how to tell if it is a awd

Asked by Swtnnice Jul 03, 2008 at 04:06 PM about the 1998 Ford Explorer

Question type: General

I just bought an explorer last night and can't figure out if it is awd or not.. is there a way I can tell

17 Answers

95

A few ways I know are to start with the simple tests. Look on the dash for the drive selector. Does it have a button for 2WD or not. Plus check under the SUV for the front driveshaft. If you are still having problems you could go to a small mudhole or puddle and floor it and see if all 4 wheels pull. Another simple way would be to get the VIN and call Ford Parts dept. and ask them. You can get a lot of info off your VIN.

6 people found this helpful.
1,045

look under the hood. some awd or 4wd vehicles have a warning sticker that says something to the effect of "caution this vehicle is all wheel drive, dont put on two wheel dyno." i know chevy does this but not sure about ford. i think they would because that is their safety from getting sued. sorry if this doesnt help.

4 people found this helpful.
105

the simplest way look under the truck in the middle if you see a transfer case its a 4x4

8 people found this helpful.
180

Simplest Way if you know what an Axle Shaft is, is to turn the steering wheel to the left, go to the left front wheel and look into it and see if you see a axle shaft going from the Engine/transfer case to the left front spindle/wheel it has boots on both ends. but it should be AWD/4WD. Goodluck!

6 people found this helpful.
115

Go to Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com), go to the "research and explore" tab, plug in your model number and it should tell you under the technical specs.

4 people found this helpful.
415

its gotta hav a switch or a stick cuz ford dosent make posi trac four wheel drive

1 people found this helpful.
1,995

If your 4-wheel drive selector has an "auto" setting the vehicle is AWD. If the the selector has a 2wd setting, your vehicle is a 4x4. And if you don't have a selector then vehicle is only RWD.

37 people found this helpful.
65

there will also be a sticker or logo for 4x4 on the back

3 people found this helpful.
2,845

Eric. Ford Explorers do come in the option of All Wheel Drive. I've drove one before. Some of the ways you can tell, look under the vehicle, see if there is a driveshaft going to the front, or if there is a switch in the dash, or look for a transfer case. It could also be an electronic 4wd like Fords 1980 models Aerostar.

4 people found this helpful.
175

Ford explorers do come in awd I have a 04 Eddie Bauer.. there is no switch for 4WD. But in the snow the truck automatically ingauges the AWD system and goes great in snow or mud..

16 people found this helpful.
230

To all those who say that Ford Explorers dont have AWD or has to have a stick or switch are completely wrong.I have a 1996 Ford Explorer that is AWD all the time and it evens says so on the truck that it is AWD and also when ordering parts are the different kinds of engines and package.All Explorers AWD are the V8 5.0 engines.I cant believe all yall dont know this.

23 people found this helpful.
20

Actually, Everyone is kinda correct but some are wrong, especially the ones that say Ford Explorers aren't All Wheel Drive. Sorry, but Ford Explorer's do have some AWD such as mine. TheTranny had to be rebuilt and I just got it back yesterday. I've had this car for maybe six months. For beginners the Tranny is up front like front wheel drive with, of course CV Joints, then in the rear there is a drive shaft that runs to a gear box and CV joints come out of the box and to the rear wheels, it shocked me. I always thought it was Rear wheel drive, but the tranny guy said this is the second one he has seen like this and its a 2006

2 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2012 ford explore xlt 4x4 does it have a v8 or v6

1 people found this helpful.
10

I got a 96 ford explorer, and this fucking apt, tow truck driver towed my shit and did not use a roll back next day my vehicle started pouring out fluid ect.. from some goddamn wear, I mean it profusely came out and I hadn't even looked under there yet I checked the dip stick notta. I a qt on me so i added it just so I could get it off the side of the road and park it at a grocery store

1 people found this helpful.
20

We have a 96 Ford Explorer and a 98 Ford Explorer..:) The 96 is a rear wheel drive with available 4X4 Whenever you want - just turn the switch on the dash..It Has 4X4 LOW; where you MUST STOP; and Put in neutral to engage...It ALL works Well... The 98 IS an ALL WHEEL DRIVE; On the dash is an auto - high - and Low Switch.. The transfer cases and the electric FLIP OVER SWITCH inside of each of these IS DIFFERENT.. SO; get familiar with your vehicle !..;)

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Explorer

Looking for a Used Explorer in your area?

CarGurus has 2,022 nationwide Explorer listings starting at $3,333.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    30,840
  • #2
    TransAm77
    Reputation
    7,790
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    7,280
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
346 Great Deals out of 13,355 listings starting at $3,000
Used Ford Expedition
21 Great Deals out of 654 listings starting at $5,650
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
115 Great Deals out of 3,535 listings starting at $4,950
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
12 Great Deals out of 841 listings starting at $698
Used Dodge Durango
54 Great Deals out of 1,902 listings starting at $6,987
Used Toyota 4Runner
25 Great Deals out of 528 listings starting at $7,990
Used GMC Yukon
19 Great Deals out of 953 listings starting at $5,998
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
198 Great Deals out of 8,239 listings starting at $6,995
Used Nissan Pathfinder
34 Great Deals out of 1,681 listings starting at $380

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.