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

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Chuck_A-19

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 !!
 
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