2002 Explorer EB with 4.6 V8 and 67,000 miles. I have owned this vehicle for 4 years. Rear End hum was cured at 35.000 miles. Engine sounds like a diesel when idling or acceleration. Noise seems to be coming from under the engine. Dealer replaced torque converter but noise still there. Dealer now says it may be chains that drive the valve trains but I do not hear the noise coming from the top of the engine using a stethoscope. Noise is getting louder and is the same with a cold engine or hot engine. Have always used full synthetic oil and get excellent gas mileage. Engine runs very smooth at idle. I have driven other 4.6 equipped Explorers and don't hear the noise. Any suggestions as to what the noise could be?

 

I have am experiencing the exact same noise under the same conditions. My truck sounds like a diesel until I reach highway speeds. Anyone have any ideas?

edit: this is a 2002 explorer eddie bauer auto 4.6L V8 w/ 82K

 

I fought with Ford for three years with my 02 Explorer V8. They told me everything from "its normal" to "you have a bad torque converter". They replaced the torque converter under warranty but it didn't stop. Another service manager told me it was the timing chains going to the left and right valve trains. My question to him was "why does it stop when the torque converter locks up?" He said I just wasn't hearing it then. Bull. If you put a stethoscope on the oil pan with the engine idling it will really be loud. I traded the vehicle last month on an 05 Exp. with the V8 and so far it is very quiet. Also no rear end hum yet. That's another story.

 

TSB ALLDATA 03-25-6 DEC 03 Engine - Ticking Noise When Idling
03-25-6***ENGINE - ROMEO BUILT 4.6L 2V - TICK NOISE FROM ENGINE - ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 9/17/2003

 

Thanks to this site, and a confirmation by some Ford engineer buds (I'm in Detroit), I was able, under my extended Premium Care warranty, to get a new pair of cylinder heads installed on my '02 E150 with 4.6...cost me the $100 deductible only (and the cost of new spark plugs--they wanted to reuse the old ones....pffftt...)

Mine was only making a slight tapping noise, but a noticeable tapping noise, at 42k miles, when the heads were replaced.

Done on your dime, this would be pretty expensive unless you're lucky enough to have a 100k Premium Care warranty or something, in which case I would get to the Ford dealer quick, waving the TSB.... Listen to the sound of the engine while idling at the exhaust manifold on the rear cylinders...the exhaust valves carbon up and stick. I don't know if a "diesel noise" would be the ultimate result, though.

Good luck,
George

 

Just bought an 03 Explorer Centennial Limited Edition w/ 4.6L V8 and have the exact same noise as PTM (used to have) and Shraksfan. This is really annoying, but the puzzling thing is the noise goes away when I hit 40mph. Transmission shifting is smooth, but the noise makes me wonder if I should be filling up with diesel. I also have the humming noise coming from the rear end. Thought the tires may be bad, but I just replaced them and the noise is still there. Any thoughts, other than the torque converter, which clearly did not help PTM or Sharksfan?

 

TSB 05-12-6 2002 Explorer Rear End Whine - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts Serious Explorations


TSB #03256 -- ENGINE-ROMEO BUILT 4.6L 2V-TICK NOISE FROM ENGINE-ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 9/17/2003. *MJ (NHTSA ID #10008278, DECEMBER 22 2003)

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

• TSB #06216 -- LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. *TT (NHTSA ID #10014100, JANUARY 01 2006)
• TSB #18478 -- AXLE SEAL LEAKS. *EH (NHTSA ID #10014668, MAY 01 2005)
• TSB #05618 -- REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *TT (NHTSA ID #10017892, APRIL 01 2005)
• TSB #18466 -- AXLE WHINE HOWL. THIS INCLUDES 1997-05 FORD VEHICLES. *EH (NHTSA ID #10014659, MARCH 01 2005)
• TSB #18423 -- AXLE WHINE HOWL SERVICE WITH INDIVIDUAL PARTS INSTEAD OF AN AXLE ASSEMBLY. *EH (NHTSA ID #10012959, FEBRUARY 01 2005)
• TSB #18221 -- REAR AXLE NOISE. OASIS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER AND AVIATOR. *TT (NHTSA ID #10010732, OCTOBER 01 2004)
• TSB #03198 -- CHATTER, SHUDDER, A BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 9.75 INCH OR 8.8 INCH LIMITED SLIP REAR AXLE. *TT (NHTSA ID #10004037, SEPTEMBER 06 2004)
• TSB #17905 -- MULTIPLE VEHICLES USING FEHP REAR AXLE FLUID. FLUID USAGE CHANGE. *TT (NHTSA ID #10009332, JULY 01 2004)
• TSB #04B15 -- REAR AXLE DATE CODE INSPECTION AND SERVICE. VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPER MIX OF REAR AXLE LUBRICANT AND FRICTION MODIFIER ADDITIVE. IF SO, THE CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE NOISE AND VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING. *TT *MJ (NHTSA ID #10007006, MAY 01 2004)
• TSB #17736 -- REAR AXLE NOISE. *TT (NHTSA ID #10008236, APRIL 01 2004)
• TSB #17717 -- REAR AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNS. *TT (NHTSA ID #10008222, APRIL 01 2004)
• TSB #17641 -- REAR 3.55 AXLE NOISE. CERTIFIED REAR AXLE OR IMPROVED GEAR SET AVAILABLE. *TT (NHTSA ID #10007413, MARCH 01 2004)
• TSB #17054 -- AXLE WHINE AT CRUISE OR DURING ACCELERATION/ DECELERATION. *TT (NHTSA ID #10003164, AUGUST 01 2003)
• TSB #16949 -- REAR AXLE VIBRATION/DRONE ABOVE 60 MPH. *TT (NHTSA ID #10003838, JULY 01 2003)
• TSB #16754 -- EXCESSIVE WHINE NOISE FROM THE REAR AXLE AT CRUISE, OR ON ACCELERATION AND/OR DECELERATION. *TT (NHTSA ID #10002652, APRIL 01 2003)
• TSB #15646 -- CONCERNS WITH CLUNK NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE AREA. *TT (NHTSA ID #630698, FEBRUARY 01 2002)

