2017 Explorer XLT: annoying noise (sometimes) when accelerating

[-Adam]

- 2017 Explorer XLT
- 3.5L Duratec
- AWD
- 95,000 miles

Hello all!

My Explorer sometimes makes this annoying noise that I'd describe as a loud whining or whistle, but quite frankly reminds me of the "most annoying sound in the world" from the movie Dumb and Dumber. When it started, my first impression was that it was a loud electronic-like sound. I say "loud", because you don't have to strain or anything to try to hear it. When it happens, anyone in the vehicle will hear it, but it won't hurt your ears or anything.

I will try to capture the sound and add it to this thread. But, every time I remember to record my trip the car doesn't make the sound. It's inconsistent in it's frequency and I can NOT take specific steps to recreate the sound. I also can't seem to find a video of the noise anywhere online.

Here are some details:

• It always happens during the first part of a drive. If it doesn't happen in the first 5 minutes or so, it's not going to happen on that trip.
• It's much more likely to happen during the first trip of the day. I wouldn't say it never happens later in the day, but it's more likely on the first trip.
• I'm pretty sure it only happens when I'm accelerating. I believe it's more likely to happen during a harder acceleration.
• It more frequent during the winter months. I'd say it happens during 50-60% of my trips during the winter months (as opposed to 20-30% of summer month trips).
• When all windows are closed the noise sounds like it's coming from the console/nav/dash/display area. But, when the window is lowered, you can hear it screaming quite loudly (from underneath the car?). If someone is walking on the sidewalk, they will certainly hear the noise.
• The noise is typically anywhere between 2 and 5 seconds long.
• There are no other symptoms. The vehicle doesn't drive differently. There is no smell/smoke/etc.
• This has been going on for 18-24 months.

Has anyone experienced a noise like this???

I don't want to steer anyone in a particular direction, but my fear (and this is COMPLETELY a guess) is that this might be a PTU-related symptom.

Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to read this over and consider it. Let me know if additional information would be helpful and I'll provide it if I can.

Thanks!
-Adam

EDIT: Since the original post, I finally found a video that captured the sound:
I've posted below, as well. But, wanted to get this in the original post for first-time thread readers.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Adam.
Is the sound somewhat similar to a police siren?

Peter

 

[-Adam]

Welcome to the Forum Adam.
Is the sound somewhat similar to a police siren?

Peter

Thanks for the welcome and the response!

No - I'd say it's not like that. It's hard to describe. I asked my son to describe the noise and he said it's like a "squeaky grind". I don't think I agree with the "grind" part, but "squeak" is a very good adjective. I'd say it's a lot like a dog's squeaky toy.

I put a note in the Explorer to remind me to start my phone's video recorder. I really hope I can get a decent recording to share.

Thanks!
-Adam

 

[peterk9]

There is a thread about a 'slide whistle' police siren noise and it involves the rear HVAC unit. That is why I asked the question. I guess that isn't your issue. Good luck.

Peter

 

[-Adam]

Yeah - doesn't sound like the same thing. Thanks, anyway!

 

[adchastie]

- 2017 Explorer XLT
- 3.5L Duratec
- AWD
- 95,000 miles

Hello all!

My Explorer sometimes makes this annoying noise that I'd describe as a loud whining or whistle, but quite frankly reminds me of the "most annoying sound in the world" from the movie Dumb and Dumber. When it started, my first impression was that it was a loud electronic-like sound. I say "loud", because you don't have to strain or anything to try to hear it. When it happens, anyone in the vehicle will hear it, but it won't hurt your ears or anything.

I will try to capture the sound and add it to this thread. But, every time I remember to record my trip the car doesn't make the sound. It's inconsistent in it's frequency and I can NOT take specific steps to recreate the sound. I also can't seem to find a video of the noise anywhere online.

Here are some details:

• It always happens during the first part of a drive. If it doesn't happen in the first 5 minutes or so, it's not going to happen on that trip.
• It's much more likely to happen during the first trip of the day. I wouldn't say it never happens later in the day, but it's more likely on the first trip.
• I'm pretty sure it only happens when I'm accelerating. I believe it's more likely to happen during a harder acceleration.
• It more frequent during the winter months. I'd say it happens during 50-60% of my trips during the winter months (as opposed to 20-30% of summer month trips).
• When all windows are closed the noise sounds like it's coming from the console/nav/dash/display area. But, when the window is lowered, you can hear it screaming quite loudly (from underneath the car?). If someone is walking on the sidewalk, they will certainly hear the noise.
• The noise is typically anywhere between 2 and 5 seconds long.
• There are no other symptoms. The vehicle doesn't drive differently. There is no smell/smoke/etc.
• This has been going on for 18-24 months.

Has anyone experienced a noise like this???

I don't want to steer anyone in a particular direction, but my fear (and this is COMPLETELY a guess) is that this might be a PTU-related symptom.

Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to read this over and consider it. Let me know if additional information would be helpful and I'll provide it if I can.

Thanks!
-Adam

Hey Adam, did you ever find out what was causing the noise? It sounds a lot like what is going on with my 2016 explorer and no one can seem to figure out what is causing the noise.

 

[peterk9]

Hey Adam, did you ever find out what was causing the noise? It sounds a lot like what is going on with my 2016 explorer and no one can seem to figure out what is causing the noise.

Welcome to the Forum.
Hopefully the member is still following the thread. He was last seen here on September 30, 2021.

Peter

 

[JoeSploder]

I have a 2017 explorer limited v6 with what sounds like the same issue. I have messaged the op to see if he ever got a resolution but also wanted to check here in case anyone else had an update. I cant pinpoint the issue because it only makes the sound when the car is running 40-50 mph. It's a weird squeek almost like a dog toy over and over that stops and starts with pressing the gas pedal. Starts about 10 minutes into the drive and goes away after a little while but can return intermittently. Started very quiet about 6 months ago and has gotten progressively louder. My mechanic says we are just going to have to wait for it to get worse so we can figure out where it's coming from.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Joe.
FYI, the OP was last seen here on September 20, 2021.

Peter

 

[-Adam]

I have a 2017 explorer limited v6 with what sounds like the same issue. I have messaged the op to see if he ever got a resolution but also wanted to check here in case anyone else had an update. I cant pinpoint the issue because it only makes the sound when the car is running 40-50 mph. It's a weird squeek almost like a dog toy over and over that stops and starts with pressing the gas pedal. Starts about 10 minutes into the drive and goes away after a little while but can return intermittently. Started very quiet about 6 months ago and has gotten progressively louder. My mechanic says we are just going to have to wait for it to get worse so we can figure out where it's coming from.

Apologies for my absence, everyone. I don't remember getting notifications for replies to this thread. I'll have to check my settings and pay more attention to my spam box.

Thanks for the IM, Joe! I have not figured it out. I have, however, since found a video (the only one I can find!) that's captured the *exact* sound my Explorer is making.
Is this the noise you're hearing as well?

If I can, I will edit the original post to include this link. I'll be interested to know if the video helps get us pointed in the right direction.

Thanks!
-Adam

 

[JoeSploder]

Apologies for my absence, everyone. I don't remember getting notifications for replies to this thread. I'll have to check my settings and pay more attention to my spam box.

Thanks for the IM, Joe! I have not figured it out. I have, however, since found a video (the only one I can find!) that's captured the *exact* sound my Explorer is making.
Is this the noise you're hearing as well?

If I can, I will edit the original post to include this link. I'll be interested to know if the video helps get us pointed in the right direction.

Thanks!
-Adam

This is the same sound I am hearing hopefully someone out there has heard this before