Symptom Chart - NVH
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
| Symptom | Possible Sources | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Drone type noise | Powertrain mount(s) | CARRY OUT the Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing procedure. REFER to: Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Drumming noise - occurs inside the vehicle during idle or high idle, hot or cold. Very low-frequency drumming is very rpm dependent | Engine vibration excites the body resonances inducing interior noise | CARRY OUT the Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing procedure. REFER to: Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine drumming noise - accompanied by vibration | Powertrain mount(s) | CARRY OUT the Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing procedure. REFER to: Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Rattle - occurs at idle or at light acceleration from a stop | Powertrain mount(s) | CHECK the powertrain mounts for damage. INSTALL new mounts as necessary. For engine, Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. For transmission, Refer to the appropriate information in Automatic Transmission for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Damage flexplate | INSPECT the flexplate for wear or damage. INSTALL a new flexplate as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Fuel injector stuck open | REPLACE the fuel injector(s). Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Whine/moan type noise - pitch increases or changes with vehicle speed | Powertrain mount(s) | CHECK the powertrain mounts for damage. INSTALL new mounts as necessary. For engine, Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. For transmission, Refer to the appropriate information in Automatic Transmission for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Valvetrain/ Timing drive component noise | CARRY OUT the Valve Train Analysis Component Test in this information. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Clunk - occurs when shifting from PARK or between REVERSE and DRIVE | Powertrain mounts | CHECK the powertrain mounts for damage. INSTALL new mounts as necessary. For engine, Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. For transmission, Refer to the appropriate information in Automatic Transmission for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Driveshaft universal joint | INSPECT the driveshaft universal joints. REFER to: Driveshaft . REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Accessory drive bearing hoot - occurs at idle or high idle in cold temperatures of approximately 4 deg.C (40 deg.F) or colder at the first start of the day | Accessory drive idler or tensioner pulley bearing is experiencing stick/slip between ball bearings and the bearing race | CARRY OUT the Engine Cold Soak procedure. REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
. PLACE the EngineEAR probe directly on the idler/ tensioner center post or bolt to verify which bearing is making the noise. INSTALL new parts as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Accessory drive belt noise, squeal or chirping | Defective/worn or incorrect accessory drive belt Misaligned pulley(s) Pulley runout Damaged or worn accessory drive component or idler Fluid contamination of the accessory drive belt or pulleys Damaged or worn accessory drive belt tensioner Damaged pulley grooves |
CARRY OUT the Engine Accessory Test. REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) . INSPECT components and INSTALL new parts as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Clunking noise | Coolant pump has excessive end play or imbalance | CHECK the coolant pump for excessive end play. INSPECT the coolant pump for imbalance with the drive belt off. INSTALL a new coolant pump as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Whine or moaning noise | Air intake system Boost leak |
CHECK the air cleaner and ducts for correct fit. INSPECT the air intake system for leaks or damage. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Excessive turbocharger noise | Inspect the turbocharger. REFER to the Check for Free Rotation - On Vehicle. REFER to: Turbocharger . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Whistling noise | Turbocharger inlet pipes | INSPECT the turbocharger inlet pipes. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| EGR cooler pipes | INSPECT the EGR cooler pipes. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Hissing noise - occurs during idle or high idle that is apparent with the hood open | Boost leak noise | Use the Ultrasonic Leak Detector/EngineEAR to locate the source. Scan the air intake system from the inlet to each cylinder intake port. DISCARD the leaking parts, and INSTALL a new component. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Composite intake manifold | Acceptable condition. Some composite manifolds exhibit this noise, which is the effect of the composite manifold. | |
| Grinding noise - occurs during engine cranking | Incorrect starter motor mounting | INSPECT the starter motor for correct mounting. REPAIR as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Starter motor | CHECK the starter motor. INSTALL a new starter motor as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Incorrect starter motor drive engagement Damage flexplate |
INSPECT the starter motor drive for wear or damage. INSTALL a new starter motor as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System
for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. INSPECT the flexplate for wear or damage. INSTALL a new flexplate as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
|
| Engine noise, front of engine - knocking noise from lower front of engine | Damaged or separated crankshaft pulley/damper | CHECK for obvious signs of damage or wobble during operation. INSTALL new as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine noise, front of engine - ticking, tapping or rattling noise from the front of the engine | Timing drive components Damaged oil pump |
REMOVE the accessory drive belt. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System
