to provide the necessary parts in a timely manner to the dealer for repair.

Good luck.

 

[justinp16ex]

Could be a simple misfire, mine was bucking pretty good when I was in the mountains out west. I was finally able to get a code when I was towing my camper up grade around home. Cylinder one miss, ceramic was cracked on the plug.

 

[LokiWolf]

Plugs! That is all. Hopefully it is not the trans. The trans in the 15-17's is pretty solid.

You SHOULD NEVER go 100K for plugs in any EcoBoost or Turbo motor for that matter. Shouldn't even go 50K. I recommend 30K.

 

[drbr0b0tnik]

Changes the plugs. My last trip out to San Diego proved how bad the plugs were. Especially going through the hills on the edge of San Diego county. Mine actually threw the code for misfire, but not always. They plugs weren’t the original (truck had about 85-90k when this happened), so I changed them and haven’t had a problem since. The gaps on the old plugs were insane from wear.

 

[Chuck_A-19]

Changes the plugs. My last trip out to San Diego proved how bad the plugs were. Especially going through the hills on the edge of San Diego county. Mine actually threw the code for misfire, but not always. They plugs weren’t the original (truck had about 85-90k when this happened), so I changed them and haven’t had a problem since. The gaps on the old plugs were insane from wear.

Thanks, having a full blown tune up now, so I will report back in a couple of weeks after getting back from my trip.

 

[Chuck_A-19]

Plugs! That is all. Hopefully it is not the trans. The trans in the 15-17's is pretty solid.

You SHOULD NEVER go 100K for plugs in any EcoBoost or Turbo motor for that matter. Shouldn't even go 50K. I recommend 30K.

Thanks, having a full blown tune up now, so I will report back in a couple of weeks after getting back from my trip.

 

[Chuck_A-19]

Could be a simple misfire, mine was bucking pretty good when I was in the mountains out west. I was finally able to get a code when I was towing my camper up grade around home. Cylinder one miss, ceramic was cracked on the plug.

Thanks, having a full blown tune up now, so I will report back in a couple of weeks after getting back from my trip.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Thanks, having a full blown tune up now, so I will report back in a couple of weeks after getting back from my trip.

One additional description: When my vehicle would begin shuddering on light acceleration, it felt as though I was driving on rumble strips (although I was on paved, smooth roadway).

 

[JasonH]

I've had plug misfires, but they were always under heavy load. I'm wondering if this issue might be related to the torque converter?

 

[LokiWolf]

I've had plug misfires, but they were always under heavy load. I'm wondering if this issue might be related to the torque converter?

If you are having misfires under load, you need to check the gap on your plugs or replace them. If things are right, you should not have a misfire. Alluding to other conversations, was that on 87 or 93?

 

[JasonH]

If you are having misfires under load, you need to check the gap on your plugs or replace them. If things are right, you should not have a misfire. Alluding to other conversations, was that on 87 or 93?

I resolved the issue. The first time around 90K new plugs addressed it. The second time it happened around 130K I had a plug where the gap had widened outside .030. I never checked the plug gap when I originally installed them. Regapping immediately addressed the issue. As I mentioned, the misfires happened when under heavy load. The first time it started happening when I floored the accelerator while towing. The second time it showed up, I could reproduce by flooring it even when not towing. OP said his issue is happening under light throttle and no code? My vehicle threw misfire codes both times.

 

[LokiWolf]

I resolved the issue. The first time around 90K new plugs addressed it. The second time it happened around 130K I had a plug where the gap had widened outside .030. I never checked the plug gap when I originally installed them. Regapping immediately addressed the issue. As I mentioned, the misfires happened when under heavy load. The first time it started happening when I floored the accelerator while towing. The second time it showed up, I could reproduce by flooring it even when not towing. OP said his issue is happening under light throttle and no code? My vehicle threw misfire codes both times.

Thanks, exactly, proving the point. 100K intervals on this motor for plug replacement is a TERRIBLE idea, and they are rough on plugs. Gapping properly, and regularly replacing has MANY positive results in these motors. Also, quality plugs helps, I personally believe that the current model # Ford plug for the 3.5 is a crap plug, and has been proven true many times. Better aftermarket options.

 

[ediddily]

Mine would shutter/vibrate occasionally too awhile back. I thought it was a wheel imbalance too. Noticed a nice big chip off the bead portion of the wheel, replaced the wheel and it still make the vibration. I took a closer look and noticed a nice big greasy mess around the passenger CV axle and the rubber boot gone from the CV. The needle bearings were gone! Replaced the axle and all fixed.

 

[Matt Ostrem]

My 2015 had the same exact symptoms at about 120K. I put a bottle of Shudder Fixx into the trans and it was instantly gone. $8.00 at home fix. 15K miles later and still smooth as silk.

 

[wsmadsen]

Hey Chuck, please post your results if you change plugs. I have identical problem 2015 Limited 4x4. I was told to take to tranny shop but would much rather change plugs !!

 

[15NavigatorTexas]

Thanks, having a full blown tune up now, so I will report back in a couple of weeks after getting back from my trip.

Did the tune up clear the issue? Having this issue on my '15 Navigator.