Whistle Or Buzz-Type Noise From Front Cowl Panel Grille Cover At Highway Speeds (15-0143)

WHISTLE OR BUZZ-TYPE NOISE FROM FRONT COWL PANEL GRILLE COVER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

This article supersedes TSBs 14-0029  and 15-0111  to update the vehicle model years and Service Procedure.

ISSUE

Some 2011-2016 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a whistle or buzz-type noise from the front cowl panel grille cover at highway speeds. This may be caused by the seal for the front cowl panel grille cover not making full contact with the windshield glass surface.

ACTION

Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Apply masking tape over the area where the front cowl panel grille cover seal makes contact with the windshield glass. Drive the vehicle at highway speeds. On the return road test, remove the masking tape to confirm the whistle or buzz-type noise. (Figure 1)
2. Is the whistle or buzz-type noise present at highway speeds only with the masking tape removed?
   1. Yes - proceed to Step 3.
   2. No - this article does not apply. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 100-04.
3. Remove and discard the front cowl panel grille cover. When removing the wiper pivot arm, use a suitable 2 jaw puller to prevent damage to the wiper pivot. Refer to WSM, Section 501-02.
4. Using a straightedge, measure the distance from the windshield glass surface to the cowl sheet metal at each of the seven (7) mounting holes for the front cowl panel grille cover. (Figure 2 Item 1)
5. Adjust the cowl sheet metal retaining clip holes to increase the clearance to 7 mm (9/32"), as required for the five (5) inner retaining clip hole locations.
6. Adjust the cowl sheet metal outer left and right side retaining clip hole locations to 2 mm (5/64"). This adjustment allows the front cowl panel grille cover seal to make consistent contact with the windshield glass.
7. Install a new front cowl panel grille cover. Refer to WSM, Section 501-02.

PARTS INFORMATION

WARRANTY INFORMATION

WARRANTY STATUS: 

Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage.

Warranty/ESP coverage limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. Warranty/ESP coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool.