awdpath

There wasn't any hazardous road conditions shown on the winding road. Your memory has failed you.

 

Calling it a On-Demand system is totally incorrect. A 5% increase from moderate to heavy acceleration isn't very much.

 

There's nothing in Workshop Manual as I've shown above and nothing in the owner's either besides not having a temperature sensor in the ATC. Do you have a problem with or don't believe what the manual states? Or just someone that doesn't agree with you?

 

If your Fusion owner's manual mentions anything about the heat protection and /or the dash message center, tell me what page it's on as I'd sure like to read that.

For the winding road part, front to rear torque vectoring was shown.

The rear coupling/RDU does have heat protection according to the 2007 Fusion Workshop Manual. From the Owners Manual, the image of a wrench (Throttle Control/Transmission) " Illuminates when a powertrain or a AWD fault has been detected."

There's No Demand on dry pavement.

I like the vehicle just don't like being duped, maybe you do?

 

If you don't like negative posts about your vehicle or whatever, just don't respond.

Some/you don't, but I and some do appreciate/demand 'dry' pavement torque vectoring. And I like my 'duped' Ford Fusion AWD/4WD the way it is.

I have a 2007 fusion se AWD. I have traction control! Maybe AWD's were first to get it on the fusion. I tend to believe the up to 100% torque to the rear wheels. If you turn off traction control in the snow and nail it. The back end will slide around. Very fun In an empty parking lot. Just like my jeep did in the snow with 4X4 disengaged.

Even though TC ( not Stability Control because it was not available until the release of the 2009 models) was an option for the 2007 FWD models (V6 only?), ABS/TC were standard features incorporated into the AWD system.

The AWD's rear end can still get excited with TC on depending on steering angle, throttle input, road condition, etc.

You got me on that one! Got my engines crossed and thought it came in FWD also.

 

While double checking that I captured the following descprition right from the MKS page.

 

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System This advanced system constantly monitors driver and vehicle input to actively transfer torque to the wheel or wheels with the best traction. The available Intelligent AWD seamlessly responds to conditions, helping keep you on track in all weather so you can drive with confidence

 

How does it transfer torque to the wheel with the best traction? Kind-of reminds of that moving graphic that showed that about a Fusion which was pulled. Without a clutch at every wheel that's impossible!

Brake Lock Differential (starting at 0:13) :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6moBHxwRVaI

I just bought a used 07 ford fusion AWD 3.0 V6 w/ 42,500 miles , and there seems to be a low speed rotational "vibration" in the front end from about 10-55 mph and then once i speed up the road noise or "vibration" goes away. Is this just something i should deal with or is there a possible problem im dealing with here. any help would be much appreciated.

 

thanks in advance,

 

jake

Out-of-norm vibration is a problem and can potentially cost bigger problems !

The other person here with a Scanguage-II gets the same readings so far as I do on my Escape. If he'd only try a heavy acceleration test, I'd be happy.

 

There is/was a interview with a Ford person saying that a FWD uses the same two wheels to power and steering the vehicle. The claim was under heavy acceleration the 4WD/AWD system sends much of the torque to the rear and leaves the front just for steering. But it really doesn't do that.

 

The person that actually came up with the SG-II coding somehow used two SG's back to back and a Ford computer to capture the location of the PID for rear wheel torque. After my scope work showed half of what his coding showed, he admitted making the mistake of basing it on 100%. You can't have 100% rear wheel torque because the vehicle will resist turning.

 

When I first started looking into the 4WD/AWD, I got the manual to locate the 4WD module which was in the consule. I took it apart and used a scope on the output to the ATC in the rear end. It shows the same thing as the Scanguage-II which I got so I could put my consule back together after two months of being apart.

Your interpretation of your scope's numbers is assumption-based. Zero on your scope implies 100 percent power/torque up front? Is that possible with this AWD/4WD system? And why not 100 percent power/torque to the rear when the steering wheel is relatively centered (if like you said the vehicle would resist turning)? In this case, I am sure the car's computer is quick and smart enough to know that!

I bought the right vehicle going by the explaination of the 4WD system in brochures, articles, etc. but as I've learn since then, weren't true at all.

 

I was also fooled by a article that seemed to say that the system can direct 100% rear wheel torque under heavy throttle. There is a function test in the Ford Workshop Manual in which the tech is instructed to command 100% rear wheel torque using their IDS(computer) and if the vehicle resists turning, it's operating correctly. The system can't devert front wheel torque only send some to the rear. Once over 50% it starts to cause steering issues. I also though that maybe on a full throttle from a dead stop would show close to 50% rear wheel torque but I've never seen more than 35%. Some think because of this causes lots of strain on the PTU with no differetial between the back and front. Ford must think so also because the 2011 Explorer has a water cooled PTU.

 

RDU gear ratio is never listed. By VIN the final drive ration and a axle code are listed. So what if the ratio is different? The basic operation is still the same. Sorry but your Fusion isn't really different in many ways. Granted, it's different in many ways from a Escape but the AWD is the same as the 4WD Escape or a AWD Edge. Just like the 4WD Escape Hybrid owners that their vehicles were different also but they really aren't.

