Road Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
A road test is mandatory for any customer concern of noise/vibration that is not verified by the on-hoist check of chassis components. The Vehicle Road Test Evaluation form is arranged to record the conditions heard or felt during this test.
The road test form lists 4 operating conditions or modes in which some axle noises come and go: DRIVE, CRUISE, COAST and FLOAT.
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE
| Mode | Conditions |
|---|---|
| DRIVE | Accelerating the vehicle; a definite throttle depression applying engine torque. |
| CRUISE | Maintaining a constant speed with the throttle applied. |
| COAST | Decelerating with the throttle closed. |
| FLOAT | Controlled deceleration; backing the throttle continually to prevent either braking or accelerating torque from the engine. |
Operate the vehicle in all 4 modes and record those in which the noise occurs. Write down the kilometers-per-hour (miles-per-hour) range at which both noise and vibration occur. If equipped with AWD, rear axle evaluations should be done on straight road sections.