I am not an expert, just reporting what I am hearing from the Service tech and manager. The dealer has already replaced the cowl back in September, and the noise level has been the same post that fix. As noted in my earlier post
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3344149&postcount=293 I took it in last Friday and they determined the noise is a result of the motor/windshield wiper/mount. I should have the Explorer back today, and will post the results as well as all the items were replaced by part number.
I have my fingers crossed that they will resolve the issue, as the noise is not pleasant and should not be occurring on a band new vehicle.