Vista Roof Rattle

[NyackRob79]

I started to notice a slight rattle in the panoramic Vista roof on our 2018 Exp Platinum MAX 4x4 at around 7000 miles on the odometer. The rattle has since grown to be much louder and frequent. While at the dealer last week, they were able to replicate it but couldn't isolate it. They greased the rubber seals around the glass but the issue has only gotten worse.

The rattle is only present with the sunroof glass closed. The rattle is not present with the sunroof open, or in the vent position.

Upon searching, there are numerous topics around F-150 Vista sunroof rattles. Some point to greasing the rubber seals around glass (done that). Others point to metal clips that hold up the rear, fixed panel. However, upon looking at this issue closer, the clips they use on the F-150 are different than the ones on the Expy.

Just thought I'd share because something tells me others with the Vista roof will soon begin noticing the same issue.

Other than that, the truck has been absolutely great. Hauled a family of 7 last weekend 1200 miles roundtrip to Montreal and back and everyone complimented the comfort, comparing it to a jetliner.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I started to notice a slight rattle in the panoramic Vista roof on our 2018 Exp Platinum MAX 4x4 at around 7000 miles on the odometer. The rattle has since grown to be much louder and frequent. While at the dealer last week, they were able to replicate it but couldn't isolate it. They greased the rubber seals around the glass but the issue has only gotten worse.

The rattle is only present with the sunroof glass closed. The rattle is not present with the sunroof open, or in the vent position.

Upon searching, there are numerous topics around F-150 Vista sunroof rattles. Some point to greasing the rubber seals around glass (done that). Others point to metal clips that hold up the rear, fixed panel. However, upon looking at this issue closer, the clips they use on the F-150 are different than the ones on the Expy.

Just thought I'd share because something tells me others with the Vista roof will soon begin noticing the same issue.

Other than that, the truck has been absolutely great. Hauled a family of 7 last weekend 1200 miles roundtrip to Montreal and back and everyone complimented the comfort, comparing it to a jetliner.

Review the Ford item dated July 2, 2018: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/...TENDED%2520SUV/4x2#manufacturerCommunications

 

[NyackRob79]

Thank you, that's very useful. I would think the dealer would know better and searched for this themselves. Trekking back there and dropping it off for a day is a pain in the butt.

Appreciate the links. I'll print it in case they "can't find the bulletin" in their system again.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Thank you, that's very useful. I would think the dealer would know better and searched for this themselves. Trekking back there and dropping it off for a day is a pain in the butt.

Appreciate the links. I'll print it in case they "can't find the bulletin" in their system again.

Good luck - At least you will be prepared and they will know you are serious about a repair.

This summer I took my 2015 Expedition Limited 4x4 to the selling dealer because it began grinding / growling when driving uphill in 2WD (when the engine began to bog and the transmission began to downshift).

Diagnosis: Unable to duplicate. The power train and the Ford premium care extended warranty was in effect.

The noise was present when driving home. I did an online search, and quickly found a Ford TSB describing the condition. It stated to consider an IWE vacuum check valve the root cause. I bought a new, correct Motorcraft check valve, installed it in 5 minutes, and it eliminated the noise (which was the AWD / 4WD system engaging in the front wheels when the engine vacuum dropped.

 

[NyackRob79]

Yeah, I dropped it off at the dealer this evening and the service tech immediately told me that my VIN doesn’t come up as affected under the bulletin. I told him it’s an $82k truck, brand new, and fits the symptoms of the problem word-for-word. I’m not taking it back for fear of front differential locking up with four little kids on board. I suggested he contact Ford corporate but unless the issue is resolved they can keep the truck.

His tone changed thereafter.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Yeah, I dropped it off at the dealer this evening and the service tech immediately told me that my VIN doesn’t come up as affected under the bulletin. I told him it’s an $82k truck, brand new, and fits the symptoms of the problem word-for-word. I’m not taking it back for fear of front differential locking up with four little kids on board. I suggested he contact Ford corporate but unless the issue is resolved they can keep the truck.

His tone changed thereafter.

Good luck - I hope you get this resolved.

I’ve been buying cars (and many new cars) for 40+ years. It has been my experience that the modern dealer technician no longer has the ability to trouble-shoot. If there’s not a code or a TSB - they are baffled.

It is often an inconvenience to return a new vehicle for repair, sometimes repeatedly. Many dealers seem oblivious to this and try to make the owner feel as though they are making-up the problem.

Good luck again.

 

[Flexpedition]

I do hope they get it fixed, but I have to ask....

The rattle is only present with the sunroof glass closed. The rattle is not present with the sunroof open, or in the vent position.

In your OP you state that your rattle is only when closed.

