2011 Explorer A-Pillar Rattle

[Johnny Neat]

Cory or whomever can assist me,

I'm currently frustrated with my beautiful Explorer EX having to go to the dealer back to back. I've had to take it in for the front passenger side humming windshield noise issue and over heating, front passenger side humming windshield noise issue again and radio issues and now the front passenger side humming windshield noise issue once again and AC blowing hot air.

I get the run around we fixed it or we couldn't reproduce the sound regarding the front passenger side humming windshield noise issue and days of waiting for the car at the dealer to fix the other issues.

Only great news is that the issues that have been addressed haven't come back, except the AC blowing hot air which is still pending, as the car sits at the dealer going on day 3, so we haven't been able to see if their latest claims of addressing the front passenger side humming windshield noise issue are true.

So after all this ranting, what can I do to have them truly address my front passenger side humming windshield noise issue? I'm just frustrated with the way the issues are handled. If it's going to take X amount of days just say it. Don't claim to be able to fix or address something in a matter of hours that actually takes days because parts are needed or claim to have addressed issues when they haven't.

Sorry for my mood but I'm just frustrated and burned out by these experiences. I just want to enjoy my Explorer.

Thank you in advance for your time,

Johnny

[LeFurg]

Originally Posted by cnsheets

Gosh, that would just be too easy and not fair to all of us who HAVE experienced the problem. I think Ford should make 2013 owners suffer the same as we have.

The MY 2013 owner may very well have the issue... From what I've seen this evening, there are some members who have had the A-Pillar TSB fix, but to no avail. For them, the A-pillar buzz/rattle persists.
It seems the rubber seal along side of the windshield could simply be elongated which alone would cover the gap (shown in your photos), assuming the gap is the culprit.

or...

I don't know much about home architecture components, but maybe a window foam (the kind one would use for house windows [namely glass block] mounted to wooden studs - to fill the gap) could be shot up in there. You shoot it in and it expands, helps to lock everything down & it would help absorb the road noise... IDK. Maybe I'm just over-analyzing it.

Like you said, CNSheets - you have experienced the issue. You would know more than I would..

[Johnny Neat]

So LeFurg

You're saying this A-pillar issue can't be fixed as it is being handled now?

[Johnny Neat]

So AC has been claimed repaired and the moldings for the A-Pillar, I believe, have been ordered.

I'll pick up my baby today and hope the AC is a-ok again and will update when I do the next step. Fingers are crossed.

Seems like I have gone down the check list of known issues with the new Explorers and I hope this will be the end of the headaches and the restart of a wonderful driving experience.

[FordCustSrvc]

Hey guys,

In case you missed my post before, I can help by setting up a call from the Customer Service Manager in your area. If you haven’t already, please send a PM with your contact info, VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer name/state.

Originally Posted by LeFurg

Hey Cory,

I'm assuming they do, but would just like to make sure. Do the 2013 Ex's have these new thicker A-Pillar components?

Yes, LeFurg; the 2013’s have the updated A-Pillar covers.

Originally Posted by Johnny Neat

Cory or whomever can assist me,

I'm currently frustrated with my beautiful Explorer EX having to go to the dealer back to back...

Johnny,

I want to see that your concerns are taken care of once and for all. Please drop me a line with the above details so I can lend a hand.

Originally Posted by cnsheets

Gosh, that would just be too easy and not fair to all of us who HAVE experienced the problem...

I don’t think that would go over too well, cnsheets.

Cory

[Johnny Neat]

So after all the hassle of waiting an additional day for my new problem to get addressed, my fiancé picks up the supposedly fixed Explorer to find the AC still blows hot air. What the? Why did we wait for a part supposedly an extra 2 days to get our Explorer back the way we left it? Are these guys incompetent or liars hoping problems claimed are the figment of Ford vehicle owners imagination?

Now I need serious intervention because I don't trust my ford dealer's word.

Cory I'll be taking you up on your offer of assistance ASAP.

Frustrated!!!!!!

[FordCustSrvc]

Originally Posted by Johnny Neat

...Cory I'll be taking you up on your offer of assistance ASAP...

I’m happy to help, Johnny. Shoot a PM with your VIN, contact information, dealer name/state, and approximate mileage.

Cory

[rudylyon57]

Hi Cory,

Seems like you have helped out many on this thread!

I am also having the same problem others have cited on this discussion thread. I would describe the problem as either a buzz and/or rattle that appears to be coming from the windshield area. My symptoms are the same in that at highway speeds, buffeting (behind a tractor trailer), cross-winds AND colder weather aggrevate the problem. The cold factor makes sense if is a plastic/rubber vibration issue.

