Hi all,
I am looking at buying a 2005 era Explorer. I am seeing something called "AdvanceTrac" on these vehicles and I don't know what that is. Is it the same thing as the AWD (Automatic 4WD) that my 2005 Expedition has? The AWD in my Expedition just senses when the front axle is spinning at a different rate than the rear axle and automatically kicks in the 4WD. It is not All Wheel Drive. Can someone help explain what AdvanceTrac is?
Thanks,
Carl.

 

The system in your Expedition sounds like ControlTrac 4WD rather than AWD. AWD generally means there is a viscous coupling unit and center differential which will allow the front and rear axles to turn at different rates, whereas 4WD generally locks the front axle to the rear axle.

The AdvanceTrac system is one of Ford's terms for stability control. I'm not sure how it differs from the newer RSC system. I think the RSC also adds algorithms specifically for roll control to more effectively keep the shiny side up. AdvanceTrac will apply brakes and reduce throttle based on braking aggressiveness, steering angle, and feedback from various accelerometers/G sensors in the vehicle.

-Rod