2007 V6 Taurus with Duratec, 128,000 miles. The other day the car started very hard, didn't want to turn over quickly. Tried few times and after letting it sit for a short while it started. Now have very slight chirping when idling. Also heard a short belt squeal when accelerating hard onto a freeway.

At 115K miles the serpentine belt and belt tensioner was replaced, so probably not that.

Any thoughts? Alternator bearing maybe?

Thanks for the help!

Dean H.

 

I admire your reasoning regarding the belt tensioner, but darn it sometimes certain ones just don't last.
Just about all pulleys the belt turns are suspect except the crank pulley. Could be alt, P/s Pump, A/C compressor pulley brg, or even the tensioner pulley. You might be able to isolate the culprit by loosening the belt and turning each pulley and see if you can feel any roughness or unusual noise.

 

After spending more time trying to locate where the chirp is coming from and listening to a few YouTube vids, I'm willing to bet it's the crankshaft position sensor that needs to be replaced. More info to follow.....

Thanks!

 

If it is the CKP sensor it'll be a first for me since the sensor normally doesn't contact anything and isn't capable of making any kind of noise that I know of.
Depending on the sound of the chirp, would be more likely to investigate belt and everything it contacts and turns.

 

Hanky - I think I misspoke. I'm actually referring to the cam/crankshaft synchronizer that the sensor mounts on top of. you are right, the sensor itself douen't seem like it could make this type of noise. The synch underneath has a shaft and gear that rotates and apparently wears out and squeaks.

I appreciate your input!

Dean

 

You're right ! When & if you go to change it , make sure to get the proper gauge to set the sensor when installing it.

 

Thanks for the info Hanky. I ordered both the synchronizer (with sensor) as well as the alignment tool from Advance Auto Parts. I've heard some say the alignment tool is not necessary but I don't want to take the chance and mess things up. Apparently the tool makes it easy to keep everything in place during reinstallation?

Looked under the hood yesterday and it doesn't seem like it will be to bad to get at.

Interesting note (for me anyway), I just bought one of those cheapo engine stethoscopes from Harbor Freight, mostly for when I work on my motorcycle. I used it to confirm where the noise was coming from on the car - it's pretty amazing how well they work! It removed all doubt as to where exactly the noise was coming from.

Thanks!

Dean

 

Good move!
Let us know how you make out with the replacement.

 

The new camshaft synchronizer and sensor are now installed and work like a snap! No more chirp!

Ended up breaking the small plastic tab that locks the male and female electrical connector together. Juried it back together with a small set screw and hole I created with my trusty Dremel!

Only other issue is it took a few tries to stab the new snychronizer into place so that it was aligned like the old one. Had a little problem with fast reving when I first started it but determined I reinstalled part of the throttle cable incorrectly. Now all is great!

Thanks for all of the help - you tube was especially helpful as well!

Dean