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Originally posted by NJexpedition They do not want to fix the groan in the front diff even though I showed them the TSB on the problem. They claim that the TSB does not apply to my vehicle because it was manufactured after (March 03) the problem was fixed on the assembly line.
My truck was built in April 03, I go in tomorrow for them to change the "S Spring Clutch Spring" into the front axle differential, which they say that TSB is for.
The original TSB 02-25-7 has been superceded by Article No.
03-6-4 and lists no applicable production dates. Have the dealer check the new TSB number and have him produce a copy with applicable dates.
Have a new 2003 expie xlt with the manual dual air. We are noticing a hissing noise coming from the vents in the passenger area. It seems to come and go, but very. I don't know if the cycling noise others have mentioned is a hissing noise or not? Anyway, the air is plenty cold all the time. Any ideas on what is causing the hissing?
P.S. I'm pretty sure it isn't one of the vents being partially closed like the dealer said.
The backorder thermostatic expansion block came in and was put in my car today. So far, the problem seems to be resolved. The AC is working perfectly, no more warm air. Just thought I would pass this on. Thanks all for the responses, they were very helpful.
mechdeclined, I have the exact same hissing noise. I also have the fluctuating warm air problem. But I have never noticed the warm air and the hissing at the same time. We'll see what the dealer says.
TimM,
I took mine in to see if they could find the problem. They kept it for a couple of days and said that "the ford hotline" suggested they put some foam insulation around the "evaporator" and that should reduce the noise, although they are not sure of the culprit, ford knows of the problem. I will pick it up tomorrow, but I am pretty sure the problem they know about is not the one I am having. I think they are referring to the "cycling noise" others talk about? By the way, do you think "cycling" is the same as "hissing?" I think they are different problems, but same area.
TimM,
Possibly so. Mine is just a steady hissing noise coming from the passenger vent. As you can see by my handle, I am mechanically declined, so I just have to call them like I see them. I went to pick the vehicle up today and they said that there really wasn't anything they could do. I told them that was unacceptable and so the service manager is supposed to call me. One more visit, and they will either buy it back or we will use our state lemon law.
HomerWinzlow,
It appears that your knowledge of ford a/c is amazing! If the dealer goes through an extensive troubleshooting process and finds everything is ok, would you feel confident keeping the vehicle even though the a/c still makes the hissing noise? The dealership will give me the option to keep it or cancel the sale. I like the truck, but can't seem to get over the annoying hiss. Your input is appreciated.
Thanks.
Well if it were me, I would go to the dealer and insist on driving a like vehicle and compare the sound from it to the one you are buying. If yours has a drastic difference in sound, and it appears they cant fix it and they are willing to cancel the deal then cancel it. No sense living with something that annoys you on a very expensive purchase that you will have to live with for a long time.
Personally I think you may just be hearing the sound of freon flowing normally through the system, but Im not there to listen to what you are hearing.
I do know a bit about them since I have been a Ford Tech for the past 7 years and I specialize in AC, electrical, electronics, etc. Ive been turning wrenches for a living for over 25 years. But believe me there isnt a day goes by that I dont learn something new. That goes for all techs, no one can know all.
WOW, looks like I found the right forum about AC problems. Here's a question for all you 03 XLT owners: With Max-AC selected, are you able to adjust the temperature?? you know, that cheap little **** that has the red and blue streaks on it?? In every vehicle I've owned, including some low trim Taurus' and Focus', I was able to adjust the temperature of the Max-AC. I would do this in the Winter if I was stuck in traffic behind some auto that was belching out tons of smoke. I would be able to select Max-AC (to recirc the interior air) and adjust the temp for warm air and presto! warm recirc air without the exterior odor. Are you 03 owners able to do this or are all of our XLTs built without this simple yet desirable feature that every cheap sedan has??? Thanks for your replies
Thats because your other referenced vehicles do not have a coolant control valve which cuts off coolant flow to the heater core to increase the cooling effciency of the air conditioner in MAX recirculated position. If it really bugs you, you can always plug the vacuum line to the control valve and you will have heated recirculated air in the winter.
I got a call from my dealer the other day, he said that now Ford is aware of the a/c problem. The evaporator coil is freezing up and the engineers are working on a fix for the problem, they should have some fixes by Oct 2003. I told him fine but summer would be over then. Well at least they are now saying that there is a problem and not sticking their heads in the sand.
HomerWinzlow,
I appreciate your advice. I did drive another '03 xlt and did not hear anything from the a/c other than air blowing out of registers. I have said in the past that the noise seemed to be coming out of the vents, but in reality, it is coming from the evaporator? which is housed behind the glove box. Their "fix" for this was to put a piece of felt around the housing and secure it with duct tape (no kidding). I will post a picture, as it is quite comical on a $40k vehicle.
Anyway, no reduction in hissing noise, so I took it back this morning and told them to let me know my options. Really a shame, as we like the vehicle and it had all the features we were looking for and I have been very happy with both fords I have owned in the past.
I guess it is true that you will never hear a southerner say, "duct tape won't fix that!"
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