I have been running an '03 Eddie Bauer explorer for the past few weeks now and every once in a while it gives me what seems like a confused moment where it shifts but pulsates the clutches resulting in a drivetrain shudder.

- Vehicle has no traction control
- No ABS lights or O/D lights flashing
- Really only shudders on a slight incline with a steady acceleration.
- Only does it in 2nd and 3rd gear, I thought it did it in fourth but I backed out of the throttle before it shifted.
- When the gear selector is placed in 1, 2 or 3 it doesnt seem to do it.
- Mechanically the clutches are strong because they held perfectly on many full throttle pulls.
- With it being a new to me vehicle and the mileage that is on it (85,000) I had a flush and fill performed on it. The symptoms were there before and after the flush too.

A close friend works at the local dealership and he ran the warranty history. Apparently there is a TSB out for the 4x4 module. The symptom is a driveline shudder in 2nd/3rd gear with a load on the vehicle. Warranty repairs on the vehicle did not show a module replacement.

My question is if there is anyone out there that has experienced this? The module is almost $400(Cdn) up here and there are no returns on electrical parts ( No surprise there)

Any help would be appreciated, Thanks

 

Your description is a dead on match to TSB 05-21-4. Before you change the 4X4CM though, put the Ex on a lift and carefully measure the circumference of all 4 tires. I have read that as little as 1/4" difference is too much and can cause the module to 'pulse' the t-case clutch.

If the tires are okay then you can confirm the module is the problem by temporarily disconnecting it to see if the problem goes away. You can either pull power fuses 17 and 18 or pull the 2 connectors off the module to disconnect it.

If you decide to change the module you should check with the sponsors linked on the left here. Send them an email to see what they want for the module and if they will ship to Canada. Include your VIN in your email. You can easily put a new module in by yourself. Post back here and let us know what you find out, and if you want tips on changing the module.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the fast reply. As a matter of fact I am running BF Goodrich Ruggedtrail (not by choice mind you as they are poor rain tires compared to the Michelin LTX's, NO water sipes on the side lugs!!Hydroplanes like a catamaran)

Back on the subject...... After purchasing the Explorer I noticed that there is a matching BRAND NEW BFG on the right front and to be honest I had my concerns that I should inquire into this. It wouldnt help by moving it to the back? I have access to a stagger gauge from my racing buddies so matching up the tire circumference wont be a problem, I'll let you know

Thanks again

 

You can try rotating the newer tire to the back and see what happens - you might get away with it there. Also, I reread your first post and realized you were likely talking about the tranny being flushed. I suggest you drain the t-case and put in fresh ATF. That might also help the shudder you are getting. Let us know what you do.

 

Good News, Swapped the right front with the right rear (they seemed to make the best match based off of tread wear). Did this on Saturday and took it for a test drive, not a hitch!!

Went to work today and it passed the toll booth roll on test that previously resulted in the shudder.

It appears that if there is too much stagger across the front of the Explorer it interprets what it thinks is a traction problem thus engaging the T-case.

With the newer tire on the rear the computer must not base any wheel speed deviation as a traction problem otherwise it would be engaging 4wd when navigating a tight slow speed turn. This is of course in my opinion.

Thanks for the info!! I'll try to return the favour when the time comes.