The link provided specifies issues while the roof is in operation - cut & paste: binding/sticking, glass stuck open or closed, noisy operation including chatter, rattling, or grinding.

Outside of being vista roof related, I don't see how your noise-while-closed issue is relevant to the while-in-operation TSB. Which calls for replacing the track.

There are well over 3,000 Ford dealerships in the US, so if this dealer can't resolve, take your business elsewhere.

Just curious, was this noise present before your truck was side-swiped and subsequently repaired? I'm trying to mentally recall the pictures. Maybe something was knocked out of kilter that the dealership body shop could put an eye on.

 

[NyackRob79]

I'll report back on what the dealer tech says. Truck's been at the dealership for three days now, and they're just now getting around to looking at it. Days like this I wish I went with the Navi instead. Lincoln dealership here will pick your vehicle up and drop off a loaner for any and every service visit.

Live and learn.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I'll report back on what the dealer tech says. Truck's been at the dealership for three days now, and they're just now getting around to looking at it. Days like this I wish I went with the Navi instead. Lincoln dealership here will pick your vehicle up and drop off a loaner for any and every service visit.

Live and learn.

I’ve had poor service too.

This summer, when I called to make an appointment for my Expedition for the Works oil service and the front grinding noise, the first appointment was 10 days out. I made the appointment for a Monday morning, and used night drop off Sunday.

When I called on Wednesday evening, the vehicle was still sitting. I was told they were “backed-up”, even though I had made an appointment, and bought the vehicle new and extended warranty there. Didn’t have the courtesy to call me and tell me of the delay.

It was worked on Friday afternoon (unable to duplicate noise, but mileage was the same as drop-off). Oil change done.

I stopped going to that dealership and last week went to a different one for the Works oil change. I took the vehicle home and when I walked back out to get in it later, I could see a large air baffle hanging down under the engine. I had to return to the dealership to have it replaced. I’ve undergone several major surgeries and can no longer do most vehicle maintenance.

Now, I’ve got to find another Ford dealer service department. I don’t think many car dealers realize that the service department will drive away customers with poor service, or have them return and buy additional vehicles there due to the good service.

Good luck.

PS - You’re right about buying a Lincoln, due to the good service. I would never buy another new Ford based upon the poor service I’ve received.

 

[Artie]

My experience with Lincoln has been absolutely fabulous. My dealership is a smaller one so I don’t know what a larger one would be like, although I’ve read they are much fancier and have a larger selection of loaners. But as mentioned above, I can call in the morning and have same day pick up. Once they offered to meet me at the playground I was at with my two kids to exchange vehicles in the parking lot, I really didn’t expect that.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

My experience with Lincoln has been absolutely fabulous. My dealership is a smaller one so I don’t know what a larger one would be like, although I’ve read they are much fancier and have a larger selection of loaners. But as mentioned above, I can call in the morning and have same day pick up. Once they offered to meet me at the playground I was at with my two kids to exchange vehicles in the parking lot, I really didn’t expect that.

I’m convinced that good service sells future vehicles at a dealership, and poor service sends the customer to another dealership or brand.

 

[Artie]

I’m convinced that good service sells future vehicles at a dealership, and poor service sends the customer to another dealership or brand.

Couldn’t agree more. The car I had before this was a Subaru I bought new in ‘05. The dealership was both a Subaru and Cadillac dealership so idk if that had anything to do with the customer service but they were great. The Subaru mechanics were amazing and would discuss the repairs with me in as much detail as I wanted, I took it in for AC work and the timing belts every 100k. Since I did the other maintenance myself they would even discuss those repairs with me and what to expect. I moved 2 hrs away but would still take it to them for the major stuff.

 

[NyackRob79]

An update: The dealer ordered the check valve for the front wheel grinding noise, even though my VIN# wasn't part of the technical bulletin. I told him they only made so many 4WD Expeditions and that these bulletins tend to get updated with more VIN# that are affected with time, and that I simply don't feel like bringing the vehicle in for the third time. He agreed. Part ordered and issue will be addressed.

Update on the Vista Roof rattle: I had to troubleshoot this myself, as the bulletin only addressed roof while opening/closing, whereas my rattle/knocking was heard while the roof was not in operation.

I traced it to the wind deflector mechanism. My rattle/knocking was only present with the Vista roof closed. If it was open, or in vent position, the rattle/knocking would go away.

After toying with the wind deflector, I noticed two metal clips made contact (longitudinally) with the plastic bracket in which they sit. They only make contact when the wind deflector is stowed away (with the roof closed).

Below are the pictures of the metal clips in the wind deflector, and the felt tape I've put over them to remedy the issue. The rattle/knocking is no longer present, even though the solution is less than aesthetically pleasing.

