Rear differential out?
Asked by femaledriver Feb 22, 2015 at 04:38 PM about the 2008 Ford Escape XLT AWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I have a 2008 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4 cyl. I have noticed when at a stop light upon
acceleration it feels/sounds like my rear tires have no traction like bald tires. My tires are
fine. Today in about 5" of snow I pretty much got stuck. Front tires were spinning but rears
were not. I am guessing a problem with my rear differential??? What kind of repair am I
looking at?
4 Answers
Are you sure your Escape is AWD?
Check the lubricant in the rear differential. Also check the fluid level in the transfer case.
femaledriver answered 9 years ago
It says 4 Wheel Drive on the back but there is no switch or locking it in so I believe it to be AWD. After further investigation I believe this has been an ongoing issue for some time and quite possibly has been stuck in 4 wheel drive. Poor gas mileage for being a 4 cyl, strange noise/feeling in the front during sharp turns like a tire is rubbing, the slipping/traction issue from a dead stop I described above, alignment/pulling issues... etc. I have had no indicator lights on the dash come on pertaining to 4 wheel drive like I have read others experience but would I if AWD? I have an appointment tomorrow at a transmission shop. I am not confident about this and I will never again own an AWD vehicle and quite possibly a Ford. If I can't control when in 4 wheel drive or even know when it is in 4 wheel then I don't want it. I am guessing checking either of your suggestions is not something I can do myself.
femaledriver answered 9 years ago
Also this vehicle had transmission rebuilt under warranty at like 25k miles by ford... My TSB owner nightmare continues.
