howling noise??

[duketter]

I have this howling noise in my engine when I step on the accelerator. It is not the normal engine noise and it doesn't happen all the time. But it happens it seems more on warm days. Is it just me or is this normal? Did I explain this enough?

 

[duketter]

Ok, did some more searching and see it is probably the IAC. Would this item be covered under an extended warranty do you think? I have an extended warranty that covers more than just the powertrain but would this thing even be considered in the best extended warranty???? Could the IAC go bad and the MAF be dirty after only 32,000 miles on it??

 

[Sallad420]

This is going to sound dumb, but are you using your AC when this is happening?

Mine makes a howling sound whenever I use the AC. To confirm this I turned off the AC (OFF) and it went away after about 45 secs. I think it's just the commpressor or something.

...or I could be way off...

 

[Alec]

The IAC is involved with the A/C, that's why the A/C can affect it.

It's probably covered under warranty, but it's probably easier just to go get the part and replace it yourself.

 

[Brian1]

Could be the water pump also although yours is a 99 I doubt it. A good way to trouble shoot is to remove the serpentine belt and run the engine for a few minutes while someone watches the temp guage. If the howling is not there you know it is not the water pump or A/C compressor or any other component driven by the belt.

This is the way I found out my water pump was bad (it made a howling noise as well).

Good luck.

 

[twomedicine]

IAC

This is something I might be able to help you with:

I bought a 1999 XL last Sept w/ 70K. I am not familiar with new cars since I owned an 84 Ford LTD as original owner. Best vehicle I ever owned, but for some reason I wanted a change after 200K.

Anyway, mine was making a howling noise that I really noticed while driving into the garage, and I am pretty sure the A/C was on since it was hot out, but I don't think it mattered wether or not it was on or off. Almost sounded like a loud honing noise, and I was afraid a bearing was going or something serious. I took it to the dealer and he listened for 5 seconds and knew right what it was, the IAC. Well, I had them do it for $190, but that was because I felt as though they were the one's to diagnose it, and I really was too timid (not now) fooling around with such a sophisticated system that was so new to me/////

Hope this helps ( I think a new valve is around $90 from Ford and can probably be changed in 5 minutes)

Hope this helps, and it's the same noise I am refering to

 

[Majisto]

No offense to twomedicine, but the IAC can be cleaned for about $3, and the part costs about $70, and anybody with any sort of knowledge of working a ratchet or wrench can get it on and off. It took me five 5 minutes, and the hardest part was locating it, which is also easy.

 

[twomedicine]

IAC don't leave home without it

Thanks to Majestol, now you know how to start....try cleaning it first. You are getting the benefit of two heads being better than one regarding your problem/

I always get taken for a ride I suppose, but at the time I was happy somebody knew what it was and how to correct it. Parts must be cheaper in TX ////

Good luck~

 

[TPLYNCH]

It is not covered by the ExtraCare warranty.... Found out thru experience. You can get a new one if you want online for ~ $70. But try cleaning first.

 

[duketter]

Ok, it must be the IAC because I tried out all your symptoms yesterday and it howled when it was warm out, when the a/c was on, at initial acceleration, etc.,etc. So I am going to try and clean that and the MAF sensor.

I will do a search on where it is located and how to clean it. Any pics or suggestions on what to use or how to do it?

Thanks everyone for their input!!!!!!!!

 

[dogfriend]

I replaced my IAC in 99 and now it is developing the infamous IAC hum.

When it gets worse, I plan to record it with the video cam so everyone can know what it sounds like.

Thanks to this board, I know exactly what the problem is

 

[twomedicine]

IAC

Boy, a few yrs on a new IAC and it's shot again. I am beginning to see these X 's probably are not reliable enough for pleasurable ownership in a remote area, like where a person (like myself for the past many yrs) has to go 100mi round trip for groceries. Car repairs are over the C. divide and constitute a 200+mile round trip.

Does the noisy IAC do anything bad besides making an annoying howl? Can an owner keep running it for quite awhile before total failure. And what are the consequences of total failure, if that happens?

twomed

 

[dogfriend]

The worst that will happen with the IAC is that it won't idle correctly - it won't leave you stranded. Also, it is pretty easy to either clean or replace - 2 bolts and an electrical connector.

The first one cost $60 for the valve and about $6 for the gasket from the dealer - I will probably get the next one from fordpartsnetwork.com.

There are other threads about the humming noise - the problem seems to be related to the little black plastic piece which functions as a vent for the air displaced as the solenoid moves back and forth. There is a filter which may become clogged causing the noise.

All in all, I don't consider this to be a horrible problem - it doesn't cost a lot to fix and it won't leave you by the side of the road. My Explorer has been very reliable in the 4 yrs that I have owned it.

 

[Opera House]

On the later version IAC

There is a black plastic cap which contains a filter. The purpose is to let clean air in and balance pressures on the valve mech. This outer cap will pull off with a little force and can be snapped back on later. Inside there is a felt pellet that gets contaminated with dirt. Dig it out and flick it with your finger a few times. They do catch a lot of dirt and without the proper air flow the valve can oscillate.

 

[twomedicine]

Noisy IAC will not leave you ditched

I appreciate the news about the noisy IAC not leaving an X owner by the wayside, even though if in god's country that could be most inconvenient. And if mine starts acting up again I will first try the cleaning method prescribed.

I was wondering about that black plastic cap on the IAC and its intended purpose. So I would imagine driving dirt roads would hasten the filter's tendency to load up. That's really good info and will keep it on file///

many thanks,
twomedicine