Explorer A-Pillar Rattle/Noise

[lsfan00]

Did you receive my message Cory?

 

[FordService]

Did you receive my message Cory?

lsfan00,

Yes, and I sent a reply with more info. Please check you inbox if you haven’t already.

Cory

 

[lsfan00]

Thanks very much. Look forward to reporting 'problem solved.'

 

[stripesace]

Just got a new windshield (on my insurance co's dime) at the same time they performed the TSB for the a-pillar noise and something else that a CSR who Cory had contact me pointed them towards on my Oasis report. Tonight on my drive home, I didn't notice the whistle anymore. Will be curious to see if it holds up as I have more driving tomorrow.

 

[FordService]

Thanks very much. Look forward to reporting 'problem solved.'

You got it, lsfan00!

Just got a new windshield (on my insurance co's dime) at the same time they performed the TSB for the a-pillar noise and something else that a CSR who Cory had contact me pointed them towards on my Oasis report. Tonight on my drive home, I didn't notice the whistle anymore. Will be curious to see if it holds up as I have more driving tomorrow.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy the quiet drive today, stripesace.

Cory

 

[2012Millstadt]

Windshield

Thanks Cory, did you get my message as well?

Thanks!

 

[RTrahan]

My wife took our 2011 Explorer to the dealer on Monday and the two A-pillar appliques and trim gaskets were changed. We drove 550 miles from New Orleans to Austin, Texas and there was no 'rattle'. We encountered high cross winds for a large part of the trip. The new flexible strips are thicker than the original parts and appear to be less prone to vibrate with the wind. We'll see if this is a permanent fix. Our dealer said that they have seen only one other Explorer with this problem. Unfortunately, one of the new appliques cracked when the technician installed it and we will have to return for the installation of a new one.

 

[MRGOLF]

New 2012 XLT

Picked up my 2012 XLT Friday, built early November. I have the wind noise. Ford has not fixed it ! !

 

[FordService]

Thanks Cory, did you get my message as well?

Thanks!

Yes I did, 2012Millstadt. I sent you a reply, so please check your inbox for the details.

Cory

 

[stripesace]

Cory, I noticed a weird rattling sound I had never noticed before... Turns out it was loose change in the armrest But seriously, i couldn't have enjoyed the 160+ miles I drove today more than I've ever enjoyed it before because I didn't have 3.2kHz whistle coming from my windshield. Yes, at one time I used our RTA from work and set it up in the car to find the exact frequency.

 

[FordService]

Cory, I noticed a weird rattling sound I had never noticed before... Turns out it was loose change in the armrest But seriously, i couldn't have enjoyed the 160+ miles I drove today more than I've ever enjoyed it before because I didn't have 3.2kHz whistle coming from my windshield. Yes, at one time I used our RTA from work and set it up in the car to find the exact frequency.

I’m glad you could live with the “change”, stripesace.

Cory

 

[Captfx]

Same "buzzing" problem

 

[ercole]

I put electrical tape on the lower and upper part of the gasket, and the problem is gone. Will have the dealer attempt to fix it, for the second time, when I'm due for an oil change. Need to get my brakes fixed and have a rattle in the dash.

And mft is driving me nuts lately. I'm trying to like this car, but these little bugs are killing me.

Has anyone noticed that the buzzing is worse in colder weather? I didn't have it all summer here in Jersey, but now that the temps have dropped, you hear it all the time. The wind does not have to come from any specific direction either. It just buzzes all the time at highway speeds.

Harlenm, would you please share with me the results of the dealer attempt to isolate the rattle in the dash. I just picked up my Ex as the dealer had to upgrade MFT to v2.11. The work order states "could not replicate rattle". It's constant over every bump. Totally lame.

 

[Black Mounty]

So after getting the so-called fix (gaskets, etc) and new pillars ( now the third set) put on about 10 days ago, the incessant buzzing has gone away. In its place is a extremely noticeable increase in wind noise coming from both the passenger and driver's side pillars. I think the new gaskets and pillars are "catching" the wind and deflecting, as opposed to the air getting under the rubber and plastic and buzzing. Even though the Dealer has been more than accommodating as i keep bringing the car in, my fear is going back to the dealer and being told this is tolerable and within spec. And from all the on and off, the black A-Pillar sticker is coming up more than ever. Every single Explorer ive seen has it, even those on the showroom floor. I can just imaging what these will look like in a few years. Im thinking of the the old "wood paneling" stickers on the Dodge products about 10 - 15 years ag.

Anyone else having this problem with the fix? Im bordering 5 attempts to address this, what other options do i have? Ford corporate has been accommodating as well in trying to keep me happy, but im getting at wits end and get upset everytime i have to drive the vehicle.

 

[harlenm]

Harlenm, would you please share with me the results of the dealer attempt to isolate the rattle in the dash. I just picked up my Ex as the dealer had to upgrade MFT to v2.11. The work order states "could not replicate rattle". It's constant over every bump. Totally lame.

I haven't had a chance to bring it. I know exactly where it is coming from and can fix it just by pressing on the bezel around the mft screen.

Will bring it in after the new year.

 

[FordService]

Hi guys,

In case you missed my previous post in this thread, I’m available to help by forwarding this to the Customer Service Manager in your area. If you haven’t already, please send a PM with your contact information, VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer name/state.

My windshield rain gutter was replaced as well, although when I got it back it still was not fulled snapped down on the passenger side. I was able to find the clip point and snap it down my self. Now I suspect the original had simply popped out at one mount point. All quiet now...

Holligl,

It’s great that this was taken care of. I’m glad to hear it!

Cory

 

[scottfmc]

Has anyone noticed that the buzzing is worse in colder weather? I didn't have it all summer here in Jersey, but now that the temps have dropped, you hear it all the time. The wind does not have to come from any specific direction either. It just buzzes all the time at highway speeds.

YES! I have heard this from others. The rubber gaskets contract and allow more air to enter.

 

[cowboyearl]

Question

I haven't read the whole thread. I have the same noise on my 2012. Do they have to pull the windshield to fix the noise problem?
Thanks,
Earl

 

[jrichracing]

I haven't read the whole thread. I have the same noise on my 2012. Do they have to pull the windshield to fix the noise problem?
Thanks,
Earl

The problem is with the A-Pillar Moldings. Try some blue painters tape and mask off the molding to the windshield. You should notice a considerable difference. Looks like ****, but makes a long drive tolerable.

 

[deerfarm]

I haven't read the whole thread. I have the same noise on my 2012. Do they have to pull the windshield to fix the noise problem?
Thanks,
Earl

No, they pull the shiny cover and replace the gaskets. Be sure to check the covers when you pick it up to be sure they were not cracked by the repair work.