Explorer 4x4 / winter drive
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Joined: Oct 2003
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Explorer 4x4 / winter drive
I have a 2003 explorer 4x4, and I had a question about the 4x4 system. It has auto hubs (i.e. a "4x4 Auto" mode), and I have never had these before, and I am uncertain how they are supposed to act. I was driving home from work today (we had a minor snowstorm today) and when I was pulling up into my driveway (about 2" of snow), and my rear wheels slipped several times on the snow. What concerns me is I think the auto hubs were messing up, but I have no experience with them.
The problem I encountered was that, when my rear tires would slip momentairly (i.e. no spinning), the car would jerk and a loud thumping would issue from the front. During this time the 4x4 never actually engaged (no light on the dash, etc.) I also had some of this behavior while accelerating from a stop (though to be honest I was being a bit agressive (trying ot make the wheels slip), since I wanted to see how the explorer/auto hubs would do.
Do I have a problem with my auto hubs, or is this "normal"? If I know i might slip, should I just put it in 4x4 high? If so, I guess you could say I really don't understand the purpose of the auto hubs in general. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks,
MilesTeg
The problem I encountered was that, when my rear tires would slip momentairly (i.e. no spinning), the car would jerk and a loud thumping would issue from the front. During this time the 4x4 never actually engaged (no light on the dash, etc.) I also had some of this behavior while accelerating from a stop (though to be honest I was being a bit agressive (trying ot make the wheels slip), since I wanted to see how the explorer/auto hubs would do.
Do I have a problem with my auto hubs, or is this "normal"? If I know i might slip, should I just put it in 4x4 high? If so, I guess you could say I really don't understand the purpose of the auto hubs in general. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks,
MilesTeg
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
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I am not an expert and there are many on these boards who are more qualified. That being said, my explorer would do the same thing in sand. Sounds to me like things are working normally. When the 4x4 system is in "auto" mode, it keeps the hubs locked, but not engaged, which does not supply power to the front wheels. It will supply power to the front wheels when the computer "senses" a certain amount of traction loss at the rear wheels. (I think it used to be 30% but I am not certain on that). I believe the thumping you were hearing is the hubs engaging and starting to turn. I would recommend switching to 4x4 hi if you encounter these type of "slips" frequently to reduce wear on moving parts. If I am all wrong, hopefully those more knowledgeable will correct and forgive me for taking a stab.
