I have a 2003 Taurus that has been very well maintained. Changed oil last weekend (from full synthetic to semi synthetic), a day later the car developed a chirping noise when warm that is linked to the rpm of the engine. Put a stethoscope on it expecting an idler pulley, or water pump, or belt tensioner. Found the chirp to be the loudest on the outside of the transaxle two inches from the rear of the block toward the shift mechanism.

I put new fully synthetic oil back in this morning just in case but still have the noise. Put the car on ramps, and again, from underneath, the noise is still most prevalent in that location on the transaxle housing.

I'm stumped and hoping for something minor, but expecting something big. Has anyone had an issue like this? I love the car, looks like new, has 96,000 miles.

Thanks in advance,

No Harley Here

 

You might have a camshaft sensor or cam syncronizer starting to make the chirping noise. It is located under the air inlet tube going to the throttle body.

 

I agree, that is the most likely suspect.

 

Thank you so much. Just called my local Autozone, they have the cam positioning sensor in stock. I'll buy and install first thing in the morning and let you know if that was the problem. Thanks again.

No Harley Here.

 

When you remove the sensor, look at the syncronizer. There should be a curved piece ofmeral that is the shutter for the pickup. If it is broken or bent, the syncronizer needs replaced. The chirping noise might be the syncronizer making noise. If replacing the sensor does not cure the chirp, let us know and will post information on replacing syncronizer. Click here for information. It is for a 99, but it is the same procedure. Good luck.

 

Bought the new cam positioning sensor this morning and replaced it. Looking a the old one, didn't see any indication of it being rubbed by the rotating piece, which is what I expected to see. While we had it off, sprayed WD40 down into the synchronizer. Put the car together and no noise at all, sounds just like new. If it starts to make the noise again, I know what to replace.

Thanks to all of you, this sure was a lot better news than I expected. Sure appreciate it.

No Harley Here

 

Glad it is repaired. Have a cold one on me. (_)3

 

The chirping noise is from the sychronizer, not from the sensor. The internal brass bushing is rubbing and making a noise. It will do this for a while and then the wobble gets bad enough it will take out the sensor. That is when your check engine light will come on. Putting WD 40 down it only works for probably a couple of hours, then the noise will start again. The sychronizer must be installed in time with the crank or else you will lose performance and fuel economy. It times the injector fuel drop.

 

Oldtimer35,

Wonderful news! My '97GL wagonhad been making that chirping noise off and on a couple of months ago and I suspected the synchronizer. I already replaced that part once with a Ford OEM part back in '02 (part was $120)! I guess it's going to fail every 5 years??? Funny thing is - I haven't gotten the CMP code yet ... think it was P0340???

By the way: is this "OldTimer53" by a new name?