Escape 2WD V6-3.0L (2009)
Camshaft: All Technical Service Bulletins
Engine - Intermittent Knock Or Thump Noise
TSB 09-17-8
09/07/09
3.0L INTERMITTENT CYLINDER HEAD CAMSHAFT
KNOCK/THUMP NOISE
FORD:
2009 Escape
MERCURY:
2009 Mariner
This article supersedes TSB 09-11-6 to update the Service Procedure and Part List.
ISSUE
Some 2009 Escape and Mariner vehicles, equipped with 3.0L engine, may exhibit an intermittent knocking or thumping type noise from the cylinder
head. After engine temperature reaches 210-220 °F (99-104 °C), the noise is typically heard from the rear of the engine as the vehicle comes to a stop.
An example would be coming to a stop at the end of a highway exit ramp. Noise will continue 45-60 seconds and then diminish. Noise will occur again
once engine reaches 210-220 °F (99-104 °C) and vehicle comes to another stop.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Is noise a 45-60 second knock/thump from a hot engine as the vehicle comes to a stop?
a. Yes - Go to Step 2.
b. No - Stop as this procedure does not apply. Proceed with normal Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 100-04 diagnostics.
2. Using Chassis Ears, isolate the noise to Right Hand (RH) (Bank 1) or Left Hand (LH) (Bank 2) cylinder head. Noise is typically heard as 45-60
second knock/thump as the vehicle comes to a stop after engine reaches 210-220 °F (99-104 °C).
a. Isolate noise to RH - Listen to the cylinder head by the variable camshaft timing (VCT) solenoid connectors. There will also be a vibration felt at
the VCT solenoid connector when noise is present. Noise from RH - go to Step 3.
b. Isolate noise to LH - Listen to the cylinders 4 and 6 valve cover fasteners (number 6 is by the coolant pump). There will be a significant
difference in transmitted noise between the cylinder 4 and 6 fasteners when noise is present. Noise from LH - go to Step 4.
NOTE
THE RH AND LH NOISES HAVE DIFFERENT CAUSES. FOLLOW ALL STEPS CAREFULLY FOR PROPER DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR.
3. Replace the RH cylinder head per Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01B.
a. Verify repair by repeating Step 2. If noise is still present then proceed with normal engine NVH diagnostics per WSM, Section 100-04.
4. Remove LH valve cover. Refer to WSM, Section 303-01.
