We just bought my wife a 2006 Explorer Eddie Bauer. It seems to be acting funny. When you first fire it up and start driving in 2wd, all is well. Whenever you get the slightest bit of wheel spin....often times even just hitting the gas while in a sharper turn, or hitting sharp bumps under hard accelleration, you feel the "auto" 4X4 engage. You can hear it and feel it. However then it doesn't disengage until the next time you shut the truck off, or, you hit the 4-hi button (remember, it's already in 4X4 at this point, having automatically engaged) and then turn it off by hitting the "auto 4X4" button.


It's annoying as hell and I assume not so great for the drivetrain or the gas mileage. You feel it "tugging" on the steering wheel when you step on and/or let up on the gas like a fwd car, and can hear the "whine" sound of the front driveline. It fights you a bit when you turn, just like a truck with a traditional transfer case/4X4 system when it's in 4X4.

 

We had a explorer and the 4x4 system sucked big time, kept slipping in and out of 4x4 and took out the tranny during the winter. We now have a 06 4 runner real n ice 4x4. Get rid of it while you have a chance.

 

X2!! We traded ours for a 4runner as well.

Exploders are nice when they are running well but when problems arise they are horrible. I kept my 04 for 6 months and it was in the shop for 2 of those months. The drivetrain system is plagued with problems. If you stay in yours, best of luck to you.

 

Nevermind these Jap lovers.... (even though I have an FJ Cruiser & love it!!)

Go check out http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/ - I've received alot of good info for my wifes 02 Explorer XLT....

Good Luck!!!