Statically, they are similar/same just like the other multi-plate clutch coupling AWD systems like the BMW xDrive, Audi R8, Porsche 911 and Subaru (auto). Dynamically (when moving), they are quite different because of the vehicles' hardware characteristics and their software programs.

Someone on this forum or another forum wrote that s/he saw on the shop's laptop diagnostic screen showing the Fusion AWD/4WD system vectoring most of the power/torque to rear on quick and hard acceleration.

It's supposed to be a so-called On Demand system, so where's the demand on dry paveement. Brochures, articles, etc. suggest the system kicks in when wheel spin is detected which isn't true.

 

I don't think torque steer comes into play on dry hard pavement.

 

It's a electo-mechanical clutch using pulse width modulation, 0V means zero torque.

 

Try pulling the fuse marked 4WD/AWD "only" and you'll a 1-2mpg gain.

'Dry' pavement does not mean it's not slippery. In Canada, the Fusion AWD/4WD was/is never advertised as a 'winter' car. If you don't appreciate the torque vectoring feature based on proven physics principles to improve driving dynamics (that's on demand too), well, you bought the wrong vehicle.

The front to rear drive shaft is propel at full speed at all times by the PTU which is connected to the transmission. And '0' does not mean zero torque to the rear. For the Fusion, I have never read or heard of any claim that 100 percent power can be remained on the front axle. Interestingly, I read that the Fusion AWD/4WD can divert up to 100 percent power to the rear axle ( the RDU gear ratio is not the same for the Escape and the Fusion) .

Motorcraft has several series of brake pads - good to superior (so their dealers and independent installers can compete with the corner brake shop specials.)

 

Ford designs quality Motorcraft parts for production in their new vehicles just like the Ford branded parts. They are not cheap copycat parts like many found in the aftermarket. To compare the expense of designing, testing, tooling and distributing the highest quality parts around the world to a "reverse engineering" company that makes compromised close copies is absurd. Ford makes a fair profit on the service parts. But the final price also has the handling cost and profit for the distributors, jobbers and dealers in the distribution chain and that price you see as a consumer is not controlled by Ford.

 

I provide this clarification since you took a pretty big shot at Ford and I am an expert of sorts.

After all the expenses, that's why some of the OEM parts may be compromised!? The last 'reverse engineered' part I bought was made in Mexico (I was surprised it was not from China). Same place of origin as the OEM part, a part that is under constant stress when in use but the OEM decision maker decided that plastic is to be used to make this part. And yes, the 'reverse engineered' part is made of metal and priced at one-third the OEM part.

I live in Canada and noticed something funny (not so funny in fact...), in the maintenance guide with imperial unit they recomend 5000 milles, and in the canadian one they recomend 5000 kilometer, 5000 milles is 8000 Km.. so they seem to be asking canadian customer to change oil more often! and this apply to the whole maintenance schedule!

 

back on topic, I use full synth and change between 5000 and 7000 km usually... I noticed the car run smoother on synth

According to the Customer Information Guide (Warranty and Maintenance, 7F1J-19G218-AB August 2006) :

5000km/3 months interval is for " Special Operating Conditions"

10,000km/6 months interval is for 'normal', 'typical', 'everyday driving' conditions

According to the Ford Fusion Owner's Guide 2007 (7E5J-19A321-AB Sept 2006) :

Use of synthetic or synthetic blend oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.

Hey all,

 

So, 2 weeks into the ownership of my 2007 Fusion SE, I just got a recall letter from Ford of Canada.

 

 

So much for no recalls........ will call for my appointment on Monday....

 

 

Two Ford Fusion recalls in Canada (2010 models only):

- Brakes (Units Affected: 3)

- Seats And Restraints (Units Affected: 1,458 )

Hey all,

 

So, 2 weeks into the ownership of my 2007 Fusion SE, I just got a recall letter from Ford of Canada.

 

 

So much for no recalls........ will call for my appointment on Monday....

 

 

You own or used to own a Windstar?

Windstar Safety Recall (10S13)

First off id like to say my 07 is the biggest pain in the you know what to install headlights. Second my HID's have worked fine all summer long until the first cold night it sat outside. The passenger headlight flickerd the entire drive to work but not the driver. That night got cold again but no flickr. Next morning same thing cold outside and it flickers always just the passenger side. Any ideas to fix this problem.

Check for loose electrical contacts.

 

 

In my opinion a good driving light should outshine the factory high beams or your wasting your money. At least I only have $75 invested.

 

...

