Space ship behind dash !!

[ruger52359]

I bought my 02 xlt in november 06 with 88,000 miles . I love the truck . Ever since it started getting really cold ( 25 degrees and less ) a high pitched squeal comes from behind the dash . It increases in pitch as the rpm 's go up and stops once the tranny shifts . Once the engine is up to operating temp , it stops . Any ideas ???

 

[Critter92X]

On an older model I would say it sounds like the speed-o cable but they may be electronic without a cable now,I'm not really sure.I've never thought to look at mine(02') and see.

 

[pcohenchicago]

I have an 05 and it does the same thing until it warms up...

 

[ruger52359]

It doesn't sound like it's coming from the engine compartment or trans . Just seems to come from behind dash . I've checked out the blower motor and ruled that out . Everybody that drives with me the first time says what the hell is that ! May just be one of those FORD things you have to live with .

 

[rrgone]

On an older model I would say it sounds like the speed-o cable but they may be electronic without a cable now,I'm not really sure.I've never thought to look at mine(02') and see.

On the gen 3's it's an electronic signal from PCM to ICM. I know what you mean about a noisy speedometer cable though. I used to have an old GMC P/U that made all kinds of noise until the cable warmed up on cold mornings.

 

[rrgone]

It doesn't sound like it's coming from the engine compartment or trans . Just seems to come from behind dash . I've checked out the blower motor and ruled that out . Everybody that drives with me the first time says what the hell is that ! May just be one of those FORD things you have to live with .

Does it squeal when you're at idle in Park, or just when you put it into gear?

 

[High_Order1]

Dang!

.... Here I was, screwdriver in hand. With all the other high-tech roll control stability whatever, I wanted to see the spaceship...


On a more serious note, there are a lot of things that could creak until it warms up. Are you absolutely certain its' in the cab, and not in the engine compartment? Or underneath in the drivetrain?

Can you after it's run a couple of minutes, rev it a little and see if you can hear it? Does it do it after it's warmed up, then been parked, and then driven?

You may have to find a friend to ride in the floorboard with a mechanics' stethescope.

Or, and feel free to shoot me down, get some really good jackstands and chocks, and test it that way.

-Shawn

 

[ruger52359]

I'll duct tape my last good friend under my X with a stethescope and have him check it out ........ But seriously , it will not do it while in park , you have to be moving when it happens .

 

[rrgone]

It could be coming from the transmission or transfer case. You are just about sitting on top of them both so it could sound like coming from under the dash. Do you know if either have ever been serviced? The maintenance schedule says not to worry about them at your mileage but lots of people on here have other opinions.

I think you should post a link to this thread over in the Transmissions, Transfer Cases, and Differentials Forum and see what those guys think. At the very least go get the transmission flushed and the transfer case fluid changed. I'd have them drop the tranny pan and change the filter and visually check it over. Don't take it to Pep Boys! Find a good shop. Good luck.

 

[old mechanic]

Try www.coasttocoastam.com