Symptom Chart - Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mercury Mariner and 2007 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) symptoms should be identified using the diagnostic tools that are available. For a list of these tools, an explanation of their uses and a glossary of common terms, refer to NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS article. Since it is possible any one of multiple systems may be cause of a symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination type of diagnostic approach to pinpoint the responsible system. If this is not the casual system for the symptom, refer to NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS article for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Rattle - occurs at idle or at light acceleration from a stop	Damaged electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) insulators	CHECK the transaxle support insulators for damage. INSTALL new insulators as necessary. REFER to Transmission Insulator and Retainer - Upper , Transmission Insulator and Retainer - Lower or Transmission Insulator and Retainer - Rear .
	Loose inspection plate or dust cover plate	CHECK for loose bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications.
	Loose flexplate-to-converter nuts	CHECK for loose nuts. TIGHTEN to specifications.
Whine - pitch increases with vehicle speed. Starts in first and second gear, decreases or goes away at higher gears	Damaged or worn low one-way clutch Damaged or worn intermediate one-way clutch Friction elements Damaged or worn planetary or sun gear	INSPECT the eCVT for wear or damage. INSTALL a new transaxle as necessary. REFER to Transaxle .
Whine - the pitch changes with engine speed	Incorrect fluid level	CHECK that the eCVT is filled to the correct level. ADD fluid as necessary.
	Partially blocked filter	INSPECT for a blocked filter. INSTALL a new transaxle as necessary. REFER to Transaxle .
	Worn or damaged front pump	INSPECT for damage. INSTALL a new transaxle. REFER to Transaxle .
Whine/moan type noise - pitch increases or changes with vehicle speed	Damaged eCVT mount	CHECK the transaxle support insulators for damage. INSTALL new insulators as necessary. REFER to Transmission Insulator and Retainer - Upper , Transmission Insulator and Retainer - Lower or Transmission Insulator and Retainer - Rear .
	Planetary gears nicked or chipped	INSTALL a new eCVT. REFER to Transaxle .
Whistle - noise is high pitched, constant. Changes in pitch with the throttle position	Hydraulic pressure in the main control	INSPECT the main control. INSTALL a new transaxle as necessary. REFER to Transaxle .
	Incorrect band/clutch apply pressure	INSPECT for damage. INSTALL a new transaxle as necessary. REFER to Transaxle .
Clunk - occurs when shifting from park to a drive or reverse position	Damaged transaxle support insulators	INSPECT the transaxle insulators for damage. INSTALL new insulators as necessary. REFER to Transmission Insulator and Retainer - Upper , Transmission Insulator and Retainer - Lower or Transmission Insulator and Retainer - Rear .
	Worn friction elements or excessive clutch pack end plate play	INSTALL a new eCVT. REFER to Transaxle .
Bump - occurs when shifting from park to a drive or reverse position. Similar to Clunk but with no sound	Initial gear engagement	Acceptable condition.
Vibration - a high frequency (20-80 Hz) that is felt through the seat or gear shifter. Changes with engine speed	eCVT cooler tubes grounded out	CHECK the eCVT cooler tubes. REPAIR as necessary.
	Fluid filler tube grounded out	CHECK the fluid filler tube. REPAIR as necessary.
	Shift cable incorrectly routed, grounded out or loose	CHECK the shift cable. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION EXTERNAL CONTROLS - HYBRID article.