Exhaust System - Rattling Noise During Acceleration

Article No.
97-26-11

12/22/97

NOISE - " RATTLING" NOISE DURING
ACCELERATION - ALL ENGINE TEMPERATURES -
3.0L VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 10/30/97

FORD:
1996-98 TAURUS

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1996-98 SABLE

ISSUE:
Some vehicles may experience a "baby rattle" noise during acceleration. This noise may be greatest at high engine rpms just before the transaxle shifts into the next higher gear. This may be caused by exhaust flow within the flex coupling. This rattle should not be confused with spark knock which occurs at low rpm, high engine load conditions.

ACTION:
Replace the exhaust pipe flex coupling. The new coupling has a revised interior to reduce the possibility of rattling. Refer to the following text for details.

Verify the "rattling" noise occurs only on accelerations just before the transaxle shifts.

NOTE:
DO NOT USE THE EXHAUST CONNECTOR HOLDER TOOL (T94T-6000-AH) FOR THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE AS REFERENCED IN THE 1996 AND 1997 TAURUS/SABLE SERVICE MANUAL. THE TOOL IMPEDES ACTUAL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE PIPE FOR THIS PROCEDURE.

Replace the previous flex pipe with a new Flex Pipe (F8DZ-5G203-AA). Refer to the Service Procedure outlined in the appropriate Taurus/Sable Service Manual.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
F8DZ-5G203-AA Flex Pipe

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:
NONE

WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
972S11A Replace Flex Pipe 0.8 Hr.

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
5G203 33

OASIS CODES: 403000, 497000, 615000, 615500, 702000, 702300