AWD System
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2003
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AWD System
Hi I have a 92 XLT AWD Aerostar that I just aquired. Not sure if that was wise but anyway it needs some front end work and springs in the rear. I know nothing about these things but price was right I Think!. How can I check the AWD system to make sure it is working? I don't want to spin it as things are old and questionable. That being said it seems like a nice van. I think changing plugs could be exciting. Anything else I should do for a tune up? Any advice would certainly be apprieciated.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: cincinnati hamilton
we need to know engine size and miles on the vehicle. if its awd i'd guess its a 4.0 litre v-6. and a 92 probably has some healthy miles on it.
your first bet is plugs and wires. they must go especially if never changed before. be prepared the back two plugs on either size v-6 (3.0 or 4.0 )are buggers. they usually necessitate taking off the wheel, and use of a flex socket. (search froums under sparkplugs). all vacume hoses need a look-see. on from there would be fuel filter, egr valve if equipped. lots of good advice on this forum. good luck
rick 91 xl ext 191,450 miles
your first bet is plugs and wires. they must go especially if never changed before. be prepared the back two plugs on either size v-6 (3.0 or 4.0 )are buggers. they usually necessitate taking off the wheel, and use of a flex socket. (search froums under sparkplugs). all vacume hoses need a look-see. on from there would be fuel filter, egr valve if equipped. lots of good advice on this forum. good luck
rick 91 xl ext 191,450 miles
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2003
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Yes it is a four litre engine, with almost 300,000 klm (187500mi)
I gather from this forum it is a long wheelbase and maybe one of the top models. It has captain chairs and radio controls in the back. Anyway near perfect inside and outside just needs rocker panels. Got it for 500 bucks so kinda wondering if worth repairing the front end. Don't want to get myself into lots of trouble here with a mechanical nightmare, but she starts and runs perfect. But not sure how to test the AWD system to see if it is working.
I gather from this forum it is a long wheelbase and maybe one of the top models. It has captain chairs and radio controls in the back. Anyway near perfect inside and outside just needs rocker panels. Got it for 500 bucks so kinda wondering if worth repairing the front end. Don't want to get myself into lots of trouble here with a mechanical nightmare, but she starts and runs perfect. But not sure how to test the AWD system to see if it is working.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
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The E-4WD system is electronically monitored and activated. As such, there is no convenient method to test it for the home mechanic. The Ford garage can put a break out test harness on the system to verify operation if you are curious or you could find a muddy road and disconnect the controller under the drivers' seat and see the difference. Generally speaking, the system is fairly trouble free so unless you hear strange noises expect it to be functional. (The system is very smooth and you cannot really feel it engage/disengage.)
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
I did a simple test with mine; I jacked up both ends of the car and ran it in gear at low speeds to watch all 4 wheels turn. With no load on the engine, its idle speed will run the wheels at about 20 mph. Make sure you apply the brakes to bring everything to a full stop before putting the transmission back to "PARK", or the parking pawls will get ground up.
While you have it off the ground, it's a good time to check how the limited slip differential is doing in the rear. With the transmission in "PARK", try to turn one of the rear wheels. Ford's spec is about 40 lb-ft of break-away torque, but it's hard to measure that without a jig bolted to the wheel studs. If you can easily turn the wheel by hand, the clutches are probably worn, and you have effectively an open differential. (The front is open, so you should be able to turn one wheel and watch the other turn in the other direction.)
While you have it off the ground, it's a good time to check how the limited slip differential is doing in the rear. With the transmission in "PARK", try to turn one of the rear wheels. Ford's spec is about 40 lb-ft of break-away torque, but it's hard to measure that without a jig bolted to the wheel studs. If you can easily turn the wheel by hand, the clutches are probably worn, and you have effectively an open differential. (The front is open, so you should be able to turn one wheel and watch the other turn in the other direction.)
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