Symptom Chart - Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 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	Damaged or worn planetary or sun gear	DRAIN and FILTER the eCVT fluid. INSPECT for metal debris and CHECK fluid condition. If excessive metal debris is present, REPLACE the eCVT. 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.
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 .
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 .
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 that is felt through selector lever. Changes with engine speed	Selector lever cable incorrectly routed, grounded out or loose	CHECK the selector lever cable. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION EXTERNAL CONTROLS - HYBRID article.