EcoBoostJake

So as the title says, I am sometimes hearing an odd low whining noise when I am losing traction. It happens in 2wd and 4wd w/ or w/o the rear locker on and w/ or w/o traction control. It sounds like it is coming from the rear of the truck and I can almost feel the vibration when I am on the gas, but it could be my imagination.

I noticed it this past weekend when visiting with family in the country and the sound does not change based on how much gas I give it, or how fast the wheels are spinning. However it does tend to happen more often when I am making slight turns as the wheel slips.

The sound is very similar to what you hear when you try turning and your power steering fluid is low.

Has anyone run into this before? I had a 2011 3.5 4x4 w/ 3.55 standard differential and do not recall any noise when I lost traction.

My current truck: 2014 5.0 4x4 w/ 3.73 locking diff & 54,000 miles. No tunes or modifications that would affect the drivetrain.

MikeyA9697

Could it be the ABS trying to activate as part of the stabilty control??

EcoBoostJake

I don't think it is the ABS kicking in, as I disabled traction/stability control when I was trying to figure it all out. Also I was trying not to spin the tires and damage the road more than necessary, so I doubt it turned itself back on.

antony1103

Something similar happens to me in 2WD when I loose traction around turns. I figured it was just the LSD engaging, but that's just my guess. This is my first vehicle with something other than an open diff.

EcoBoostJake

Do you also have an electronic locking diff? I do not recall my 2011 doing this, but it didn't have the locker. And since the noise is not terrible, just odd. I want figure out if this is common enough not to worry about. Or if I need to drop my truck off at ford while it is still under warranty.

BUILTTOLAST

This^^

Chris's FX4

Could be the one wheel spin control trying to engage or whatever its called that is on the open diff and locker trucks. It brakes the spinning wheel to give power to the wheel with traction making an open diff act like a limited slip. It's always on no matter what.

EcoBoostJake

Well shucks, that sounds like a reasonable explanation.... This weekend I will have to locate the fuse that controls that system and pull it to see if I still hear the problem. Only trick will be finding a spot in the Chicago suburbs where I can spin my tires without breaking laws.

antony1103

I have the ELD, but that only engages when I pull the selector ****.

JJM

Turning traction control off does not completely disable the ABS system.