Whirring/groaning during cold acceleration

Hi,

I listened to the video. It sounds like something vibrating or intake noise. You indicated it only happens when it is cold. How cold is the weather where you are locate? Also, that isn't a noise from the turbo.

Let me know.
Joe

Hi,

It has been in the mid-30's in the morning lately. It's worth noting that it has been colder recently and the issue was not present then. I don't feel any vibration through the floor or gas pedal when the noise occurs, simply hear it coming from the engine bay.

That's a tough one. Is it still doing it? I suspect it is something vibrating based on temp. Check the basics such as the air filter box, make sure the air induction tube is properly tightened, and so on. Since it goes away so quickly, I can't imagine it is anything extreme.

Let me know if it is still happening.

Joe

Yes, still happening as of this morning (3/4). Here's a (not so great) video I took. It's only three seconds long, but the noise happens from 2-3 seconds and at the top of the rev range. Sounds kind of like an RC car. I heard it only once, but it's the same noise I was originally trying to describe.

I thought about checking the transmission fluid with the thought being that maybe when they serviced it they didn't put enough in or something else related to the transmission is going on. But per the manual there is no transmission dipstick.

Hi,

I am sorry but I can't hear it. I hear what sounds like a turn signal, but suspect that isn't what you are referring to.

As far as the transmission, it can be checked. The manufacturer's just don't provide the directions. There is a plug on the side of the transmission. With the engine warm and running, that plug is removed and the ATF fluid should be at the bottom of the opening. You should see a slight drip from it.

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Here are the directions for checking fluid. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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2017 Ford Truck Escape 4WD L4-1.5L Turbo
Transmission Fluid Level Check
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Service and Repair Procedures 6F35 - Automatic Transaxle Transmission Fluid Level Check
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL CHECK
307-01 Automatic Transmission - 6-Speed Automatic Transmission - 6F35 2017 Escape
General Procedures
Transmission Fluid Level Check
Materials

Name Specification
Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid
XT-10-QLVC MERCON® LV
WSS-M2C938-A
Check

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation) .
Remove the retainers and the engine front undershield.

pic 1

Start the engine and slowly select each gear position, stopping in each position and allowing the transmission to engage.
With the engine running in PARK on a level hoist make sure the transmission is at normal operating temperature 85-93° C (185-200° F). Check the transmission fluid is even with the oil leveling plug hole.

pic 2

If the transmission fluid is not even with the oil leveling plug hole, add clean transmission fluid in increments of 0.25L (0.5 pt) until the transmission fluid is even with the oil leveling plug hole.
Material : Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid / XT-10-QLVC (MERCON® LV ) (WSS-M2C938-A)



Pic 3


Install the oil leveling plug.
Torque : 26 lb.ft (35 Nm)

Pic 4


With the clamp facing the front of the vehicle, compress the constant tension clamp and install the transmission vent on the fill tube.


Pic 5


Install the engine front undershield and the retainers.


Pic 6

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I want you to do one thing before checking fluid. Take a rubber mallet and tap on the exhaust to see if anything vibrates. If there is a rattle, check for a loose heat shield or try to locate where it is coming from.

Let me know,
Joe

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the detailed response. Since I don't have the space to check the transmission fluid or remove the under engine cover to tap the exhaust, I took it back to the dealer that performed the service. The service adviser essentially said that since I couldn't replicate the noise with him on the test drive, it wouldn't be worth his or my time to review further.

Considering this noise is only present for a very short amount of time first thing in the morning (temps are now in the mid-upper 40's in the morning) is it safe to say that until the noise occurs all of the time regardless of ambient air temp that it's not worth worrying about? The service adviser that came along for a test drive said everything sounded and felt normal to him. I just don't want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere during an upcoming cross-country trip.

Thanks

Hi,

You should be fine, but please understand, I'm not there to hear it. With that, we have to trust what he said. If you notice the sound getting louder, happening more often, or changing, I would then take it back. I would like you to pay attention if it starts going away the warmer outside it gets. At least that way we can determine if it is related to temperature.

Regardless, I'm here if you have questions or have worries, so please feel free to come back anytime. Also, if it makes you feel any better, I too feel it isn't anything to worry about at this time unless things change.



Take care,
Joe

Updating this in case others have similar issues.

I went back to the dealer for other service and mentioned the issue. Their transmission expert tried to replicate the noise over two days and was unsuccessful. He did mention that the transmission fluid was low, so he topped it off. Ever since the fluid was topped off I haven't had any issues.

Since I began having the issue immediately after the transmission fluid was initially changed, I'll chalk it up to the fluid not being filled all the way at that point. It's too bad this vehicle doesn't have a fluid dipstick making the process to check the fluid not too quick or easy. But I'm glad it was a quick/cheap fix.

Thank you for letting us know. Your response will certainly help others. I can't agree more that the absence of a simple dipstick makes things so much more difficult. I looked back over our thread and the directions are there for checking and extremely involved.

Take care,
Joe