for the procedure. USE the EngineEAR to isolate the noise to the engine front cover. REMOVE the engine front cover and INSPECT the timing drive components. INSTALL new parts as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine noise, upper end - ticking noise near the fuel rail | Fuel injector | USE the EngineEAR to isolate the noisy injector(s). INSTALL a new injector(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine noise, upper end - ticking, knocking or rattle noise that occurs during idle or high idle during the first cold start of the day and may disappear as the engine warms | Valve train noise (Bled down hydraulic lash adjuster) | CARRY OUT the Valve Train Analysis . INSTALL new parts as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine noise, upper end - rattling noise from the valve train. Worse when the engine is cold | Low oil level | CHECK the oil level. FILL as necessary. |
| Thin or diluted oil | INSPECT the oil for contamination. If the oil is contaminated, CHECK for the source. REPAIR as necessary. CHANGE the oil and filter. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Low oil pressure | CARRY OUT the Oil Pressure Test . If not within specifications, REMOVE the engine oil pan. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. INSPECT for a blocked oil pickup tube. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn valve train components | CARRY OUT the Valve Train Analysis . INSTALL new parts as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn valve guides | CARRY OUT the Valve Guide Inner Diameter procedure. REFER to: Valve Guide Inner Diameter . | |
| Excessive runout of the valve seats on the valve face | INSPECT for abnormalities on the valve face and valve seat. INSTALL a new cylinder head assembly if abnormalities are found. | |
| Engine noise, upper end - knocking or ticking noise, occurs mostly with a warm engine at idle | Low oil level | CHECK the oil level. FILL as necessary. |
| Thin or diluted oil | INSPECT the oil for contamination. If the oil is contaminated, CHECK for the source. REPAIR as necessary. CHANGE the oil and the oil filter. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Incorrect oil viscosity | CHANGE the oil and the oil filter. REFILL with the proper viscosity oil for the climate. | |
| Damaged or incorrect oil filter | INSPECT the oil filter. INSTALL a new oil filter. | |
| Low oil pressure | CARRY OUT the Oil Pressure Test . REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Engine noise, lower end - ticking or knocking noise near the engine front cover | Oil pump | USE the EngineEAR to verify the oil pump as the source of the noise at low rpm. REPAIR as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine noise, lower end - light knocking noise, also described as piston slap. Noise is most noticeable when the engine is cold with light to medium acceleration. The noise disappears as the engine warms | Excessive clearance between the piston and the cylinder wall | CARRY OUT the Piston Diameter procedure. REFER to: Piston Diameter . Measure the cylinder bore diameter. Subtract the piston diameter from the cylinder bore diameter to find the piston-to-cylinder bore clearance. REFER to the appropriate Engine article for specifications. |
| Engine noise, lower end - light double knock or sharp rap sound. Occurs mostly with a warm engine at idle or low speeds in drive. Increases in relation to engine load. Associated with a poor lubrication history | Excessive clearance between the piston and the piston pin | MEASURE the piston pin bore and the piston pin in 2 directions on each side. REFER to the appropriate Engine article for specifications. |
| Engine noise, lower end - light knocking noise. The noise is most noticeable when the engine is warm. The noise tends to decrease when the vehicle is coasting or in neutral | Excessive clearance between the connecting rod bearings and the crankshaft | CARRY OUT the Connecting Rod Bearing Journal Clearance procedure. REFER to: Connecting Rod Bearing Journal Clearance . |
| Engine noise, lower end - deep knocking noise. The noise is most noticeable when the engine is warm, at lower rpm and under a light load and then at float | Worn or damaged crankshaft main bearings | CARRY OUT the Crankshaft Main Bearing Journal Clearance procedure. REFER to: Crankshaft Main Bearing Journal Clearance . |
| Engine noise, rear of engine - knocking noise at rear of engine | Damaged flexplate | INSPECT the flexplate for wear or damage. INSTALL a new flexplate as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine vibration - vibration felt at all times | Excessive crankshaft pulley runout | CARRY OUT the Engine Accessory Test. REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) . INSTALL a new crankshaft pulley as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Damaged or worn accessory component | CARRY OUT the Engine Accessory Test. REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) . REPAIR or INSTALL a new component as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Engine vibration - at idle, a low-frequency vibration (5-20 Hz) or mild shake that is felt through the seat/ floorpan | Cylinder misfire | Using the scan tool, CARRY OUT the cylinder power balance and the relative compression test. REPAIR as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine or torque converter out of balance | VERIFY the torque converter to crankshaft pilot clearance is correct. REPAIR as necessary. RE-INDEX the torque converter on the flexplate by 180 degrees. Refer to the appropriate information in Automatic Transmission for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Engine vibration - is felt with increases and decreases in engine rpm | Powertrain mount(s) | CHECK the powertrain mounts for damage. INSTALL new mounts as necessary. For engine, Refer to the appropriate information in Engine System for the procedure. For transmission, Refer to the appropriate information in Automatic Transmission or Group 308 for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine or transmission contacting the chassis | INSPECT the powertrain/ drivetrain for correct clearances. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Engine vibration - increases intensity as the engine rpm is increased | Engine out-of-balance | CARRY OUT the NERU Test. REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) . ROTATE the torque converter 180 degrees. INSPECT the torque converter pilot outer diameter-to-crankshaft pilot inner diameter. REPAIR as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information in Automatic Transmission for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |