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HOMESERVICE MANUALSMERCURY2009MILAN PREMIER, 3.0 1, AWDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 1578 (EXHAUST SYSTEM)DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGEXHAUST SYSTEMSYMPTOM CHART - NVH
2009 Mercury Milan Premier, 3.0 1, AWD

Symptom Chart - NVH

2009 Mercury Milan Premier, 3.0 1, AWDSECTION Symptom Chart - NVH
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: NVH symptoms should be identified using the diagnostic tools that are available. For a list of these tools, an explanation of their uses and a glossary of common terms, refer to NOISE, VIBRATION & HARSHNESS . Since it is possible any one of multiple systems may be the cause of a symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination type of diagnostic approach to pinpoint the responsible system. If this is not the causal system for the symptom, refer back to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.
NVH SYMPTOM CHART

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • Drone or clunk type noise - from the bottom of the vehicle
  • Loose or damaged exhaust isolators
  • INSPECT the exhaust isolators for wear or damage. INSTALL new isolators as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Exhaust grounded to chassis
  • Whistles, boom, hum or ticking type noise - noise tends to change as the engine warms. The noises are often accompanied by exhaust fumes
  • Exhaust system leak
  • INSPECT the entire exhaust system for leaks. CHECK for punctures, loose or damaged clamps/fasteners, gaskets, sensors or broken welds. EXAMINE the chassis for grayish-white or black exhaust soot, which indicates exhaust leakage at that point. To magnify a small leak, have an assistant hold a shop towel over the tailpipe outlet while listening for a leak. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Catalytic converter
  • MOVE the exhaust system to simulate the bouncing action of the vehicle, checking for exhaust-to-body contact while moving the exhaust system. Using a rubber mallet, TAP on the exhaust components to duplicate the noise concern. Lightly TAP on the muffler and the catalytic converter. DETERMINE if there are loose or broken baffles in the muffler, or a loose or broken element in the catalytic converter. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Exhaust muffler/resonator drain hole enlarged due to corrosion
  • CONFIRM the drain holes are the noise source. INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Rattle, squeaks or buzz type noise - from the bottom of the vehicle
  • Loose or damaged heat shield
  • INSPECT the exhaust system for loose or missing heat shields or foreign material trapped between the heat shields and the exhaust system components. If any heat shields are loose, INSTALL worm gear clamp 7L5Z-5A231-AA and tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in). If the heat shields are missing, INSTALL new heat shields or exhaust system components as necessary. If a rattle, noise or buzz condition persists, INSTALL a new heat shield or component as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Loose or damaged exhaust isolators
  • VERIFY that the exhaust isolators are correctly installed. INSPECT the exhaust isolators for wear or damage. INSTALL new isolators as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Damaged exhaust isolator hanger bracket
  • INSPECT the exhaust system components for damage or broken hangers. INSTALL new components as necessary. CHECK for loose or damaged exhaust hanger brackets or fasteners. TIGHTEN the bolts to specification or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Loose or damaged catalytic converter or muffler
  • MOVE the exhaust system to simulate the bouncing action of the vehicle, checking for exhaust-to-body contact while moving the exhaust system. Using a rubber mallet, TAP on the exhaust components to duplicate the noise concern. Lightly TAP on the muffler, then the catalytic converter. DETERMINE if there are loose or broken baffles in the muffler or a loose or broken element in the catalytic converter. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Exhaust grounded to chassis
  • Hissing or rushing noise - high frequency sound. Vehicle performance is unaffected
  • Exhaust system. Exhaust flow through pipes
  • CHECK the exhaust system for leaks. Using a rubber mallet, TAP on the exhaust components to duplicate the noise concern. Lightly TAP on the muffler and the catalytic converter. Determine if there are loose or broken baffles in the muffler, or a loose or broken element in the catalytic converter. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Pinging noise - occurs when exhaust system is hot, engine turned off
  • Catalytic converter/exhaust system
  • Cool down pinging is a result of the exhaust system expanding and contracting during heating and cooling. This is a normal condition.
  • Vibration - occurs at idle and at low speeds. Also accompanied by a clunk or buzz type noise
  • Loose or damaged exhaust isolator
  • INSPECT the exhaust isolators for wear or damage. INSTALL new isolators as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Loose or damaged exhaust isolator hanger brackets
  • INSPECT the exhaust isolator hanger brackets for wear or damage. INSTALL or REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Damper broken or out of position
  • CHECK for the correct damper orientation in this service information. RELOCATE to the correct position and tighten the nuts to specification. INSPECT for missing or damaged damper. INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Exhaust system grounded to chassis
  • Engine drumming noise - normally accompanied by vibration
  • Damaged or misaligned exhaust system
  • INSPECT the exhaust system for loose or damaged fasteners, Torca® clamps or isolators. CARRY OUT the EXHAUST SYSTEM ALIGNMENT .
  • Sputter type noise - noise worse when cold, lessens or disappears when the vehicle is at operating temperature
  • Damaged or worn exhaust system
  • INSPECT the exhaust system for leaks or damage. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Thumping noise - from the bottom of the vehicle, worse at acceleration
  • Misaligned exhaust system
  • CHECK the exhaust system to chassis clearance. CHECK the exhaust system isolators for damage. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation after the repair.
  • Engine vibration - is felt with increases and decreases in engine RPM
  • Strain on exhaust system isolators
  • Drumming noise - occurs inside the vehicle during idle or high idle, hot or cold. Very low-frequency drumming is very RPM dependent
  • Exhaust system vibration excites the body resonances inducing interior noise
RENDER: 1.0x

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Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
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  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
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