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Second opinion] hey there... I have a 2012 Ford Explorer....


Second opinion] hey there... I have a 2012 Ford Explorer.. the [engine](/topics-engine-ford/) shakes violently when I put it into either reverse or drive (no shake in park or neutral) Mechanic's Assistant: How many miles a...

Second opinion] hey there... I have a 2012 Ford Explorer.. the [engine](/topics-engine-ford/) shakes violently when I put it into either reverse or drive (no shake in park or neutral) Mechanic's Assistant: How many miles are on the Ford? Is it an automatic or a manual [transmission](/topics-transmission-ford/)? 100K miles, automatic Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Explorer yourself? What have you tried so far? Replaced the transmission mount and the spark plugs Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? It's only at idle.. once you start driving the shake goes away

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Responses

Automotive Expert
Hello, my name is James. From what you are describing, it sounds like your engine mounts are broken, especially if you don't have a check engine light on that points to a cylinder misfire. I see where you replaced the trans mount, but you made no mention of the engine mounts. You should get the vehicle on a hoist and use a pry bar to see if the mounts are broken. Or, you could also look at the engine with the hood open while someone holds their foot on the [brake](/topics-brake-ford/) and torques the engine (raises the RPM with the trans in gear). If the engine moves quite a bit during this brake torque maneuver, both in forward and reverse, then the engine mounts will need to be replaced.

Hi James... thank you for the reply. I visually inspected the motor mount, but I can definitely take another look. Yes, we have rev'd the engine while holding the brake, and it shakes like crazy. Sound like the motor mount?
Automotive Expert
Absolutely. Especially if it also shifts to one side or another.

It feels more like it shakes hard from front to back
Automotive Expert
Try the revving while the engine is in gear, and you will see the motor shift.

Is it just the one motor mount there on the passenger side?
Automotive Expert
There is one on either side of the engine.

There's also an "anti-roll" mount underneath
Automotive Expert
Right. What is the engine size, please?

it's one of those sideways mounted engines with the tranaxle... 2.0L ecoboostI replaced the transaxle mount on the driver side
Automotive Expert
Okay. You will need to change all the mounts, then. That is, all the ones you haven't replaced.

OK, I'll give it a go... thank you very much
Automotive Expert
You are most welcome. If you need any other information, please let me know and I will do what I can to help. I wish you well, and thank you for using JustAnswer.

I took a look at both motor mounts.. neither of them "look bad"... but I ordered new ones that will be here tomorrow. One other thing I'm noticing is that if feels like the engine is stalling/dying when put in reverse or drive (when stopped). Does that still sound like motor mounts?The RPM's drop, the engine shakes violently, and it feels like it wants to stall/die
Automotive Expert
That's hard to say from my perspective. I would have to be there to see, hear and feel what the engine is doing to make a determination. It could be you have an electrical malfunction, possibly due to engine movement putting a strain on certain wiring, or you may have a loose main ground somewhere.

I'll just say, the engine is shaking so hard, it feels like it's going to rattle out of the car, and it sputters/feels like stall... it's really bad.. hahawill the site allow me to upload a video? would the be helpful?
Automotive Expert
Yeah, you can. But it's still only a one dimensional image. But it may help. If you figure out how to send me a video, I'll look at it tomorrow. Right now, I'm calling it a night.

ok, thanks
Automotive Expert
I'm back online.

OK, the new mounts come in this afternoon. I'm going to install them and let you know the result.
Automotive Expert
Cool.

Parts delayed until Monday...
Automotive Expert
No worries.

No luck with the motor mount... still shakesAny other ideas? It feels like it wants to die. Anything else I can check?Issue only in drive and reverse, park and neutral are fine
Automotive Expert
The only other thing I can think of is the fuel pressure.

is it possible it's the transmission?
Automotive Expert
Yes, but you will need a transmission shop to check that out.

ok, I'll make an appointment
Automotive Expert
Excellent idea. Good luck.

thanks
Automotive Expert
You bet.

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