I have not approached a dealer about this yet. I am curious if this is covered under the service bulletin?

Thanks in advance.

[LeFurg]

Originally Posted by Johnny Neat

So LeFurg

You're saying this A-pillar issue can't be fixed as it is being handled now?

All I'm saying is that Explorer owners have had the outer plastic and the rubber gaskets underneath replaced with newer thicker parts. Some owners have no A-Pillar rattle/buzz issues at all after that replacement…

Other owners have no issues for a few weeks, but for these "other" owners, after a few weeks the rattling and buzzing return.

[Dannyinottawa]

Hi Everyone:

The A pillar noise in mine was fixed recently. I'm not sure about the TSB number.

Here is what I find interesting. When the mechanic was removing the A pillar moldings, he apparently told the shop foreman that the clips holding the molding would probably brake. However, the TSB says to re-use them. Sure enough, the clips broke. So the dealer had to order them since the clips are not included with the A-pillar molding repair kit . I guess FORD is trying to save as much as possible since they let this problem go on for so long.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is maybe the plastic clips become weaker after being re-use. Maybe this is why some people are no having luck with the fix.

My dealer is Campbell Ford in Ottawa and they have been great.

The only problem they can't seem to fix is the "Terrain Management Fault". It's happened 6 times but the vehicle doesn't store any codes. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted the issue disappears.

[GVerreault]

Is it an official TSB for the 2012 X?

Originally Posted by Dannyinottawa

Hi Everyone:

The A pillar noise in mine was fixed recently. I'm not sure about the TSB number.

Here is what I find interesting. When the mechanic was removing the A pillar moldings, he apparently told the shop foreman that the clips holding the molding would probably brake. However, the TSB says to re-use them. Sure enough, the clips broke. So the dealer had to order them since the clips are not included with the A-pillar molding repair kit . I guess FORD is trying to save as much as possible since they let this problem go on for so long.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is maybe the plastic clips become weaker after being re-use. Maybe this is why some people are no having luck with the fix.

My dealer is Campbell Ford in Ottawa and they have been great.

The only problem they can't seem to fix is the "Terrain Management Fault". It's happened 6 times but the vehicle doesn't store any codes. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted the issue disappears.

[UCFGreg]

Originally Posted by GVerreault

Is it an official TSB for the 2012 X?

I have a 2012 built this Feb, and I visited my dealer last week about the bluetooth noise being so bad. They attributed it to the a-pillar wind noise, and told me to bring it in this week and they would replace them. Sooo looks like 2012's have the same issue.

[Dannyinottawa]

Hey GVerreault:

Yes, it's an offical TSB, but mine is 2011 built in June. Again, I'm not sure of the exact TSB number. I just remember me seeing the words "A pillar rattle" on the TSB list that the service advisor had. In fact when the service advisor was looking at the paper, he said he couldn't find it. Then after I looked at the document, I pointed it out to him.

[soloxx]

I hear there is a number; nobody is actually sure what it is; my dealership is not familiar with it; we've got a guy from FOMOCO right here in this thread; and still no actual number in print.

Seems a little odd, if I were asked.

17,500 miles on my 2012 LTD, 4WD. Overall I'm satisfied. Mileage average of 21.6 over my 10,785 mile and 2 1/2 month trip I just spent circumnavigating the continental U.S.

Anyone want an in-depth review, I'll be happy to oblige. Beside the plastic vibrating on both sides, my biggest disappointment has been with the annoying 6-speed transmission (ratios, sloppiness, harshness).

[HughCares]

Originally Posted by soloxx

I hear there is a number; nobody is actually sure what it is; my dealership is not familiar with it; we've got a guy from FOMOCO right here in this thread; and still no actual number in print.

Seems a little odd, if I were asked.

17,500 miles on my 2012 LTD, 4WD. Overall I'm satisfied. Mileage average of 21.6 over my 10,785 mile and 2 1/2 month trip I just spent circumnavigating the continental U.S.

Anyone want an in-depth review, I'll be happy to oblige. Beside the plastic vibrating on both sides, my biggest disappointment has been with the annoying 6-speed transmission (ratios, sloppiness, harshness).

Is this not it (below)? Are one of the #'s at the bottom the TSB#?...At any rate...you don't need the number....just tell your dealer that there is a TSB for the issue and that your vehicle is experiencing the problem...that's all I had to do and they ordered the parts based on that. I'm getting them both replaced this Friday.

12-1-11 A-PILLAR TRIM RATTLE AND/OR BUZZ - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 11/21/2011

Publication Date: January 19, 2012

FORD: 2011-2012 Explorer


ISSUE:
Some 2011-2012 Explorer vehicles built on or before 11/21/2011 may exhibit a buzzing, howling, or rattle noise at higher vehicle speeds and/or cross winds, from the windshield A-pillar appliques.