 

Ive owned FORDS all my life, I am selling mine after FORD won't do anything, especially about the rear ends and the 4.6 HEAD issues.....NO wonder they dont need to be bailed out, they wont fix anything after they sell it ....

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
04S20S5 FEB 05 Recall - Replace Liftgate Glass Ball Stud Bracket/Hinge
01B77 OCT 01 Recall - Firestone Tire Recall Supplement
01S18 JUN 01 Recall - Passenger Side Tire Inspection

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
02M01S6 AUG 04 Recall - Tube Mounted EGR Pressure Sensor Defect

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
05N04 DEC 05 Campaign - Intake Manifold Extended Warranty Coverage
01T02 APR 01 Campaign - Liftgate Glass Bracket Inspection

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
08-21-11 OCT 08 4X4/AWD System - Shudder On Accel/Decel/Binding On Turns
08-19-3 SEP 08 Drivetrain - Rear Axle Seal(s) Leaking
07-21-2 OCT 07 Engine - Spark Plug Hole Thread Repair Procedure
07-20-5 OCT 07 Body - Rear Door Window Stuck In Up Position/Inoperative
07-12-3 JUN 07 Restraints - Control Module DTCs & Associated Fault PIDs
07-5-8 MAR 07 Battery - Battery Eye Function/Charging/Service
07-4-3 MAR 07 Interior - Leather Wrapping On Steering Wheel Is Loose
07-1-7 JAN 07 Steering - Mercon V(R) Fluid Usage
06-26-1 JAN 07 M/T - Mercon(R) V ATF Usage Information
06-25-15 DEC 06 Body - Aluminum Body Panels - Corrosion
06-21-19 OCT 06 A/C - Heater Core Electrolysis/Leakage
06-19-14 OCT 06 Starting System- No Crank Condition
06-18-16 SEP 06 Engine - Reman Engine Head Gasket Identification
06-15-8 AUG 06 Keyless Entry - Keypad Diagnostics
06-8-3 MAY 06 Cruise Control - Diagnostics Updates
06-4-4 MAR 06 Drivetrain - Limited Slip Differential Chatter
06-2-12 FEB 06 Instruments - Fuel Gauge Drops to Empty/MIL ON/DTC's
05-25-8 DEC 05 Drivetrain - Rear Axle Hub Bearing Noise
05-24-2 DEC 05 Body - Liftgate Glass Applique Damaged/Cracking
05-23-3 NOV 05 Drivetrain - Rear Differential Whine/Hum Noise
05-22-8 NOV 05 Ignition System - Coil-On-Plug Misfire Diagnostic Tips
05-21-4 OCT 05 A/T, Drivetrain - Shudder in 2nd and 3rd Gear
05-21-7 OCT 05 Audio System - Delayed Power When Switched ON
05-18-7 SEP 05 Electrical - Wiring Soldering/Crimping Service Tips
05-17-8 SEP 05 A/C - Drive Belt Chirp When A/C Compressor Engages
05-16-4 AUG 05 Driveline - Vibration/Boom Between 55 and 75 MPH
05-16-11 AUG 05 Restraints - Seat Belts Slow to Retract
05-13-6 JUL 05 Body - Back Glass Hard to Close/Door Ajar Lamp ON
05-6-4 APR 05 Instruments - False Parking Aid Warnings
05-4-16 MAR 05 Interior - Front Seat Movement On Accel./Decel.
05-3-4 FEB 05 Body - Moonroof Squeak or Rattle Noise
05-3-10 FEB 05 Restraints - Seat Belt Stop Button Service
05-1-5 JAN 05 Body - Rear Windows Inoperative
04-25-2 DEC 04 Fuel System - Hesitation on Hard Sweeping Right Turns
04-24-6 DEC 04 A/C - Moan/Buzz/Groan Noise From Vehicle Rear
04-24-5 DEC 04 A/C/Audio - Defroster/Antenna Grid Diagnosis/Repair
04-24-17 DEC 04 A/T - 5R55W 2-3 Shift Slip/No 3rd gear/DTC's P0733/P0745
04-24-14 DEC 04 Engine Controls - General PCM Programming Procedures
04-22-12 NOV 04 A/T - Hard To Shift From DRIVE to PARK
04-19-6 SEP 04 A/C - Evaporator Core Replacement
04-18-3 SEP 04 A/C - Low Rpm Hooting Noise
04-17-4 SEP 04 Engine Controls - MIL ON/Lean DTC Service Tips
04-14-13 JUL 04 M/T - Shudder/Vibration On 2nd/3rd Gear Acceleration
04-13-7 JUN 04 A/C - Rear Window Defroster/Antenna Diagnosis/Repair
04-13-3 JUN 04 Headlights - Moisture Inside
04-11-1 JUN 04 Emissions - MIL ON/Driveability Issues/DTC's Set
04-4-5 MAR 04 Body - Roof Rack Side Rail Paint Peeling
03-26-3 JAN 04 Brakes - ABS Lamp ON/DTC's C1235/C1236/C1237 Set
03-25-6 DEC 03 Engine - Ticking Noise When Idling
03-23-2 NOV 03 Body - Exterior Mirror Glass/Motor Service Tips
03-20-3 OCT 03 Emissions - MIL ON/DTC's Stored/Check Fuel Cap Lamp ON
03-18-1 SEP 03 Keyless Entry System - Service Tips
03-14-7 JUL 03 A/T - 5R55W 4th - 5th Upshift/Downshift Shudder
03-14-8 JUL 03 A/T - Cooler Flushing Service Tips
03-13-6 JUL 03 Engine Controls - No Start Condition
03-11-3 JUN 03 Restraint System - Air Bag Lamp ON/DTC B2292 Set
03-8-3 APR 03 Engine - Oil Level Indicator Markings
03-10-1 APR 03 Paint - Plastic Bumper/Fascia Service Tips
03-7-4 APR 03 A/C - Whistle Noise From Blend Door Area
03-3-5 FEB 03 Engine Controls - No Start/Hard Start/Rough Idle
02-25-8 DEC 02 Drivetrain - Neutral Tow Availability
02-23-7 NOV 02 Cooling System - Premium Gold Coolant Service Info
02-23-4 NOV 02 Engine Controls - DTC P1635 Set After PCM/IC Replacement
02-21-13 OCT 02 Engine - Cylinder Head Straightedge Surface Check
02-21-6 OCT 02 Engine Controls/Emissions - Exhaust Sulfur Smell
02-20-3 OCT 02 A/T - Fluid Level Checking/Filling Tool & Procedure
02-18-5 SEP 02 Engine Controls, A/T - Harsh/Shuddering Shifting
02-17-6 SEP 02 A/T - Inadvertent Shift Interlock Disabling
02-17-10 SEP 02 Security System - Central Security Module Service Tips
02-16-4 AUG 02 Audio System - Whining/Buzzing Noise From Speakers
02-17-1 AUG 02 Paint - Premature Clearcoat Cracking Service Tips
02-16-3 AUG 02 Paint - New Polishing Products and Procedures
02-11-4 JUN 02 Aluminum Engine - New Cleaners/Service Tips
02-5-6 MAR 02 Sheet Metal (Primed) - Preparation Procedure
02-2-3 FEB 02 Engine - Aluminum Block/Head Machining
02-2-2 FEB 02 Intake Manifold - Cross-Over Channel Coolant Seepage
02-1-4 JAN 02 Engine Head Gasket - Approved Replacement Procedures
02-1-6 JAN 02 Wheels/Tires - Road Force Measurement Equipment
01-24-6 DEC 01 Engine - Oil System Priming Procedures
01-24-5 DEC 01 PATS - Unable to Access/Program Ignition Key/No Start,
01-23-6 NOV 01 Engine Coolant - Propylene Glycol Recommendations
01-22-3 NOV 01 A/T - Buzzing Noise When Torque Converter Engaged
01-21-9 OCT 01 Body - Inspecting Collision Damage With Structural Foam
01-20-3 OCT 01 A/T - 5R55W Harsh Upshifts
01-20-7 OCT 01 A/T - 5R55W Ticking Noise
01-20-5 OCT 01 Driveability - Vacuum Leak Detection
01-14-2 JUL 01 A/T - 5R55W Whine/Howl When Cold
01-13-2 JUL 01 Moonroof - Molding Loose/Sunshade Tearing
01-12-6 JUN 01 A/C - Blend Door Actuator Clicking Noise
01-11-1 JUN 01 A/T - 5R55W Soft/Harsh 2nd - 3rd & 3rd - 4th Gear Shifts
01-11-10 JUN 01 Trailer Hitch - Insufficient Receiver Clearance
01-10-2 MAY 01 A/T - 5R55W Cooler Line Fluid Leak
01-10-7 MAY 01 A/T - Indicator Lamp ON/DTC's Set
01-7-6 APR 01 A/T - 5R55W Correct Fluid Checking Procedure
01-6-2 APR 01 PATS System - Diagnostic Service Tips

 

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