Collin Lyon
Well-Known Member
I actually got the Trac back a few weeks ago, after spending 2 months at the dealer because of the clicking/ticking noise. I was holding off on this story until I got my "compensation" package from the dealer.
The tag-team of my local dealer and Ford back in MI was convinced it was either the transfer case &/or transmission. After replacing the transfer case (3x) and transmission (1x), the problem wound up being a "rubber grommet" at the bottom of the gear shift was loose and came off. After a couple of Ford engeineers examined the problem, it took a diiferent engineer to look at this from a different angle. He said "the customer hears this from inside the truck, so let's look inside the truck". The gearshift box was removed, and they saw the grommet sitting loose at the bottom. I was told the grommet keeps the outside noise from coming in - kinda like a silencer on a gun. The sound came thru this opening from ouside, and amplified thru the gearshift area. Took all of 20 minutes to fix it. Now it drives like it should -- QUIET.
I did entertain using a lemon law lawyer regarding this, but the lawyer said I would have to eat a "usage fee" of nearly $2000 because it was not "documented" for the first 7K miles (appx) whether I cashed in my Trac, or Ford replaced with a new Trac. Since Ford was paying my monthly Trac payment, and the dealer/Ford was paying for my loaner, I told the lawyer to basically stuff it. I'll wait 'til Ford makes an offer - then it will be on MY terms.
These guys had to have spent at least $10K - $12K (parts, time, resources, etc.) to get this resolved. Anyway, I got my Trac back with a new transmission & transfer case.
So, if anyone with any annoying noises that you can't figure out -- check your grommets.
The tag-team of my local dealer and Ford back in MI was convinced it was either the transfer case &/or transmission. After replacing the transfer case (3x) and transmission (1x), the problem wound up being a "rubber grommet" at the bottom of the gear shift was loose and came off. After a couple of Ford engeineers examined the problem, it took a diiferent engineer to look at this from a different angle. He said "the customer hears this from inside the truck, so let's look inside the truck". The gearshift box was removed, and they saw the grommet sitting loose at the bottom. I was told the grommet keeps the outside noise from coming in - kinda like a silencer on a gun. The sound came thru this opening from ouside, and amplified thru the gearshift area. Took all of 20 minutes to fix it. Now it drives like it should -- QUIET.
I did entertain using a lemon law lawyer regarding this, but the lawyer said I would have to eat a "usage fee" of nearly $2000 because it was not "documented" for the first 7K miles (appx) whether I cashed in my Trac, or Ford replaced with a new Trac. Since Ford was paying my monthly Trac payment, and the dealer/Ford was paying for my loaner, I told the lawyer to basically stuff it. I'll wait 'til Ford makes an offer - then it will be on MY terms.
These guys had to have spent at least $10K - $12K (parts, time, resources, etc.) to get this resolved. Anyway, I got my Trac back with a new transmission & transfer case.
So, if anyone with any annoying noises that you can't figure out -- check your grommets.
