Nu2Ford

I've had my 2009 Escape V6 4x4 for 9 days now, and started noticing the 'hooting' after 3 or 4 days. I've been looking on the internet for others with this same issue. Finally, the evening before I take it to the service department to have them 'sound' it out, I've found others who are noticing this.

Since no one has reported a solution, I may take a printout of this thread to the dealer with me and drop it off instead of my car. Apparently, nothing more can be done, other than to keep making Ford aware of the problem, and hopefully hasten a solution.

halleva

I will be filing a formal complaint with the Canadian Automobile Arbitration Plan this week re: this problem. I am concerned that when the time comes to sell this car no one will want to buy it after they take it on a test ride and hear this sound. It is fine for Ford to tell me that they are working on the problem (if they truly are) however, I am the one that will be stuck with a car I cannot sell!

Cooker

Just bought a 2009 Escape XLT 3.0 Auto, has the same hoot noise with 35 km on it. Doesn't sound like anything major, but if it does get louder/worse etc, I will be taking it in for sure.

desarmeau

I have no noise yet, but I'm still trying to figure ou tthe 4WD system. The salesman said if I press the traction control button, I'm in 4WD right away. I have a hard time to swallow that considering what the user manual says and discussing the issue with some friends. Is the salesman right or right out of her?

zoom_ute

your salesperson is wrong. The AWD system is automatic and there is no user "lock" mode. (2005+ models) The default mode is 100% FWD until an event is detected (ie wheel slip, hard acceleration, cornering, etc.) at which point the powertrain computer can electronically actuate the transfer case clutch to send ** up to 50% ** of the torque to the rear wheels. The max split is 50:50 front-rear. The front wheels are always under power (torque). The computer can dither the control signal to result in torque distributions between 100:0 and 50:50 as it determines is necessary.

The first-gen escapes did not have a full electronic controlled system, they used a hydro-mechanical "torque-blade" transfer case with some electronic controls for override. Those models had a user-selectable AWD controller (Auto/Locked). The 2005+ is a much more advanced and efficient system.

The dash button on the current model *only* disables the engine-torque limiting portion of the traction control, this allows wheelspin which is sometimes useful in deep snow or mud (by default the computer reduces engine power if needed to limit wheelspin) There is no way to disable the stability/roll control, ABS, or the AWD system.

There was no button at all on 2005-2007 models.

desarmeau

Thought so. Thanks.

Cheers!!

mikedthatsme

Same noise...same problem. Dealer told me same thing as Canhe said previously. It's an issue with the differential and Ford engineers are aware of it & "working on a fix".

I disagree with previous responder basically saying to ignore the noise if it doesn't appear to be effecting the car's performance. Easy for you to say, as you haven't heard the noise. Once you're aware of it, you expect it. Every time you hear it, it's like nails on a chalk board. "HOOT"...stop..."HOOT". Who wants that feeling when their driving? And who deserves to have to "live with it" when they've shelled out $35K? It's not like this is coming up at 75,000 miles. It's happening from mile #1. Every passenger in my vehicle to date that has driven with me for more than 1/2 hour has asked me, "hey, what's that noise". Do you know how frustrating that is? IT'S A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. IT SHOULDN'T BE MAKING ANY UNUSUAL NOISES!!!

halleva

Update: I have been informed by my local Ford dealer, subsequent to my third letter of complaint to Ford Canada Customer Relations, that a new part will be coming in April to fix the noise I, and others, have experienced in our2009 Ford Escapes with the 4x4 option. Apparently the part is a new "chain" for the transmission. The dealer tells me that the part is due to be available in April of 2009.

deftonesman

Funny i got 09 4x4 but the 4cyl...is in not the same tranny?? or atleast same chain??hmm..i dont have the noise

nickmtl

Two weeks ago I picked up my new 2009 Mazda Tribute 4 cyl. 4x4 and the next day noticed the "Hoot" noise.

My car now has 600 km and the noise persists. The dealer told me that Ford/Mazda is looking for a fix, but that the car is safe to drive etc.....

It's aggravating me to the point that I wish I had kept my 2006 FWD Tribute.