Pinpoint Test N: Vehicle Pulsates Or Shudders In A Straight Line (STRAIGHTLINE Driveline Wind Up)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
When directed to drive the vehicle as part of this test, drive the vehicle on a hard surface in an area without traffic to prevent a crash. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
NOTE:
4H (4X4 HIGH) or 4L (4X4 LOW) is not intended for driving on hard/dry surfaces.
NOTE:
Make sure both CVH dials are in the same position.
- N1 VERIFY THE CONCERN
- Drive the vehicle and shift from 2H to 4H. There should be minimal wind up in 4H mode during straight line maneuvers, (wind up in turns is normal; 4H/4L is not intended for driving on hard/dry surfaces).
- Is excessive wind up present?
- Yes : GO to N2.
- No : RETURN the vehicle to the customer. ADVISE about correct 4WD system operation and normal vehicle behavior.
- N2 CHECK FOR MATCHING WHEEL AND TIRE SIZES
- Check the wheel and tire sizes.
- Do the 4 wheels and tires match?
- Yes : GO to N3.
- No : ADVISE the customer that 4WD systems require 4 matched, correctly inflated and maintained tires to operate correctly.
- N3 CHECK TIRE WEAR
- Check each of the 4 tires for wear.
- Are the 4 tires worn evenly?
- Yes : GO to N4.
- No : ADVISE the customer that 4WD systems require 4 matched, correctly inflated and maintained tires to operate correctly.
- N4 CHECK TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
- Check the inflation pressure in each tire. Refer to Vehicle Certification (VC) label.
- Are the tire inflation pressures correct?
- Yes : GO to N5.
- No : ADJUST the tire pressure as necessary. TEST the vehicle for normal operation. ADVISE the customer that 4WD systems require 4 matched, correctly inflated and maintained tires to operate correctly.
- N5 CHECK THE FRONT AND REAR AXLE RATIOS
- Check that front and rear axle ratios match. Refer to DRIVELINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Do the front and rear axle ratios match?
- Yes : RETURN the vehicle to the customer and ADVISE about correct 4WD system operation and normal vehicle behavior.
- No : CHECK the VC. INSTALL the correct axle(s). REFER to DRIVELINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .