I have a 2009 Escape Hybrid that is running great, has about 60K miles on it but has a very strange noise coming from behind the dash console. The noise sounds like marbles in a can or very bad bearings in a motor spinning away. I can stop the car, no engine, no A/C or fan, no audio and the noise continues. Is there a cooling system for some of the Hybrid components that uses a pump under the dash, let me know if this sounds familiar to anyone.
Thanks,
Dennis

 

I don't have the hybrid, but looking in the 2010 shop manual there is a MECS (Motor Electronics Coolant System) pump that runs whenever the ignition is ON. It provides coolant flow in a separate coolant circuit with its own radiator to cool the CVT transaxle and the high voltage DC to DC Converter electronics. However, it looks like this electrically-run coolant pump is behind and under the radiator on a bracket that looks like it may bolt to the radiator lower support. That is a long ways from under the dash!

Are you SURE that the heater fan isn't running at low speed?

What happens if you turn engine OFF, but then turn ignition back ON so you can hear the noise, but get out and open the hood, and crawl under just the radiator from the front and listen/look up? Is the noise coming from inside the car, or really from the front?

If it IS the MECS pump, I would get on that right away, a lot of $$$$ in special trans and electronics in jeopardy there if it quits.

Really need Bill to help out here, as he has a 2009 hybrid and maybe could tell you more.

 

I am hearing a similar noise in my 2009 Escape except that it is NOT a hybrid. To me it sounds like something is happening in the inner workings of the CD player, like trying to eject a CD that is stuck in side. Except that I've not used the CD player. Very interesting that you are hearing a similar noise.

 

The noise might be from the HVAC system. The 'mode' flap is run by a small motor, and Ford had problems in the past with 'zeroing' out the motor position when the ignition was turned on. It would jam the flap all the way, and stall the motor, and that was 'zero' or start point. If there was a problem with the system 'reading' the stall, it would sometimes try over and over to find 'zero'. That lead to breakage of the flap hinge. If your motor were to be loosely connected to the flap, it could cause that kind of noise. I'd try to eliminate that as a cause by removing the fuses for the HVAC system. Lack of noise would then indicate it was in the HVAC system.
tom

 

You might want to post this at Ford Escape Hybrid - GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars. I lurk there and IIRC there is something that starts as soon as you open the door. It might have something to do with the regenerative brake system in the Hybrids.

 

Thanks for your reply, I have been under the hood while it is crunching away and you can't hear it up front or under the front. It is loudest by the drivers feet.
Thanks,
Dennis

 

Thanks I will try to post there as well.
The previous reply about an HVAC flap may be on the right track. I am having temp control issues as well. The Drivers side will be blowing cold but the passenger side on occasion will blow hot, while the are both supposed to be linked.

 

I think the ABS pump and valve stuff is almost directly in front of the gas pedal, maybe a bit lower. It does some stuff when it wakes up, but I am ignorant of any details. I understand if it needs bleeding, you have to use a Rotunda or other 'smart box' to control the ABS and make it pump fluid properly. If the pump had bad bearings or other mechanical problem, it could be making the noise.
tom

 

Yeah, I believe you have to pull some fuses to work on the brakes.

 

I think you hit the nail on the head with the HVAC flap. I was able to get under the passenger side HVAC and the sound was the loudest. I see one small motor and was able to access the power connector from it. When I pulled it, the noise decreased but didn't disappear completely. I would guess that there is a second motor in the area. It definately sounds like a motor trying to zero itself.
Now I'm trying to figure out how difficult it will be to dig into this Plastic box that is the HVAC system.
Thanks,
Dennis