Hopefully this information helps someone else encountering the same issue in the future.

 

[Randy Schmidt]

An update: The dealer ordered the check valve for the front wheel grinding noise, even though my VIN# wasn't part of the technical bulletin. I told him they only made so many 4WD Expeditions and that these bulletins tend to get updated with more VIN# that are affected with time, and that I simply don't feel like bringing the vehicle in for the third time. He agreed. Part ordered and issue will be addressed.

Update on the Vista Roof rattle: I had to troubleshoot this myself, as the bulletin only addressed roof while opening/closing, whereas my rattle/knocking was heard while the roof was not in operation.

I traced it to the wind deflector mechanism. My rattle/knocking was only present with the Vista roof closed. If it was open, or in vent position, the rattle/knocking would go away.

After toying with the wind deflector, I noticed two metal clips made contact (longitudinally) with the plastic bracket in which they sit. They only make contact when the wind deflector is stowed away (with the roof closed).

Below are the pictures of the metal clips in the wind deflector, and the felt tape I've put over them to remedy the issue. The rattle/knocking is no longer present, even though the solution is less than aesthetically pleasing.

Hopefully this information helps someone else encountering the same issue in the future.

View attachment 27699

View attachment 27700

I am starting to get a rattle every time I go over a bump in the road. I know it is coming from the vista roof, but cannot tell where. I only happens while roof is closed.

 

[edizzle]

I am starting to get a rattle every time I go over a bump in the road. I know it is coming from the vista roof, but cannot tell where. I only happens while roof is closed.

me too!

 

[Rob18]

I have a 2018 with just over 1000 miles and has just started making a rattle noise with the roof closed. It sounds like it is behind the front passenger side seat. I haven't had a chance to ride in the back and try to pin point the rattle.

 

[woody929]

Add us to the list where the vista glass rattles. It kind of sounds like any number of old cars that I’ve been in while in Mexico that spend their life driving on cobble stone roads. Not a well taken care of vehicle with <10k miles.

 

[NyackRob79]

Ok, reviving this old thread. I finally isolated the knocking and fixed it. To anyone not affected by this rattle, sorry for reviving an old thread. To anyone else looking for a solution, hopefully this saves you the hours I've spent trying to isolate the issue.

In my previous post in this thread I've indicated that wrapping the wind deflector in felt tape fixed the issue. Unfortunately, the knocking soon returned.

The real issue are the metal-on-metal mounting points. Follow these directions:

Close your sunroof fully.

From the inside of the vehicle, looking up at the front pane of the sunroof, remove the two rubber harmonica trim pieces (left and right) that extend vertically when the sunroof is put in the VENT position. You can just pull these rubber harmonicas out gently. Behind them, you'll find three Torx screws on each side (left and right) holding up the front sunroof pane. They are spaced out quite evenly. You may need a driver with an extender to reach them. Use a flashlight to see better.

You need to remove these screws (6 in total, 3 on each side of the sunroof), and put a piece of felt tape between where they attach. I recommend doing one side at at time (left, then right). Once you remove the three screws, you'll be able to push up on the sunroof and it will detach from the mounting bracket.

Use some felt tape with adhesive near the screw mounting holes. I used a piece of velcro (just the soft half). This way, the sunroof doesn't mount metal-on-metal, but rather on felt, mitigating the noise.

Screw the torx screws back in, TIGHT.

One thing to note: As you mount the sunroof pane back and re-tighten the three torx screws on each side, make sure your sunroof is flush with the roof (look from the outside roof-top). The screws allow for some vertical play. You don't want your front sunroof pane sunk low and cause leaks.

I'd include photos, however, I think the above description is pretty simple to follow. NOTE: This only affects the panoramic VISTA roof on Expeditions. I can't speak on any other sunroof versions.

 

[RDDriver]

I’ve had this issue on my ‘18 Expedition vista. Loved with it for a while then the roof got stuck and broke the opening mechanism. Had dealer replace with what they said was a retrofit kit (bad original design?).
Creaking when closed started again a few weeks later.
Took back and reproduced with aggressive turning. Tech added lubricant (Krytox) and creaking stopped for a few days. bought my own Krytox (not cheap) and applied but result was only slightly better.
Trying the felt tape approach not but not sure exactly where to position. Pics would probably help at least in my case.
I used electrical tape as I couldn’t find any felt tape. I put the tape on the top end of the outer metal piece as the OP suggested to be a buffer between the two metal pieces connected by the Torx bolts. Happy with initial results and known where to focus attention if it starts making noise again.
THANK YOU!!!!!!

 

[RDDriver]

Delete