Engine Whistle - Ford F150 Forum

**SinCityFX4** · 02-09-2009, 07:14 AM

Engine Whistle Sticky

I am creating this sticky in response to the massive amounts of threads that get started concerning a common issue. This sticky contains several POSSIBLE solutions to the engine whistle that is often heard in the late model F-150’s. Also included will be links to helpful information that might assist you in adequately finding a solution to you dilemma.

RED TAPE DISCLAIMER!!

Please keep in mind the information listed here is not professional advice and is no way to be deemed so. The other members of this board and myself offer what information or experience we have in order to help solve a problem. A professional should at least be consulted before any large purchase is made or any repairs are made to ensure the best course of action is taken and to avoid harm to your vehicle or yourself.

Several different types of issues have come to light for the various years, engine, and situations. What is listed here is a list of some known causes/fixes and should not be thought of as an all encompassing list.

One of the whistling issues for the 5.42V engines is from a nylon tube in the idle-air bypass flow circuit. This is TSB 02-10-8and can be rectified by replacing the nylon tube with part #2L1Z-9W548-AA.
Another whistling issue for the 97’ built until 1/20/96 is heard when at speed or idling with the blower motor running. This is caused by a leak in the plenum assembly. This is TSB 96-8-16and can be rectified by sealing the upper plenum assembly.
On more issue for just the 97’ 4.6 is the Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD). This gives a whining/squeal on cold start ups. This is TSB 96-14-9and can be rectified by replacing the FEAD with part #F6PZ-8678-AB. This same issue arises with the 04’ 2v engine. This is TSB 04-18-7. The part number for that is 3L1Z-8620-AB.
On the 07-08 4.6 and 5.4 the FEAD idler pulley same as the previous years causes this sound. This is TSB 08-4-2. The replacement part # is 6L3Z-6C348-A

Some other noises that have been mentioned are in the newer body style 04-08 when starting cold. I have yet to uncover a TSB for these, but will keep looking. Some possible root causes have been the alternator bearings and of course the ever fun CAI’s. FOr the most part from the millions of posts I have sifted through, of these two it more often than not ends up being the alternator. Having said that, mine ios doing now that is is cold too. So when I take mine in I will add what the solution was.

This is a work in progress and I will keep adding as I get SOLID information.

Meanwhile there are several threads that discuss the issues at hand……

http://www.f150forum.com/showthread....hlight=whistle
http://www.f150forum.com/showthread....hlight=whistle
http://www.f150forum.com/showthread....hlight=whistle
http://www.f150forum.com/showthread....hlight=whistle
http://www.f150forum.com/showthread....hlight=whistle
http://www.f150forum.com/showthread....hlight=whistle
http://www.f150forum.com/showthread....hlight=whistle
http://www.f150forum.com/showthread....hlight=whistle
http://www.f150forum.com/showthread....hlight=whistle
http://www.f150forum.com/showthread....ighlight=whine
http://www.f150forum.com/showthread....ighlight=whine

Thank you to all of the members helping to get this together for the benefit of the forum. Those of you with something to add please PM me and I will add to it.

Thanx,

Jer

charles1 · 01-11-2010, 02:59 AM

Hello

Great post by you. This will be really going very useful to all. Please keep sharing more and more.

Have a nice day
With Regards
Charles

watt4 · 01-26-2010, 11:01 PM

great post. I have been having this issue too, and have been researching the cause. At first it was more of a whistle, now sounds more like metal on metal rattle, kind of like a bearing. I'm thinking alternator. thanks