Why Does the Explorer Experience Jerking When Accelerating with Auto Hold Engaged?

[BrantleyMarie]

Explorer experiencing jerking when accelerating with Auto Hold engaged can be attributed to the following reasons: Excessive Carbon Deposits: Carbon buildup on the throttle body, fuel injectors, and intake manifold. Many malfunctions are caused by carbon deposits, and some vehicles may experience jerking due to this issue. It is recommended to regularly clean carbon deposits. Poor Fuel Quality: Inferior fuel quality leading to incomplete combustion. It is advisable to refuel at reputable gas stations with higher-quality gasoline. Faulty Ignition Coil: Issues with spark plugs or ignition coils, resulting in cylinder misfires. In such cases, it is necessary to have the vehicle inspected and repaired at a service center to prevent further safety hazards. Insufficient Oil Pressure and Poor Sealing: Poor-quality engine oil can lead to insufficient engine power, reduced fluidity, and increased driving resistance.

[StJoy]

I've been driving the Explorer for three years and have encountered similar situations. That jerky feeling when accelerating from a stop with auto-hold engaged is mostly the transmission struggling. Ford's system has to handle multiple tasks simultaneously when starting: releasing the brakes, applying throttle, and engaging the clutch. If carbon buildup is clogging the throttle body, or if the transmission fluid needs changing, unstable oil pressure can make the power delivery feel like stepping on a spring. Once I cleaned the throttle body and it immediately became much smoother. Additionally, poor fuel quality can cause incomplete combustion, resulting in intermittent power at low RPMs, most noticeable when starting from a traffic light. As an experienced driver, I suggest trying two tanks of 95-octane fuel first. If it still shakes, then it's time to check the transmission module.

[MacHaven]

From a mechanical perspective, the jerking sensation when auto hold is activated is essentially a power transmission issue. When AUTO HOLD is engaged by pressing the brake pedal firmly, the transmission enters a semi-engaged preparatory state. During acceleration, the system must instantly coordinate three forces: the release speed of the electronic brake, the engine torque output rhythm, and the clutch engagement amount of the transmission. If any of these links experience delays—for instance, a dirty throttle sensor causing a 0.5-second lag in power response or slight clutch disc slippage—passengers will feel a sudden tug. I've observed this issue is more severe when the engine is cold and alleviates after warming up, which typically indicates a fluid circulation problem. Priority checks should focus on transmission fluid levels and shift solenoids.

[AubreeFitz]

This needs to be analyzed in two steps. First is the AUTO HOLD function itself - some vehicles have delayed brake release timing, causing power to be momentarily held back when you step on the accelerator. More importantly, it's a power response issue: the Explorer's 2.3T turbo lag is particularly noticeable at 1500 rpm, especially when starting with AC on. Experienced drivers will gently tap the accelerator to wait for turbo engagement before accelerating, which actually reduces jerkiness compared to flooring it. Not changing spark plugs regularly can also worsen this problem - when ignition energy is insufficient, accelerating feels like coughing. It's recommended to open the hood and check for high-voltage coil leakage; cracked rubber boots need replacement.