I have a 2004 XLT Sport, 5.4L engine, my problem is every day when I start it, I hear a loud clunk. It seems to be coming from the tranny, this is before I shift or take off the parking brake. Anyone with a similar problem with their Expy.
Thanks Marty

 

I have a 04 eddie bauer an i also hear the loud grinding when i use the remote start 5.4 v8 too

 

First post...

Is your AC on when you start it up?

Second post...

Sounds like your starter isn't disengaging after start up. Probably a problem with the remote starting logic program.

And to both of you...

Welcome to FTE!!

 

My 04 EB 4x4 5.4l has the same "grinding shuddering" type noise. This is only heard upon start up in the morning or after the truck has been sitting awhile, then the first start of the day is when I hear the noise, this happens before I put it into gear while in Park usually a second or two right after start up.

I'm not quite sure if the noise is emminating from the transmission or tourqe converter maybe the rear differential.

So far it doesn't seem to be effecting anything as far as drivability,power or shifting but it does make me wonder if a future failure might occur that is related.

So to better track this phenomenon might I ask everyone who is affected to report in detail, 4x4 or 2WD and type of engine, also your best description of the noise and location you think it might be comming from.

I would like to report this noise to Ford service department but the biggest problem I see is replicating the noise, which would mean leaving your vehicle overnight without being started so the "first start noise" could be replicated. Also making sure all Stereo and AC fan and Seat belt alarm noises are off before the vehecle is started so as not to cover up the sound and localization of where the grinding shuddering is comming from.

Lets try to document this here on the forum then maybe we can all talk to Ford together.

 

No its not the starter, don`t have remote start and it only happens when the engine is cold. Noise sounds like the torque convertor or the driveshaft thumping into place. This only happens as I said when the engine is cold, drive in park, handbrake on or off doesn`t matter, I turn the engine over, the engine starts, idles over and within 30 seconds I hear the clunk.
Marty

 

Couldn't be the driveshaft since it's in park. So that rules out that.

So, again, is the AC on when you start it up? Make sure you put the selctor in the 12 o'clock position prior to start up.

Two possible "thumps" could be either the AC compressor kicking on or the blend door closing.

 

i hear it when i start in the morning am yes the A/Cis on mines a 04 5.4l eddie bauer....all the toys cept navigation

 

No air conditoner is also off, as Johnny states in his post, this usually occurs on the first start up of the day or if the vehicle has been sitting for a long time. It is nice to see someone with the same problem, but as Johnny states and I also agree it does not seem to effect the overall performance of the vehicle. I am going to have my wife start it up tomorrow and I will check underneath and try and determine where the noise is coming from. It doesn`t bother me, I just hope its not the start of something worse, the only reason I brought it up here on the thread is that, the noise seems to be a little louder than it was before.
Marty

 

I made sure to really listen this morning when I started up my 04 XLT Sport (5.4L 4x4) and did not hear any thumps or clunks nor have I ever noticed one. I've had the truck since February. I've had the need to use the defroster in the mornings and do notice a little clunk when I turn it on in the morning. Is it possible that your defroster is on when you start your truck and that may be causing the clunk? (I know the AC question has been asked/answered but hadn't seen anything about the defroster.)

 

Ok looks like Monsta wins the prize, after several days of testing, I have determined that the "shuddering noise" is indeed associated with AC being on durring start up. I tried it both ways On and Off, only when AC is on durring the initial start does the noise occur.

So now what, what part should I say needs to be replaced when I talk to my Ford dealer.