Engine - Low Frequency Hot Idle Knocking Noise
TSB 10-18-409/27/10
LOW FREQUENCY ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE AT
HOT IDLE
FORD:
2009-2010 Expedition, F-150, F-250, F-350
LINCOLN:
2009-2010 Navigator
This article supersedes TSB 09-23-7 to update the vehicle model lines, Service Procedure and Service Labor Time Standards.
ISSUE
Some 2009-2010 F-150 and F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 3V or 5.4L 3V engine, Expedition and Navigator vehicles may exhibit a low frequency knocking noise from the engine at hot idle only. The noise is predominately heard from the right front wheel well area and/or the right hand (RH) engine cam cover. This noise may be generated from the RH variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly. This procedure was created to diagnose the RH VCT phaser assembly.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
The Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) tests were developed specifically for the vehicles and Power Control Module (PCM) strategies for these vehicles.
Per Workshop Manual (WSM), Powertrain Controls and Emissions Diagnostics (PC/ED) and Scheduled Maintenance Guide, review customer service history for use of any aftermarket oil filters.
1. Check for possible diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
a. No DTCs present, proceed to Step 2.
b. If DTCs are present, do not continue with this procedure and refer to the PC/ED manual for diagnostics.
2. Engine must be at full operating temperature over 190 °F (88 °C) cylinder head temperature (CHT).
3. Connect IDS diagnostics tool and verify software version is at the latest level (63 or later required).
4. Begin a new vehicle session.
5. Open Tool Box selection.
6. Open Data Logger.
7. Select Powertrain Engine.
8. Select PCM Data Logger.
9. Clear the preselected items by clicking the eraser icon button.
10. Select variable cam timing desired angle number (VCLDSD).
11. Go to live display and press the tick mark.
12. Make sure the parameter identification (PID) is highlighted with the dark lines above and below the data being displayed.
13. Press number symbol: (output state control mode) of the VCT_DSD number PID.
14. Press the Control Item Activate (finger on the button) icon to enable manual control of the PID.
15. Use the plus button to command to 4 degrees. (One click is equal to 1 degree) When commanding the advance, both banks will normally adjust.
16. Listen carefully to the low frequency knock noise while commanding the VCT_DSD from 0 to 4 degrees. Some higher frequency clatter is normal at or above the 5 degree advance. What is being pursued is for the level of the low frequency knock noise to be noticeably reduced when advanced from 4 to 5 degrees.
a. If noise level is noticeably reduced as the VCT desired angle is commanded from 3 to 4 degrees, the noise source is the RH VCT phaser assembly. Proceed to Step 17.
b. If the low frequency knock noise is not noticeably reduced at 4 degrees, refer to WSM, Section 303-00 for engine noise diagnostics.
17. Due to normal engine dynamics, the VCT phaser knock noise is produced by the RH VCT phaser assembly. Replace only the RH VCT phaser assembly. Refer to WSM, Section 303-01.
Parts Block
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT:Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
101804A 2009-2010 Expedition, 2.3 Hrs
Navigator 5.4L 3V:
Replace The RH VCT
Phaser Assembly Includes
Time To Diagnose (Do Not
Use With Any Other Labor
Operations)
101804A 2009-2010 F-150 4.6L 3V: 1.8 Hrs.
Replace The RH VCT
Phaser Assembly Includes
Time To Diagnose (Do Not
Use With Any Other Labor
Operations)
101804A 2009-2010 F-150, F-Super 2.1 Hrs.
Duty 5.4L 3V: Replace The
RH VCT Phaser Assembly
Includes Time To
Diagnose (Do Not Use
With Any Other Labor
Operations)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
6A257 42
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