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Symptom Chart - NVH

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Diagnostics in this information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to DIAGNOSTIC METHODS for information about these practices.

NOTE: 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 & HARSHNESS . Since it is possible any one of multiple systems may be the 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 causal system for the symptom, refer back to NOISE, VIBRATION & HARSHNESS for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.
SYMPTOM CHART - NVH

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • Excessive noise
  • Clutch disc damper damaged
  • Transmission input shaft pilot bearing worn or damaged
  • Crankshaft end play excessive
  • Release bearing worn or damaged
  • REMOVE the clutch disc and pressure plate. REFER to CLUTCH . INSPECT the clutch disc for damage. INSPECT the transmission input shaft pilot bearing for wear and damage. REFER to PILOT BEARING CHECK . CHECK the crankshaft end play. For 3.7L Ti-VCT engines, REFER to ENGINE - 3.7L . For 5.0L (4V) engines, REFER to ENGINE - 5.0L (4V) . For 5.8L (4V) engines, REFER to ENGINE - 5.8L (4V) . CHECK the clutch release hub and bearing, and guide tube for wear and damage. REPAIR all components as necessary.
  • Clutch rattling noise - occurs with clutch engaged, noise changes/disappears with clutch pedal pressed
  • Flywheel bolts loose
  • Clutch housing bolts or clutch pressure plate bolts loose
  • TIGHTEN the bolts to specifications. CHECK the bolts for damage. REFER to CLUTCH .
  • Clutch squeaking noise - noise is heard when the clutch is operated. Vehicle moves slowly or creeps when the clutch is disengaged. Can also be difficult to shift into 1st and REVERSE gears
  • Pilot bearing seized or damaged
  • INSTALL a new pilot bearing. REFER to CLUTCH .
  • Clutch squeaking noise - occurs with clutch pedal pressed/released
  • Worn clutch pedal shaft or bushings
  • INSPECT the clutch pedal for wear or damage. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to CLUTCH CONTROLS .
  • Clutch whirring/rattle noise - occurs when clutch pedal is pressed
  • Worn, damaged or misaligned clutch release bearing
  • INSTALL a new clutch release bearing. REFER to CLUTCH .
  • Clutch grating/grinding noise - occurs when clutch pedal is pressed
  • Clutch pressure plate fingers bent or worn
  • Contact surface of clutch release bearing worn or damaged
  • INSTALL a new clutch release bearing. REFER to CLUTCH .
  • Clutch chatter - a small amount of noise when clutch pedal is released at initial takeoff
  • Clutch engagement
  • Acceptable operating condition.
  • Clutch chatter/grabs - in some cases a shudder is felt. Occurs with clutch pedal pressed/released
  • Damaged or worn powertrain/driveline mounts
  • Binding or dragging plunger of the clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder
  • CHECK the master and slave cylinder operation. INSPECT the components for damage or wear. INSTALL a new master or slave cylinder as necessary. REFER to CLUTCH CONTROLS .
  • Grease or oil on the clutch disc facing
  • CHECK the input shaft seal and rear main oil seal. REPAIR as necessary. INSTALL a new clutch disc. REFER to CLUTCH .
  • Clutch disc surface glazed or damaged
  • INSPECT the clutch disc surface for a glazed, hardened or damage condition. CARRY OUT a DISC CHECK . INSTALL a new clutch disc as necessary. REFER to CLUTCH .
  • Damaged or worn clutch pressure plate
  • Flywheel surface damaged or glazed
  • Clutch chatter noise - noise when clutch pedal is released at initial take-off. Clutch is hard to engage and disengage
  • Pilot bearing worn, damaged or not correctly aligned in bore
  • INSPECT the clutch pressure plate release fingers for uneven wear, clutch components burnt or a seized pilot bearing. REFER to Clutch Pressure Plate Check . INSTALL a new pilot bearing as necessary. REFER to CLUTCH .
  • Clutch chatter - a small amount of noise when the clutch is released at initial takeoff. Occurs in 1st and/or REVERSE gear with the transmission at operating temperature (5.8L engines only)
  • Clutch engagement
  • Acceptable operating condition. Noise caused by the material used in the clutch disc.
  • Clutch hiss - a small amount of noise during initial engagement of the clutch in 1st or REVERSE gear (5.8L engines only)
  • Clutch engagement
  • Acceptable operating condition. Noise caused by the clutch disc contacting the pressure plate and flywheel surfaces.
  • Transmission rattle noise - noise occurs at 1st and 2nd gear on light acceleration (5.8L engines only)
  • Gear engagement
  • Acceptable operating condition. Caused by the contact pattern of these gears.
  • NOTE: Some amount of gear rattle and chatter is acceptable for transmissions with 3.7L and 5.0L (4V) engines.

    Transmission rattling/clattering noise - occurs in NEUTRAL or in gear, at idle

  • Incorrect fluid level or fluid quality
  • Transmission rattling/clattering noise - noise at idle in NEUTRAL
  • Worn or rough reverse idler gear
  • Excessive backlash in gears
  • Worn countershaft gears
  • Transmission whine - a mild whine at extreme speeds or high rpm
  • Rotating gears/geartrain
  • Acceptable noise.
  • Transmission whine - a high pitched whine, also described as a squeal
  • Transmission gears are worn (high mileage vehicle)
  • Mismatched gear sets
  • Damaged or worn transmission bearing
  • Transmission growling/humming - noise occurs in the forward gears. The noise is more prominent when the gear is loaded. The problem gear can be located as the noise occurs in a specific gear position
  • Gear is cracked, chipped or rough
  • Transmission hissing - noise in NEUTRAL or in forward gears. As bearings wear or break up, the noise changes to a thumping noise
  • Damaged or worn bearings
  • Transmission knocking/thudding - noise at low speeds in forward gears
  • Bearings with damaged balls or rollers or with pitted and spalled races
  • Transmission rumble/growl - noise at higher speeds in forward gears, more pronounced in a coast/deceleration condition
  • Incorrect driveline angle
  • Driveshaft out of balance or damaged
  • Transmission rumble/growl - noise at all speeds in forward gears, more pronounced in a heavy acceleration condition
  • Damaged or worn transmission bearing or gears (high mileage vehicles)