I have been trying to work on my Moms 99 Expedition for some time. The transmission makes a crazy clicking/arcing sound when the vehicle either starts or is turned off.

Vehicle is 99 Eddie Bauer Expedition with Tow Package

I have changed the shift solenoids
Check all wiring and harnesses
Tried adding a grounding strap from frame to tranny
Tried changing the fluid in hopes that maybe there was some metallic debris causing this.

Nothing has helped and I haven't been able to find any other posts on this. The vehicle seems to drive fine, but we live in Arizona and my Mom is older so leaving her stranded is not an option....also she won't drive the vehicle saying that it sounds like a time bomb.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!
Milkman

 

How long until it starts clicking and how long does it keep clicking after the key is turned on or off? Does it have air suspension or coil springs?

 

It clicks for about a minute or two. I should have mentioned that...It has the auto leveling air suspension and I have checked the "switch" for that on the rear axel.

The sound starts off as some clicking then sometimes it sounds like it's sizzling/welding....almost like bacon frying. It is a very strange sound and I've gotten under the vehicle while it is making the sound and it is definitely coming from the transmission.

It seems to run fine and shifts smoothly etc...the torque converter locks up well etc....it just makes these crazy sounds and my Mom won't drive it until it doesn't make those sounds.

Thanks for responding.

 

Then I would start tracing the wires the come off of the tranny/solenoid pack. Others have had that harness get damaged from falling on the exhaust or even from mice chewing on it.

 

Thanks for the input...I will try tracing the wiring harness again.