strange vibration
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strange vibration
My daughter has a '91 Explorer that has recently developed a strange vibration. I can't tell if it's coming from the engine or the front end. The weird thing is, the vibration (almost completely) goes away when the cruise control is turned on at speed (60mph). Does this sound familiar to anyone? Could I get some tips/hints on where to begin? My daughter and I thank you in advance.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,808
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
You're going to need to provide more details as to the vibration. Is it there from idle, or does it come on above a certain speed? Is it worse on turns? Even with the cruise on does it get worse when going up inclines? Does it seem speed-related or is it constant? Have you tried swapping tires front to rear or inspected the front end for looseness? When was the last time a tune up was performed?
The first thing I'd suggest doing in a situation like this is inspect for loose parts, make sure the vehicle is safe for your daughter to be driving.
Depending on the answers to the questions above it could be a steering, suspension, driveline, tire, or ignition (misfire/vacuum leak) issue.
-Rod
The first thing I'd suggest doing in a situation like this is inspect for loose parts, make sure the vehicle is safe for your daughter to be driving.
Depending on the answers to the questions above it could be a steering, suspension, driveline, tire, or ignition (misfire/vacuum leak) issue.
-Rod
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more on vibrations
The problem seems to happen when power is applied, in gear. Doesn't seem to happen when in park and revved up, or coasting down a hill in neutral. I'd swear it's a mis-fire, but wouldn't that happen all the time?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,808
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
The problem does sound like a misfire, and no, it wouldn't necessarily happen all the time. If the "misfire" is a vaccum leak it will often be all the time. If the misfire is due to a bad fuel injector it will be there all the time. If the misfire is due to something worn in the ignition system it will often only be noticeable when the system is under load. I'd suggest you start by performing a tune up (plugs, wires, fuel filter, check/replace the air filter, and replace the distributor cap and rotor if your 1991 has one).
There is no "code reader" that comes with the vehicle, but for a 1991 you can access the diagnostic codes using a test light, analog multimeter, or jumper wire and the check engine light. The Auto Repair section of About.com lists the specifics. I've posted the link before in this forum. There are also several other websites that explain how to do it and list out the Lamp Fault Codes as well.
-Rod
There is no "code reader" that comes with the vehicle, but for a 1991 you can access the diagnostic codes using a test light, analog multimeter, or jumper wire and the check engine light. The Auto Repair section of About.com lists the specifics. I've posted the link before in this forum. There are also several other websites that explain how to do it and list out the Lamp Fault Codes as well.
-Rod
