03 Problems

[03Mach1]

I have a V6 2wd 03 with about 85k on the clock.

Within the last 6 months I have replaced plugs and wires along with the fuel filter. It has a few problems that I am desperate to solve. Any help with a diagnosis would be greatly appreciated.

1.) Crappy idle. Not all that bad but I can feel a studder every 30-40 seconds. I was thinking about replacing the IAC next to see if this is resolved.

2.) Front hubs howling. I replaced the front drivers side about 6 months ago, the hum never went away. If you sit in the passenger seat it sounds like it coming from the passenger side, if you sit in the drivers side it sounds like its the drivers side???? I am planning on replacing the passenger side within the next month so hopefully that will correct itself.

3.) Sort of related to # 2. I sat in the back one time and I could swear I can hear a hum back there. I have read how there were rear end problems. Is there anything that can be done to quite down a rear end hum? Heavier gear oil or anything like that. Other than the dealership I have yet to find anyone local who can set up a rear end right.

4.) Rattling. with the windows up you can't hear it, driving you can't hear it. Standing in front of the car or while in a drive through you can hear it. it sounds like a few BB's were dropped into a can and are being shaken. No rhythem to it either. it will rattle constant for a few seconds, then go away for a min, then rattle again. I put a stethescope on the timing chain cover and did not notice anything unusual.

 

[bex]

#4 - My guess is the torque converter.

 

[03Mach1]

Why would the converter sound like BB's rattling in a can?

Also from outside it sounds more like it is coming from the front than underneath.

 

[bex]

Why? I guess because there are some rivets or something that come loose.

Yes, sounds like coming from the front, the idiot ford shop wanted to pull my engine but I refused as I knew it was the TC, another ford shop agreed and fixed it under waranty.

But like I said, it is just a guess, I have not heard yours and you could have a different problem, but the TC rattle is sort of common.

 

[03Mach1]

So if I start the car and slide under it around the converter area if it is the converter would be obvious to me that the sound is coming from the converter?

 

[bex]

Probably.

I could tell because it was defintly coming from the rear of the engine, and standing on the side of the car is was coming from right behind the front wheel.

Afte reading around, I came to the conclusion it was the TC. I took it to ford and they were trying to state my engine was messed up and it needed replaced. I contacted the warranty company and told them I think it is BS and want to take it to another place, they agreed.

The other ford dealer immedialty determined the problem to be the TC and fixed that along with a front wheel bearing under warranty.

I say pop the hood, and then if the noise is coming from the rear of the engine than it probably is the TC. I do not think it does anything harm other than the noise, but I do not know for sure.

And again, you could have something else wrong and making the noise, I just know the TC noise is common among explorers.

 

[joefnh]

What type of oil filter are you using? There have been several complaints of poor quality oil filters restricting flow and causing this type of noise. Fram has been mentioned as one of the vendors that can result in this problem.

I saw this once when I used a lower quality filter and after changing to a Mobile1 filter the problem was solved.

--Joe

 

[barnettz]

This problem sounds real similiar to what my Explorer is doing. I have noticed the same noise and it is definitely coming from the torque converter area, I thought it might be loose bolts. Mine does seem to get quiet right as it shifts gears though, then its right back. It's like when the load is relieved at the shift point it's quiet. I'll see about having the TC replaced. Good Info guys Thanks