Posted: 10/27/2005 11:14:27 AM EDT
| I have a 1996 Ford Taurus and it has started this loud chirping/squeeling noise off and on under the hood. When I look for the noise, it appears to be coming from the ignition coil area. Does the ignition coil need to be replaced or is there something else that could be wrong? I sure appreciate the help!!!! |
I will check that out, What am I looking at work and cost-wise? Best I can tell the noise is coming from that area. What happens if it goes out? I am starting a new job Tuesday and will have a 70 mile round trip each day, is it safe to drive for 3 weeks until I have the money to fix it? I really appreciate the help!!! |
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The cam syncro(sensor) tells the PCM when the number 1 piston is coming up on its compression stroke so the pcm can "synchronize" the fuel injectorswith the engine. The only problem I have seen so far when these go out is an extended crank time while the PCM figures out where the pistons are by just the crank sensor signal. Most of the time you can not really tell the differance. I can't tell you the cost from memory, but the mechainical drive is what squeeks. Sometimes the sensor has came apart and took out the drive. The installation does require a timing procedure(just like a distributor) and there is no adjustment room. There is a tool that fits on the top of the syncro drive and locks it in place, and then inserted in the engine pointing a specific amount of degrees away from perpendicular with the crank centerline. I have installed these before by "sight" without a tool with success but I would not recommend it as a functional sensor that is a little off can do more harm than one that don't work at all. Again, I can't remember for sure but I think it runs around $300.00 for the parts and labor around here. |
It's very likely if it's not coming from that area, I've changed these before, they didn't go bad mechanically though so I didn't get the noise. They do have a distributor base so it's certainly possible to get this noise if they have mechanical problems. Another thing that makes a chirping type noise is the bearings. I've had several come into the shop making a sick metalic squeal just before the engine bought it. It's a really horrible sound though, hard to mistake. I hope this isn't the problem with his XDTom40's Taurus. XDTom40, TRY THIS; Take a long screwdriver, place the tip on top of the cam sync, then cup your ear to the handle end and listen for the noise while the motor is running. If the sync is going bad you will hear it better this way, you may even get some vibration. In lieu of an automotive stethoscope you can listen -being VERY aware of any moving parts- for noises on pumps, pulleys etc by placing the tip on a close non-moving section of the component you wish to listen to. Noises can sometimes be tricky to pinpoint and this method can be helpful. |
