[06BlackFusion]

I get a loud screaching noise when I start my car. It happens when the car is cold (first thing in the morning, or sat and cooled off).
It sound just about like screaching nails on a chaulkboard. Only happens for the first second or two. Anyone have any ideas what it is...or if it's killing my car?
Ohh it's a 2.3 SEL

Thanks!

 

[Cross Bolt]

Sounds like the air-conditioning clutch is slipping. Make sure you turn the unit off and then try it.

 

[Scape2]

I agree, almost sounds like a/c clutch or even belts slipping..

 

[aninjazx6r]

Also check for rats that may be getting the shit scared out of them on start up.

Sorry, I just had to do that.

 

[fordktpjoe]

Hmmmm....I thought MINE was the only one that did that! however I must say it has only done it like three times. (6900 mi.)
maybe a trend starting here? but yes, it sounds like a pulley somewhere not wanting to turn as fast as the starter wants to crank the engine over. A/C?? Dunno, hasn't done it enough for me to remember whether it was on or off.

 

[pete]

If it goes away when warm... Its the belt. Just spray it with brake clean. They get glazed and road oil on them.

 

[boatswife]

I have been hearing a grinding noise when I cold start my Fusion too. I've noticed it several times, but it doesn't happen everytime and never when the engine is warm. Engine runs fine, no warning lights.....runs great.

The day I took my car in the weather was warm and I didn't hear it. I'm wondering if it's a "cold weather" issue since it was cold every time it made the noise. I'll have to wait and see if that theory pans out.

While it was in the shop, I found this site and noticed that other folks are having the same problem. The repair shop could not duplicate the problem and everything looks good to them.

I called Ford Motor Company and voiced my concern, so at least it's documented. I did tell him about what I read online and that I would let these other people know to contact them.

So if you are having this problem, please contact Ford. If there is a trend, they need to know about it so they can investigate it and provide a fix.

Here is the phone number that was listed on their site. Email and snail mail are available too, but I wanted to actually speak to someone.
Ford Motor Company
1-800-392-3673

Thanks for your time~
Patty

 

[walmartownz]

Rust :klavergreg:

 

[Cross Bolt]

[quote author=pete link=topic=48189.msg773632#msg773632 date=1150563262]
If it goes away when warm... Its the belt. Just spray it with brake clean. They get glazed and road oil on them.
[/quote]

Interesting fix. That’s what I have used on the old General Motors Cars, with the inherent, leaky, AC compressor seal. After a period of months, the oil would get between the clutch surfaces and cause slippage. If you didn’t watch it and you turned the AC on at high speed, it would slip until it burned up. Sometimes a new seal would fix it and sometimes it would not.

 

[BlackI4se]

Yes mine does that too. 2.3 also. Yestarday it was really loud. Louder than ever but also doesn't do it all the time. I hope its something that is fixed and gets recalled. Also hope it isn't serious either. Sounds like one of those older cars you here when they need some power steering fliud and the belt is screeching. Its definetely a screech!

 

[bartman1]

Somewhere else on this site there is a discussion about a "grinding noise" at startup. Seems one of the club members found out from Ford that there is a TSB regarding liquid refrigerant which finds its way into the compressor. At startup, the compressor pumps the liquid out and back into the system. Since the A/C compressor is not able to compress the liquid further, it momentarily has a hard time getting rid of the liquid refrigerant. I gather it is not harmful to the compressor, but is most noticeable in cars with the auto A/C which is automatically engaged at startup.

I was relieved to hear that it was a known issue since mine does it almost every time I start up in warm weather after a few hours of sitting.

 

[BlackI4se]

hopefully there will be a recall because that noise sounds terrible.

 

[walmartownz]

Mines been doing it for months, lol.

 

[FordTech]

Bartman1 is correct... It is liquid refridgerent being pushed out. The refridgerent migrates to the lowest and coolest spot in the system when off. Every Ford does it at some point. If you run the engine for a minute or two it will warm up the freon and help reduce this noise.