What's That Noise???
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 867
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From: Fairbanks, Alaska
What's That Noise???
Hi fellow Excursionnaires!
Maybe one of you can answer this question (those of you in cold climates). Currently it is -20 below outside and I went to start my 2004 Ex up after being plugged in (I have a freezeplug heater, battery blanket, and oil pan heater).
When I did the most horrifying squalling came out from under my hood! It sounded like a catfight was going on! It wasn't a "I-aint-got-no-oil" sound, it sounded like all the belts on the engine were frozen in place! Now I have never had a vehicle pitch such commotion and it has me concerned because -20 is an average temperature in Alaska...it CAN get a lot colder! And if it does, what will my Ex do then?
Any cold weather Excursion owners out there?
Maybe one of you can answer this question (those of you in cold climates). Currently it is -20 below outside and I went to start my 2004 Ex up after being plugged in (I have a freezeplug heater, battery blanket, and oil pan heater).
When I did the most horrifying squalling came out from under my hood! It sounded like a catfight was going on! It wasn't a "I-aint-got-no-oil" sound, it sounded like all the belts on the engine were frozen in place! Now I have never had a vehicle pitch such commotion and it has me concerned because -20 is an average temperature in Alaska...it CAN get a lot colder! And if it does, what will my Ex do then?
Any cold weather Excursion owners out there?
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
That squeeling is your power steering pump. It is described as normal by the Ford Service Manual for start-up in temps like that.
Nothing really you can do about it.
Well...you could become my neighbor. 
Nothing really you can do about it.
Well...you could become my neighbor.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Fairbanks, Alaska
Originally Posted by Monsta
Nothing really you can do about it. Well...you could become my neighbor.
Well...you could become my neighbor.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Fairbanks, Alaska
Well I just had one of the motorheads I work with come out and listen to my Ex as I started it (again after being plugged in for four hours) and it made the same noise - not as bad, but the same noise nonetheless. And he confirmed Monsta's diagnosis...it was the power steering pump making all the racket. He said to go to my local Ford dealer and ask the mechanics if they had a lighter weight fluid they could put in. He also said that I might be able to add a couple teaspoons of Marvel Mystery Oil to the power steering fluid and cut it enough to thin it down and stop that squalling.
Anyone with ideas pro and con?
Anyone with ideas pro and con?
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
The fluid in it is Mercon transmission fluid. I think it only comes in one weight. Find out what can SAFELY be used cut it to a lower viscosity. Or maybe a fluid swap is in order (still using Mercon, mind you ) .
) .
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 197
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From: Limington, Maine
Heaven, I know that noise well. My X has been making it for a couple of weeks.... even when it was 70 outside (only about 10 right now). Plus the pump started leaking precious fluids on the driveway. Had the pump replaced last week. The rebuilt pump was $100, another $28 for a new pressure hose, and two hours labor. And that pump is not in a very nice place to work on.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Fairbanks, Alaska
Well rozett, I don't think I will need anything worked on (I'd better not the vehicle isn't even a month old yet!) but I will be going to the dealer today to see if there is anything that can be done to less the noise and maybe make it easier on the pump on cold mornings.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 867
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From: Fairbanks, Alaska
Update:
Ok for those of you following this post, I talked to my local Ford Dealer Service Dept and told them what was happening to my Ex (the obnoxious sound upon startup). He confirmed the diagnosis and I asked what can be done. He suggested replacing the Ford Mercon transmission fluid with a product called "Frigid-Go"...which is apparently a cold weather power steering(?) fluid. I didn't get a chance to go to the parts stores and check this Frigid-Go stuff out, but I will try tomorrow.
Anyway, it looks like a quiet Ex will require a transfusion!
Anyway, it looks like a quiet Ex will require a transfusion!
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Northwest Indiana
I wonder if a synthetic ATF such as Mobil-1 or Amsoil would work for you. ATF is pretty thin already, but maybe the better cold flowing synthetics would make the pump a little happier. I don't think using them would affect your warranty either.
