I get an odd rattling noise under my column at certain points in the powerband. The usual touch-everything-until-it-stops approach hasn’t yielded any results yet. I took surrounding trim off to look for obvious gremlins and see this orange strap. Anyone know what this is?

 

No idea what that is but interested to see what you find that's causing the rattle. I have one that sits above the column and behind the dash gauges. It seems to coincide with certain temps though, not rpms like yours. Good luck and let us know what you find!

 

Information is on page 267 in the owners manual.

USING MANUAL PARK RELEASE

Activating the Manual Park Release Cable

1. Apply the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake (page 289).

Note: If vehicle battery is dead, for example, no electrical power available, an external power source may be required to apply the parking brake.

2. Locate the manual park release cable access cover at the bottom of the driver dash lower panel, under the steering wheel.

3. Carefully open the hinged access cover using a plastic type wedge or pry tool at the upper edge of the panel. If done correctly, the panel will swing downward.

Note: Do not activate the override lever until you are in the driver's seat. If damage occurs when access cover is opened, contact your authorized Ford Dealer for a replacement.

4. Switch ignition on, but do not start your vehicle.

5. Once in the driver seat, fully apply the brake pedal and hold. Do not release. Pull the tether straight out toward the driver seat until engaged. If done correctly, a message will appear in the instrument cluster.

Note: Do not use excessive force when using the manual park release handle, as it could result in damage to the handle.

Note: Your vehicle is now out of the park (P) position and is free to roll.

With your foot still fully applied on the brake pedal, disengage the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake (page 289).

1. Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) for emergency towing purposes.
   
2. Turn off the ignition.
   
3. Once safe to do so, and there is no risk that your vehicle will roll, disconnect the negative (black) battery cable from the battery.
   

Returning Your Vehicle to Normal Mode

1. Once it is safe to do so, reconnect the negative (black) battery cable to the battery.

2. Apply the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake (page 289).

Note: If vehicle battery is dead, for example, no electrical power available, an external power may be required to apply the parking brake.

Note: Do not pull the tether until you are in the driver seat.

1. Once in the driver seat, fully apply the brake pedal and hold, do not release. Using the tether, pull the handle towards the driver seat until you hit a hard stop.
   
2. Pull the lever toward the floor until it hits a hard stop, before returning to the stowed position.
   

Note: Maintain tension on the strap until the lever reaches the stowed position.

1. Return the manual park release cable lever to the stowed position and install the access cover.
   
2. With your foot fully applied on the brake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm that your vehicle is in the park (P) position and that the instrument cluster indicates park (P).
   

Note: If the instrument cluster is not displaying the park (P) position or the instrument cluster displays an error message, apply the parking brake before exiting your vehicle.

7. Close the access cover.

 

Your noise might be the metal ring on the release lanyard. Maybe coat it in silicone sealer and allow to cure or wrap it in that cloth wire loom tape to avoid contact of metal ring to plastic covers.