Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Symptom Chart - NVH
2021 Ford Edge SE, 4WDSECTION Symptom Chart - NVH
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
| Symptom | Possible Sources | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Drone type noise | Powertrain mount(s) | CARRY OUT the Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing procedure. REFER to: Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Drumming noise - occurs inside the vehicle during idle or high idle, hot or cold. Very low-frequency drumming is very RPM dependent | Engine vibration excites the body resonances inducing interior noise | CARRY OUT the Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing procedure. REFER to: Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine drumming noise - accompanied by vibration | Powertrain mount(s) | CARRY OUT the Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing procedure. REFER to: Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing . TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Rattle - occurs at idle or at light acceleration from a stop | Powertrain mount(s) | CHECK the powertrain mounts for damage. INSTALL new mounts as necessary. For engine, Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. For transmission, Refer to the appropriate Automatic Transmission article or Manual Transmission, Clutch and Transfer Case article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Whine/moan type noise - pitch increases or changes with vehicle speed | Powertrain mount(s) | CHECK the powertrain mounts for damage. INSTALL new mounts as necessary. For engine, Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. For transmission, Refer to the appropriate Automatic Transmission article or Manual Transmission, Clutch and Transfer Case article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Clunk - occurs when shifting from PARK or between REVERSE and DRIVE | Powertrain mounts | CHECK the powertrain mounts for damage. INSTALL new mounts as necessary. For engine, Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. For transmission, Refer to the appropriate Automatic Transmission article or Manual Transmission, Clutch and Transfer Case article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Idle speed is too high | CHECK for the correct idle speed. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Accessory drive bearing hoot - occurs at idle or high idle in cold temperatures of approximately 4°C (40°F) or colder at the first start of the day | Accessory drive idler or tensioner pulley bearing is experiencing stick/slip between ball bearings and the bearing race | CARRY OUT the Engine Cold Soak procedure. REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
. PLACE the EngineEAR probe directly on the idler/ tensioner center post or bolt to verify which bearing is making the noise. INSTALL new parts as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Accessory drive belt noise, squeal or chirping | Defective/worn or incorrect accessory drive belt Misaligned pulley(s) Pulley runout Damaged or worn accessory drive component or idler Fluid contamination of the accessory drive belt or pulleys Damaged or worn accessory drive belt tensioner Damaged pulley grooves |
CARRY OUT the Engine Accessory Test. REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) . INSPECT components and INSTALL new parts as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Clunking noise | Coolant pump has excessive end play or imbalance | CHECK the coolant pump for excessive end play. INSPECT the coolant pump for imbalance with the drive belt off. INSTALL a new coolant pump as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Whine or moaning noise | Air intake system | CHECK the air cleaner and ducts for correct fit. INSPECT the air intake system for leaks or damage. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Whistling noise - normally accompanied with poor idle condition | Air intake system | CHECK the air intake ducts, air cleaner, throttle body and vacuum hoses for leaks and correct fit. REPAIR or ADJUST as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Loose connections or damage to air intake hoses and tubes | TIGHTEN hose clamps. INSPECT for damage and REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Hissing noise - occurs during idle or high idle that is apparent with the hood open | Vacuum leak | Use the Ultrasonic Leak Detector/EngineEAR to locate the source. Scan the air intake system from the inlet to each cylinder intake port. DISCARD the leaking parts, and INSTALL a new component. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Vehicles with a plastic intake manifold | Acceptable condition. Some plastic manifolds exhibit this noise, which is the effect of the plastic manifold. | |
| Grinding noise - occurs during engine cranking | Incorrect starter motor mounting | INSPECT the starter motor for correct mounting. REPAIR as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Starter motor | CHECK the starter motor. INSTALL a new starter motor as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Incorrect starter motor drive engagement | INSPECT the starter motor drive for wear or damage. INSTALL a new starter motor as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. INSPECT the flywheel/flexplate for wear or damage. INSTALL a new flywheel/flexplate as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
|
| Engine noise, front of engine - knocking noise from lower front of engine | Damaged or separated crankshaft pulley/damper | CHECK for obvious signs of damage or wobble during operation. INSTALL new as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine noise, front of engine - ticking, tapping or rattling noise from the front of the engine | Timing drive components | REMOVE the accessory drive belt. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. USE the EngineEAR to isolate the noise to the engine front cover. REMOVE the engine front cover and INSPECT the timing drive components. INSTALL new parts as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine noise, upper end - ticking noise near the fuel rail and intake manifold | Fuel rail clip Fuel injector |
CHECK for loose or damaged fuel rail clip(s). REPAIR as necessary. USE the EngineEAR to isolate the noisy injector(s). INSTALL a new injector(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine noise, upper end - ticking, knocking or rattle noise that occurs during idle or high idle during the first cold start of the day and may disappear as the engine warms | Valve train noise (bled down lifter/lash adjuster) | CARRY OUT the Valve Train Analysis Component Test in this article. INSTALL new parts as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine noise, upper end - occurs mostly with a warm engine at light/medium acceleration | Worn or damaged spark plugs | REMOVE the spark plugs. INSPECT and INSTALL new as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Carbon accumulation in combustion chamber | INSPECT the cylinder using a Bore scope. ELIMINATE carbon buildup.. | |
