Recently purchased a 2001 XLT 4x4 with 31K miles. I love the way it looks and the great size. Unfortunately soon after I began driving I started to notice a vibration upon acceleration and a pretty bad vibration at idle when stopped in gear.

The dealer drove the vehicle and admitted that the acceleration vibration was "making him feel ill". He stated that he found a service bulletin for this problem which involved some modification with the engine mounts.

After the work was done the acceleration vibration was still there but not as bad. The idle vibration was bad as ever. Service manager at Ford told me that the vehicle was fine and that I would "get used to" the rough idle.

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems to me that this type of vehicle should be smoother. I had a 98 Pathfinder with 89K that had no noticable idle vibration.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Are all 4.6L engines this rough?. This is my first Ford vehicle. Thanks in advance

 

The service guy may be giving you the run around. IF it's still under warranty take it back and NICELY<----keyword demand that he resolve the problems. If he refuses, go to someone above him. If no one at the dealership will help, call the Ford Consumer line, tell them the problem and the dealership. And they'll contact the dealership. There is NO reason you should have to deal with a rattling vehicle. If all else fails, try another dealership, some places really don't like do warranty work (shmucks).

 

You'll get more help with this if you post it in the "engines" forum.

 

It's essentially the same engine that Lincoln uses in the $40,000 Town Car. The idle should be extremely smooth.