99 Explorer Sport
 

I seem to be having two unique problems to me. One..is that my wipers sometimes click on. I turn the dial on then off again, and it stops. They just start for no reason.

Two...sometimes when I'm driving, I get a low humming noise that seems to stop when I accelerate. If I'm idle or stopped, the humming continues. This doesnt happen all the time.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
mb

RE: 99 Explorer Sport
 

I can't help you with the wipers, but te second problem may be the infamous "Howler Valve", or Intake Air Control (IAC).

Mine howled for years. It ususaly started at idle, then went away if you goosed the throttle. Over time it got worse, and only went away above 1500 rpm. Mechanics suspected the A/C compressor, the power steering pump, the water pump, and the belt tensioner. Because it is in the intake maifold, the sound telegraphs through the engine compartment and is almost impossible to pin-point.

Fortunatly, it is a $50 part, and takes about 2 minutes to replace with a single wrench. It sits right up on top of the intake manifold, and is easy to get to. Diagnostics won't find it, because the valve is still functioning correctly. It's a very common problem on Ford V6's.

Good Luck!

RE: 99 Explorer Sport
 

The IAC is a possibility, but I've seen this on the new Mercury Cougar. There was a TSB about it and the dealer fix it. Something about the fuel rail, or fuel regulator needing replacing.
The wiper thing, my Ranger does the samething intermittently. I suspect the turn switch is the cause but haven't replaced yet.

RE: 99 Explorer Sport
 

The IAC is a possibility, but I've seen this on the new Mercury Cougar. There was a TSB about it and the dealer fix it. Something about the fuel rail, or fuel regulator needing replacing.
The wiper thing, my Ranger does the samething intermittently. I suspect the turn switch is the cause but haven't replaced yet.

RE: 99 Explorer Sport
 

I also own a 1999 Ford Explorer sport and I have experienced humming noise coming from the front too. Apparently a few other Explorer owners are too. Is this a defect or what?

Anyway did you try to change the part that was suggested and if so did it work?

RE: 99 Explorer Sport
 

I have the same problem with a 99 ford explorer with the humming sound. Mine only does it when it's really hot outside (but the car is NOT running hot) and when my foot is not on the gas (i.e. at a stop light or something). You might watch my message thread too and see if I get any answers about it.

RE: 99 Explorer Sport
 

Spectre,

Thanks for that information. I'll get it checked out as I have the same problem in my 99 Ford Explorer.

Is this something that can be done at home (by a licensed mechanic but without all the shop equipment)? Or is it too difficult a repair?

RE: 99 Explorer Sport
 

TexFordOwner...it is the simplest swap possible. I bought the part went home and did it wearing a white shirt and tie! Two bolts, and one electrical plug. It sits on the right side of the intake manifold, and is about the most accessable thing in the engine compartment.

My wife's Ranger did the same thing, and again it was the IAC. After 4 years of searching for the cause, it was an incredibly easy fix.

RE: 99 Explorer Sport
 

Spectre,

Thank you VERY much for your help. I have my car in the shop right now for a replacement serpentine belt. I asked them to also check out the humming while they are at it. They said they can't hear it. I was standing right beside the technician while it was just humming away.

Obviously this is something beyond their scope of capability. But with the information you've provided i'll be able to get my brother-in-law to fix it for me.

Thanks again!

RE: 99 Explorer Sport
 

Oh...by the way...the IAC is on the DRIVER's side of the intake manifold...my mistake.

I hade the same problem, mechanics either didn't hear it, or couldn't figure out where it came from. Mechanics often won't replace something that the diagnostic says is OK. In many cases, it's working fine, it has just developed a howl. For $50, it's worth replacing just to see if it does the trick.