Weird noise
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Weird noise
I just bought my first ford, it's a 2003 E-350 super Duty. It has the 5.4 L and has 120k. Needless to say I don't know much about these trucks. I noticed it has a constant whine similar to a power steering pump, this whine changes pitch when what sounds like the AC clicks on. It sounds exactly like an ac clutch kicking on even though the heat and ac are turned off. It cycles this audible click on and off every 60 seconds or so. Anyone encounter this? And if so, is there a remedy? The whine does increase with rpms and is audible in the cabin. Thanks for any help you can provide.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,263
Likes: 438
From: IL
First thing I would do is remove the serpentine belt then start the engine if the whine is gone then it's most likely one of the pulleys or maybe the serpentine belt is just old and needs replacement.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
thanks for your reply, my intuition told me its probably a pulley but what i cant wrap my head around is why it would cause the click on noise the AC makes. Woukld a faulty pulley cause this as well?
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,263
Likes: 438
From: IL
I don't havecan answer for the click....I did have an old chevy truck one time that even though I had the blower turned off I left it in defrost position and it was low on R12, somehow it stayed powered and the clutch kept kicking in and out...maybe something similar is happening. Have you watched the clutch to see if it's engaging and disengaging?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
No I didn't look at it engaging but it's the only thing I've ever seen any vehicle do when the ac clicks on. I had a truck that was low on R12 also that would cycle clicking on and off but only when the AC was running. It happens when it's off on this e350. I'm actually stumped.
I really do appreciate your consideration though, I've already sunk 400 into this thing and other than this weird whine the only other issue I haven't figured out and fixed is cruise control not working. No light comes on at all when I press it, I checked all fuses and I couldn't find any brake switch connected to the brake pedal like others I've troubleshot. The cables from what I see are in working order.
I really do appreciate your consideration though, I've already sunk 400 into this thing and other than this weird whine the only other issue I haven't figured out and fixed is cruise control not working. No light comes on at all when I press it, I checked all fuses and I couldn't find any brake switch connected to the brake pedal like others I've troubleshot. The cables from what I see are in working order.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Pawleys Island, SC
I just bought my first ford, it's a 2003 E-350 super Duty. It has the 5.4 L and has 120k. Needless to say I don't know much about these trucks. I noticed it has a constant whine similar to a power steering pump, this whine changes pitch when what sounds like the AC clicks on. It sounds exactly like an ac clutch kicking on even though the heat and ac are turned off. It cycles this audible click on and off every 60 seconds or so. Anyone encounter this? And if so, is there a remedy? The whine does increase with rpms and is audible in the cabin. Thanks for any help you can provide.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Thanks, it has a brand new alternator and these clicks occur when all climate controls are completely turned off.
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Post a video of whatever noise you think you're hearing---these verbal descriptions are pretty much useless.
IF this noise persists when the Function Control is set to "off" then it's almost certain its NOT coming from the A/C compressor. Any intermittent clicking while A/C or Defrost is selected on the Function control tends to indicate low refrigerant---the low pressure cut-off switch is saving the A/C compressor.
Otherwise post a video so we too can hear this sound.
IF this noise persists when the Function Control is set to "off" then it's almost certain its NOT coming from the A/C compressor. Any intermittent clicking while A/C or Defrost is selected on the Function control tends to indicate low refrigerant---the low pressure cut-off switch is saving the A/C compressor.
Otherwise post a video so we too can hear this sound.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,263
Likes: 438
From: IL
As for your cruise control, I found this thread, it may help.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-come-on.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-come-on.html
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
As for your cruise control, I found this thread, it may help.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-come-on.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-come-on.html
Instead of lumping two or more issues into one thread or adding something along the way tends to obscure the additional problems. Your VSC issue is pretty much electrical in nature so post it in the wiring sub-forum here on FTE.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
I went out and removed the dog house and noticed the pcv valve hose was completely broke in half. Replaced that and somehow the clicking went away? The whine is still there but I lack the correct tool to remove tension of the belt
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 162
Likes: 5
From: Bremen, Germany
No special tool needed!