Chirping Noise

[tej]

Hello:

I have a 96 XLT, V-8, Auto, 101K miles

A few weeks ago noticed a chirping noise (like a loose belt) so I had the belt and upper tensioner replaced.

The chirping did not stop and the mechanic said it was coming from the area where the distributor would be if it had one....and advised I take it to the dealer since it may be a sensor.

Any ideas? I love the truck and plan to keep it until it dies but the sporatic noise is pretty annoying.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[tej]

I had posted the above from the office while on the phone so maybe I wasn't clear.

I pulled the service station receipt which says:

"...sounds like noise is coming from sensor just behind roller pulley...spot where distributor would normally be. May be camshaft sensor...."

Tom

 

[unclemeat]

My best gues is the idle air control valve. It is on the intake manifold, and they are notorious for making an obniouxs squeeling sound. You can tell if that is it because you can touch it when squeenling and feel it. It is an easy repair, just dont over tighten the bolts, and shop around for the best price, about $60. You can do a search and find much more info.

 

[Green98XLT]

Nope, it's probably the CPS or cam position sensor. Your mechanic is right on, it goes in place of the distributor to tell the ignition system/vehicle computer where the cam is at all times. They basically look like a regular distributor but the top is cut off and of course there are no wires or cap.

 

[tej]

Just wanted to follow up now that it is fixed:

It was the Camshaft Position Sensor. The chirping kept getting worse and just the other day had it replaced and it's gone.

Not sure if I got a fair price but in Sterling, VA it cost me $525 for parts and labor. I did get a quote for $160 from another dealer but that was to change the top sensor only so make sure you get the whole unit which I understand is 2 parts...of course the bottom part is where the problem is.

Talking with the parts dept. it seems this is a typical problem with Explorers.

Tom

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Glad it got fixed! Thank you for posting a follow up.

-Drew

 

[spta97]

Just wanted to follow up now that it is fixed:

It was the Camshaft Position Sensor. The chirping kept getting worse and just the other day had it replaced and it's gone.

Not sure if I got a fair price but in Sterling, VA it cost me $525 for parts and labor. I did get a quote for $160 from another dealer but that was to change the top sensor only so make sure you get the whole unit which I understand is 2 parts...of course the bottom part is where the problem is.

Talking with the parts dept. it seems this is a typical problem with Explorers.

Tom

Let me ask you, did the chirping happen more when it was wet / humid out? I was going crazy trouble shooting my chirp and ended up replacing two pullies (tensioner and another one that was not connected to a device - just sat at the top). It went away for a while but it is back now when it is humid or raining.

Do you have a picture of the Camshaft Position Sensor? I have a 2000 V8.

Thanks..

 

[exploder xlt]

when it is raining or humid sometimes you can get a little moisture on the belt that makes it squeak but it should go away after a minute or two.

 

[blakshukvw]

I had the same problem. I just removed the top part, the actual CPS part only, not the entire unit and added a mix of ATF and cooking oil and let it soak into the unit. This lubes the bearings inside. It worked for me so far and it's been a couple of weeks now in the butt ass cold.