What is this noise?!

[FlexpeditionMax]

Hi all, first post here. I’ve got a 2019 Expedition Limited Max with about 36k miles, and right around 32k it started making a high pitched whistle between approximately 40-50mph.

Long story story, I’ve done just about everything possible to isolate the issue, all windows and roof open and closed, transmission in 2/4A, in neutral, mirrors folded in and out, absolutely nothing changes the noise. It has been to the dealer twice now and they’ve taped the entire wiper cowling to no effect, and have since advised they believe it to be a transmission/mechanical issue.

To me it sounds far more like a wind noise than mechanical, especially as it’s affected only by speed, not engine or drivetrain load. The best I can tell it seems to be coming from the driver’s mirror. I’ve taped that off entirely as well, and the noise persists.

The dealer has since opened up a help ticket directly with Ford, but I’m hoping someone here has already resolved the problem. Appreciate your help!

 

[DWs-TTEB]

@FlexpeditionMax Please post a video or recording of this sound so that we can help diagnose this.

 

[FlexpeditionMax]

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0mXra-uyImFfIALCZrsvFfI6Q#Pownal

Sorry about that, did this work?

 

[dlcorbett]

Theres a few threads from members who have noise coming from there mirrors. I believe most of them replaced the door sealing, but a search in the forum will help you find it.

 

[mpc11]

Check this thread. Some mentioned it went away by folding the mirrors in, but can't hurt to try the "fix" listed in post #29: https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/wind-noise.40832/

 

[scottdm]

I have been chasing a whistling noise near my driver's door and it turned out to be the beltline molding on the driver's door. I bought the part and replaced it myself even though it would have been covered under warranty. I didn't want to deal with the inconvenience of taking it to the dealer, etc. The only way to isolate and identify a noise like this is to spend the time necessary yourself by taping up the entire door (all seams everywhere) with blue painters tape until the noise can be isolated and identified. No dealer is going to spend the time needed to do this task since they can't bill Ford for the time required to isolate the noise.

 

[aggiegrad05]

Ok, a bit of an "out of the box" suggestion....

It sounds (at least to my ear in that video) a bit digital. Could it be a glitch in the software that makes the artificial engine noise? These vehicles feed artificial engine noise into the cabin to make up for the relative quiet of the V6. Perhaps that "engine noise track" got corrupted or something and what you are hearing is the bad audio. Or even a problem with the speakers producing the noise?

Similarly, I know only the Platinums have active noise cancelling which involves "sensing" the ambient noise in the cabin and producing a sound to counter it. But if the hardware for that system is in all trims, maybe something there is on the fritz that is manifesting this sound.

I'm just thinking about the fact that a) it sounds digital to me, b) you haven't been able to isolate it or address it with physical changes, and c) it is affected by speed changes.

Then again, if it is not affected by changes in engine load, maybe not.

Or, this is an entirely ridiculous suggestion and you're all pointing and laughing at me.

 

[DWs-TTEB]

Ok, a bit of an "out of the box" suggestion....

It sounds (at least to my ear in that video) a bit digital. Could it be a glitch in the software that makes the artificial engine noise? These vehicles feed artificial engine noise into the cabin to make up for the relative quiet of the V6. Perhaps that "engine noise track" got corrupted or something and what you are hearing is the bad audio. Or even a problem with the speakers producing the noise?

Similarly, I know only the Platinums have active noise cancelling which involves "sensing" the ambient noise in the cabin and producing a sound to counter it. But if the hardware for that system is in all trims, maybe something there is on the fritz that is manifesting this sound.

I'm just thinking about the fact that a) it sounds digital to me, b) you haven't been able to isolate it or address it with physical changes, and c) it is affected by speed changes.

Then again, if it is not affected by changes in engine load, maybe not.

Or, this is an entirely ridiculous suggestion and you're all pointing and laughing at me.

I think your on to something here. Also, noticed the transmission gauge is null in the video (not at running temp etc.).

 

[Matthew Abrams]

I have the exact same issue since day 1 on my '20 Limited Max. Will definitely try the mirrors on my next trip.

 

[Fizzy]

Also, noticed the transmission gauge is null in the video (not at running temp etc.).

The coolant temp gauge is also all the way to the left. It's just a cold engine start. No smoking gun here.

 

[AnarchyOutlaw]

I have been chasing a whistling noise near my driver's door and it turned out to be the beltline molding on the driver's door. I bought the part and replaced it myself even though it would have been covered under warranty. I didn't want to deal with the inconvenience of taking it to the dealer, etc. The only way to isolate and identify a noise like this is to spend the time necessary yourself by taping up the entire door (all seams everywhere) with blue painters tape until the noise can be isolated and identified. No dealer is going to spend the time needed to do this task since they can't bill Ford for the time required to isolate the noise.

I have that same damned issue. I've tried smoke and everything. It only makes noise when it's windy. I just turn the stereo up and ignore it.

 

[ROBERT BONNER]

If it is wind noise coming from the door/window, one of the best ways to pinpoint it is with a stethoscope. Since you believe it to be the driver's door, be careful and use two people....the person with the stethoscope needs to be someone you're OK getting close to ;-). They need to carefully examine the periphery of the window opening with the stethoscope. If there is a leak, it will roar in their ears when they pass over it. The best way to clearly ID it is in fact wind noise is to drive it in a cross wind and notice how it affects the frequency. If gusts of wind affect it at constant road speed, it's wind noise. If not, it's something else. I once worked at Ford and the window modules are prone to generating this kind of hard to locate noise. Normally it is an ELF (Early Life Failure) caused by a "pucker" in the rubber module that grips the metal flange of the door around the periphery of of the window opening. Has any service been performed on the driver's window due to accident or other failure?

One of the other chassis related noises that could cause a high speed whistle that is strictly road speed related are wheel bearings. I had an F150 OEM wheel bearing go out at ~100K and it sounded just like a turbine. While 36K is early for a wheel bearing, large diameter wheels and corrosive environments can accelerate Wheel Bearing failures.

Good luck, let us know what you find.

 

[Yupster Dog]

Did ya'll miss post 5? here is the thread to tell you about your wind noise.

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/wind-noise.40832/

@mpc11 said the fix on post 29 of that thread.

 

[BROKENPILOT]

Although my Expedition is not new, I ran into a similar noise with Eddie Bauer. It took me a few trips, but I eventually discovered that my wiper arm springs had become weakened and the wipers were slightly lifting from the windscreen at speed, which created a hum/whistling noise. Keep us posted.