| Engine noise, upper end - rattling noise from the valve train. Worse when the engine is cold | Low oil level | CHECK the oil level. FILL as necessary. |
| Thin or diluted oil | INSPECT the oil for contamination. If the oil is contaminated, CHECK for the source. REPAIR as necessary. CHANGE the oil and filter. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Low oil pressure | CARRY OUT the Oil Pressure Test in this article. If not within specifications, REMOVE the engine oil pan. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. INSPECT for a blocked oil pick up tube. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn valve train components | CARRY OUT the Valve Train Analysis Component Test in this article. INSTALL new parts as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Worn valve guides | CARRY OUT the Valve Guide Inner Diameter procedure. REFER to: Valve Guide Inner Diameter . | |
| Excessive runout of the valve seats or the valve face | INSPECT for abnormalities on the valve face and valve seat. INSTALL a new cylinder head assembly if abnormalities are found. | |
| Engine noise, upper end - pinging noise | Gasoline octane too low | VERIFY with customer the type of gasoline used. CORRECT as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| KS operation | CHECK the KS operation. INSTALL a new KS. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Incorrect spark timing | CHECK the spark timing. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| High operating temperature | INSPECT the cooling system for leaks. CHECK the coolant level. REFILL as necessary. CHECK the coolant for the correct mix ratio. DRAIN and REFILL as needed. VERIFY the engine operating temperature is within specifications. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Spark plug | CHECK the spark plugs. REPAIR or INSTALL new spark plugs as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Catalytic converter | Compare with a similar vehicle for what is acceptable noise. | |
| Engine noise, lower end - ticking or knocking noise near the oil filter adapter | Oil pump | USE the EngineEAR to verify the oil pump as the source of the noise at low RPM. REPAIR as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine noise, lower end - light knocking noise, also described as piston slap. Noise is most noticeable when the engine is cold with light to medium acceleration. The noise disappears as the engine warms | Excessive clearance between the piston and the cylinder wall | CARRY OUT the Piston Diameter procedure. REFER to: Piston Diameter . Measure the cylinder bore diameter. Subtract the piston diameter from the cylinder bore diameter to find the piston-to-cylinder bore clearance. REFER to the appropriate Engine article for specifications. |
| Engine noise, lower end - light double knock or sharp rap sound. Occurs mostly with a warm engine at idle or low speeds in drive. Increases in relation to engine load. Associated with a poor lubrication history | Excessive clearance between the piston and the piston pin | MEASURE the piston pin bore and the piston pin in 2 directions on each side. REFER to the appropriate Engine article for specifications. |
| Engine noise, lower end - light knocking noise. The noise is most noticeable when the engine is warm. The noise tends to decrease when the vehicle is coasting or in neutral | Excessive clearance between the connecting rod bearings and the crankshaft | CARRY OUT the Connecting Rod Bearing Journal Clearance procedure. REFER to: Connecting Rod Bearing Journal Clearance . |
| Engine noise, lower end - deep knocking noise. The noise is most noticeable when the engine is warm, at lower RPM and under a light load and then at float | Worn or damaged crankshaft main bearings | CARRY OUT the Crankshaft Main Bearing Journal Clearance procedure. REFER to: Crankshaft Main Bearing Journal Clearance . |
| Engine noise, rear of engine - knocking noise at rear of engine | Damaged flywheel/flexplate | INSPECT the flywheel/flexplate for wear or damage. INSTALL a new flywheel/flexplate as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine vibration - vibration felt at all times | Excessive engine pulley runout | CARRY OUT the Engine Accessory Test. REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) . INSTALL a new engine pulley as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Damaged or worn accessory component | CARRY OUT the Engine Accessory Test. REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) . REPAIR or INSTALL a new component as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Engine vibration - at idle, a low-frequency vibration (5-20 Hz) or mild shake that is felt through the seat/ floorpan | Cylinder misfire | Using the scan tool, CARRY OUT the cylinder power balance and the relative compression test. REPAIR as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine or torque converter out of balance | VERIFY the torque converter to crankshaft pilot clearance is correct. REPAIR as necessary. RE-INDEX the torque converter on the flex plate by 180 degrees. Refer to the appropriate Automatic Transmission article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Engine vibration - is felt with increases and decreases in engine RPM | Powertrain mount(s) | CHECK the powertrain mounts for damage. INSTALL new mounts as necessary. For engine, Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. For transmission, Refer to the appropriate Automatic Transmission article or Manual Transmission, Clutch and Transfer Case article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine or transmission contacting the chassis | INSPECT the powertrain/ drivetrain for correct clearances. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Engine vibration - increases intensity as the engine RPM is increased | Engine out-of-balance | CARRY OUT the NERU Test. REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) . ROTATE the torque converter 180 degrees. INSPECT the torque converter pilot outer diameter-to-crankshaft pilot inner diameter. REPAIR as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Automatic Transmission article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine vibration - mostly at coast/neutral coast. Condition improves with vehicle acceleration | Combustion instability | CHECK the ignition system. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Engine vibration or shudder - occurs with light to medium acceleration above 56 km/h (35 mph) | Worn or damaged spark plugs | INSPECT the spark plugs for cracks, high resistance or broken insulators. INSTALL a new spark plug(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. |
| Plugged fuel injector | REPAIR or INSTALL a new injector as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Engine article for the procedure. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
| Contaminated fuel | INSPECT the fuel for contamination. DRAIN the fuel system and refill. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair. | |
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.