Idk, I would love to have a working transmission, but I JUST took the car to a hockey game yesterday, and the new transmission was banging around, badly. It only happens sometimes but still, I have a really bad feeling about this new one also. I also don't appreciate that my dealer is horrible, and they ripped out my HID ballasts and left them hanging by the wires, as if they couldn't have at least told me they took the ballast out, which they didn't need to do, it was on the side, way out of the way. My car has 16k miles now, and I'm so glad you have no problems because any Ford that beats a Toyota Camry, or any toyota for that matter, is a good. I hate toyota and stupid japanese cars, but anyway. I didn't mean to sound like I was venting, because I wasn't trying to but I highly suggest the transmission in the Sport, (My father has one) it shifts fast and smoothly and seems to be very reliable. But you have had no problems with your transmission at all? Not even one hiccup?

EMI/RF emitting HID ballast can potentially affect the car's computing processes (especially during programming).

Oldguy16, I suggest you take note of the minute details of your driving experiences. For example ... temperatures, throttling positions, load, speeds, RPM, steering angles, electrical accessories, idling/driving time, commonalities, etc.

Here is a problem description summary example from TSB 08-24-1:

ISSUE:

Some 2005-2007 Five Hundred, Montego, and 2006-2008 Fusion, Milan, 2006 Zephyr and 2007-2008 MKZ vehicles equipped with an Aisin automatic transmission may experience shift concerns when the vehicle mileage gets above 20,000 miles (32,200 km). Shifting concerns are generally noticed during passing maneuvers with transmission at temperatures greater than 212 °F (100 °C) operating temperatures. Symptoms may be present during downshift 5-3 at 35 MPH (56 km/h) and/or 4-3 at 20 MPH (32 km/h) with throttle opening at approximately 50% or greater and include:

Harsh shift and/or clunk noise

Delayed shift and/or perceived slip/engine flare

Ford 6F35 front-wheel-drive, 6-speed automatic transmission:

Assembly: Van Dyke Transmission Plant (Sterling Heights, Mich.)

Gears: Sharonville Transmission Plant (Sharonville, Ohio)

http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28196

And :

GM-Ford 6-speed automatic transmission (Wikipedia)

I've never seen a similiar test on a Ford product.

 

I find the results amazing! You'd think that all of them would at least send rear wheel torque to pass the first part of the test but they don't. Here, somebody gets stuck in snow/ice and thinks it's just so bad that they can't move but it's really the vehicles 4WD/AWD system that doesn't work as you think it would.

Like this one

The Fusion is a asymmetrical FWD, meaning that it has a short and long half-shafts, so it can suffer from torque steer. Not saying that it does but likely that it can.

 

Once you reach a constant, there is no rear wheel torque. Traction control that uses the ABS doesn'r work above 62MPH but I'm unsure if the 4WD/AWD does or doesn't.

 

BTW: Here's a interesting video about 4WD/AWD comparison testing and torque steer but no Ford products.

 

The Fusion/Escape should have no problem making up that ramp with TC on.

Jeep's Brake Lock Differential (BLD) in action (basically, ABS working in reverse):

Another SuperCab 4x4 Ranger.

Maybe it's your 'old school' thinking/preference. According to the EPA:

17 City / 24 Hwy (limited 4x4) for your current Escape

14/17 w/4WD (auto) for the SuperCab 4x4 Ranger

Not my opinion just the words from Ashok Rodrigues, 4WD technical specialist. It should work as described in the interview which is the way I understood it would before my purchase. If I had known it worked this way, I might be driving something else.

And what would that be (note: PTU)? 2wd?

You'd really need that while driving straight away from a stop light! It's so intelligent that it can't detect the lack of need.

I want it ALL the times! Therefore it is very intelligent to me in that sense. :P

I'm not upset, I just don't see any reason for the torque. I'd love to hear their reasoning behind it. I've tried to contact Ford asking these quetions but they refer me to my dealer that can't them either.

 

I found a patent with Ashok Rodrigues, 4WD technical specialist's name on it, got his phone number and was tempted to call him but since it was his home phone, I didn't.

 

 

If you don't have a problem about the way it works, you might be a Ford engineer/employee or just gullible.

Optimal traction and handling.

It's advertised on a On Demand system and it isn't, so I'm unsure why you say it does. Why is there a dash icon to show you when the traction control activates but not the 4WD/AWD? Yes, I know that indicator is used to turn it OFF and anti-trailer sway mode but why the activation indicator?

What is 'On Demand' in terms of 4WD? I got a feeling my presumptions of what it is - is much broader than yours.

Are you serious you want an indicator for 4wd activations like the one for TC !

You mean that you don't care if something you purchased doesn't work as advertised? If not, your way too easy.

 

Would you like a 1-2MPG increase? You'd get that if it worked as advertised. Find the fuse marked "4WD/AWD" only. Pull it and you gain that 1-2MPG but the dash wrench icon will light up. If you replace the fuse the light will go out. For somebody that does lots of city driving that could add up quickly.

It does work as advertised and more. It is the 'and more' part that you along with significant number of people online do not appreciate ( at least not worth say $200-$400 per year). The 'slip and grab' reactive 4WD you seem to prefer may save you some gas but will cost you in the form of " spider bites".