ACTION:
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Remove and discard A-pillar appliques, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-08.
Check old applique for any clips that may have come out of the bracket and if necessary remove and reattach to bracket as necessary. Refer to WSM, Section 501-08.
Wipe the lower rubber gasket with a damp rag (no chemicals) to clean the butyl contacting surface.
The lower rubber gasket is located on the windshield side of the bracket.
Remove protective film from the butyl tape on the new applique.
Install new applique, refer to WSM, Section 501-08.
The applique has an alignment features at the top and bottom of the applique that must be aligned before snapping the middle clips into place.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
BB5Z-7803136-AB Moulding (Right Hand)
BB5Z-7803137-AB Moulding (Left Hand)


WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT: Warranty/ESP coverage limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. Warranty/ESP coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool.

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
120111A 2011-2012 Explorer: Replace Both (2) Windshield Appliques (Do Not Use With Any Other Labor Operations) 0.3 Hr.

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
7803136 33

[soloxx]

Thanks, Hugh. I'll give it a try.

This was simple.

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by Dannyinottawa

Hey GVerreault:

Yes, it's an offical TSB, but mine is 2011 built in June. Again, I'm not sure of the exact TSB number. I just remember me seeing the words "A pillar rattle" on the TSB list that the service advisor had. In fact when the service advisor was looking at the paper, he said he couldn't find it. Then after I looked at the document, I pointed it out to him.

Hi Danny. I'm not sure if you are aware or not but there is a thread in the Stock 2011 - 2013 Ford Explorer Discussion forum called 2011 & 2012 Ford Explorer TSB's which lists the known TSB's for our Explorers.

Peter

[rudylyon57]

I posted here a few months ago thinking that my buzz-rattle was a-pillar related. While looking for things around the windshield trim that could vibrate, I noticed that the driver-side front roof rack cap was loose. As a temporay fix I stuck a small piece of plastic in the gap that allowed it too move. No more buzz or rattle. It is now fixed. I suggest you look at this if your problems persist after working on the a-pillar fix.

[BobbyTony]

My dealership just replaced the roof racks in our 2011 as the diagnosed rattle.

[FordCustSrvc]

Originally Posted by Dannyinottawa

...The A pillar noise in mine was fixed recently...My dealer is Campbell Ford in Ottawa and they have been great...The only problem they can't seem to fix is the "Terrain Management Fault"...

Dannyinottawa,

I’m glad to see your dealer took care of you. Have you tried calling the Ford of Canada Customer Relationship Centre @ 1-800-565-3673 for the fault?

Originally Posted by UCFGreg

...I visited my dealer last week about the bluetooth noise being so bad. They attributed it to the a-pillar wind noise, and told me to bring it in this week and they would replace them...

Have you been to the dealer for this, UCFGreg? I have your Explorer’s details so for me to help, drop a line via PM with your current mileage.

Originally Posted by HughCares

...just tell your dealer that there is a TSB for the issue and that your vehicle is experiencing the problem...that's all I had to do and they ordered the parts based on that. I'm getting them both replaced this Friday...

Awesome recommendation, HughCares. I know it’s been a while since you wrote the post, but how did your visit go?

Originally Posted by soloxx

Thanks, Hugh. I'll give it a try.

This was simple.

soloxx,

I see you spoke with your regional Customer Service Manager since this was posted; I wanted to check in to be sure you’re not having a concern.

Originally Posted by peterk9

...I'm not sure if you are aware or not but there is a thread in the Stock 2011 - 2013 Ford Explorer Discussion forum called 2011 & 2012 Ford Explorer TSB's which lists the known TSB's for our Explorers...

Peter,

Thanks a bunch for taking the time to help!

Originally Posted by rudylyon57

I posted here a few months ago thinking that my buzz-rattle was a-pillar related. While looking for things around the windshield trim that could vibrate, I noticed that the driver-side front roof rack cap was loose. As a temporay fix I stuck a small piece of plastic in the gap that allowed it too move. No more buzz or rattle...

rudylyon57,

I’m sorry I missed your post; I suggest removing your VIN because it’s personal info you might not want to publicly broadcast. Have you considered a dealer visit for a permanent fix? I have your VIN, so drop me a line via PM (with your contact info, mileage, and dealer details), and I’ll lend a hand.

Originally Posted by BobbyTony

My dealership just replaced the roof racks in our 2011 as the diagnosed rattle.

Thanks a bunch for sharing, BobbyTony; I’m glad you got it taken care of!

Cory