WHOOP Noise from Transmission in 2009 Escape

[CThompson]

Great vehicle but just one problem that keeps nagging me. There is a Whooping sound everytime the automatic transmission and 4x4 module engage from a standstill and when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Ford has said it happens on some of the Escapes. SOME?

Ford has issued a TSB to the dealers (TSB 091211A) telling them to reprogram the 4x4 module and this should reduce or eliminate the noise. My problem is, the Escape we test drove didn't make this sound, I have 2 salesmen driving 2009 Escapes that don't make the sound and we have friends that just received their 2009....and it doesn't make the sound. I doubt the engineers who designed the system intended for it to make that sound.

If only some of the transmission/4x4 moduals make the noise and everyone agrees that it shouldn't make the noise, why am I stuck with one that does? Ford says don't worry, the dealer says "Ford says don't worry", Ford's Customer Relationship Centre was about as helpful as a frozen boot and I haven't found a single Escape owner that confirms this is a common occurence.

Suggestions?

Cheers,

CT

[wptski]

Originally Posted by CThompson

Great vehicle but just one problem that keeps nagging me. There is a Whooping sound everytime the automatic transmission and 4x4 module engage from a standstill and when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Ford has said it happens on some of the Escapes. SOME?

Ford has issued a TSB to the dealers (TSB 091211A) telling them to reprogram the 4x4 module and this should reduce or eliminate the noise. My problem is, the Escape we test drove didn't make this sound, I have 2 salesmen driving 2009 Escapes that don't make the sound and we have friends that just received their 2009....and it doesn't make the sound. I doubt the engineers who designed the system intended for it to make that sound.

If only some of the transmission/4x4 moduals make the noise and everyone agrees that it shouldn't make the noise, why am I stuck with one that does? Ford says don't worry, the dealer says "Ford says don't worry", Ford's Customer Relationship Centre was about as helpful as a frozen boot and I haven't found a single Escape owner that confirms this is a common occurence.

Suggestions?

Cheers,

CT

First of all, what makes you think that it's when the 4WD engages? How would you know this? Unless you have a ScanGuage-II programmed to show rear wheel torque?

The 4WD module is not programmable, so states the '09 WorkShop Manual.

It's either in the owner's manual or the workshop manual about the whooping sound. It's the ABS testing the system. Mine does that too! You don't hear that unless you not using your radio, correct? You ever feel the vibration in the throttle? That's another test going on but for traction control.

[CThompson]

wptski....Thanks for the reply. It was the dealer who told me that it wasn't the transmission but instead it was the 4x4 module (their words). The TSB the sighted perfectly described the problem. They said once the transmission engages some form of 4x4 test happens and that is what makes the whooping sound. I do find it odd and a little sketchy that it only happens on some Escapes (with 4x4) and not all of them, and it didn't happen on the Escape Limited that we test drove.

You are right, it's not loud and the radio can drown it out. With all these sounds and vibrations how is a guy supposed to know when something is truely wrong before its too late?

So the short is, we are just the lucky ones that seem to be driving without the radio turned up...enough. For $40,000 I expect not to have to drown out car sounds with a radio. I would have appreciated a straight answer from the dealer and Ford.

Sounds like the mystery is solved. Thanks again and have a great weekend.

Cheers,

CT

[wptski]

Originally Posted by CThompson

wptski....Thanks for the reply. It was the dealer who told me that it wasn't the transmission but instead it was the 4x4 module (their words). The TSB the sighted perfectly described the problem. They said once the transmission engages some form of 4x4 test happens and that is what makes the whooping sound. I do find it odd and a little sketchy that it only happens on some Escapes (with 4x4) and not all of them, and it didn't happen on the Escape Limited that we test drove.

You are right, it's not loud and the radio can drown it out. With all these sounds and vibrations how is a guy supposed to know when something is truely wrong before its too late?

So the short is, we are just the lucky ones that seem to be driving without the radio turned up...enough. For $40,000 I expect not to have to drown out car sounds with a radio. I would have appreciated a straight answer from the dealer and Ford.

Sounds like the mystery is solved. Thanks again and have a great weekend.

Cheers,

CT

I'd have to dig it up where I read it before but I "think" that it's a hydraulic valve test, so that could make a bit of a sound.

I've questioned the dealer about the 4WD system and they don't know very much. A Service Manager said, if it ain't in the manual then Ford doesn't want us to know!

The FE has electric power steering but the motor, control module, turning torque sensor and steering column are all one unserviceable unit. The 4WD rearend, other than replacing oil seals, another unserviceable unit!