Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego: Noises

tobig05

I just purchased an 2005 Five Hundred with 5000 miles on it. I have noticed a low grumbling noise at about 35 to 45 mph. Has anyone had this problem or is it a characteristic of the car,or could it be tire noise? It is a limited with awd and the cvt transmission.

slider7

From what I've read over the last 6 months, the AWD's have more noise due to the additional shafts and gears running to the rear from the tranny.

tobig05

I had the car repaired and the noise was a bad rear control arm that also caused the rear tires to wear uneven.

3david60

I bought a 2006 Ford 500 with 8800 miles on it. After a few days I began to notice a whining noise coming from the steering wheel whenever I turned the wheel, even slightly. The noise is most prevalent when the radio and a/c is turned off. I have never experience this problem before with any other cars I have owned. The dealer acknowledged the problem and replaced the power steering pump and rack and pinion but the noise is still there and now there is a clicking noise whenever I turn the wheel. So in essence, it actually got worse. The dealer even scknowledged that tyhe noise is still there but says that it is less than before and therefore acceptable. I'm already comtemplating trading this thing in for a new Accord or Camry! Any ideas?

tobig05

I would not except that answer at all. I would try another dealer and write a letter to Ford and let someone there know what you experienced at that dealer. I have just experienced a new noise in my car. When driving at or between 65 and 80 mph there is a humming or surging noise. My car is an 05 limited with 18 inch Perelli tires. Has anyone else experienced it?

bdyment

Please try another dealer. The present dealer is wrong. If you want transmission hesitation, buy a Camry. Check out the Camry forums. Big problems.

transfx

Sell the car while it still is worth something. My 2005 has had the front suspension fixed three time, the rear once. The air cond. has been repaired but the automatic heat/air does not work properly. The car has 24000 miles on it. This why Ford is in trouble. I will be trading on a 2007 Toyota. I know I will take a beating on the trade in value on this car. Who would want one? A TSB has been sent to dealers regarding the suspension but they have not come up with a fix in two years

tobig05

Is your 500 an all wheel drive or front wheel drive that the suspension has given you so much trouble? I had to have the rear wheel bearings replaced in my limited because the initial noise I had ended up being the wheel bearings. Also the center caps oxidized so those were also replaced. I will give it a little longer with mine before I panic. Thank god for extended warranties

tequilaboy

I have a brand new Montego 06 and I recently noticed a little rattle noise coming from the transmission, in specific when I accelerate. When I turn off the A/C it stops. I went to the local Lincoln dealer in Monterrey and told me all Montegos 06 and 07 have that noise caused by a safe valve, they say its normal. I mean, its just a little noise but audible when accelerating... anyone has noticed this or in the Five Hundred?

tobig05

In case anyone is interested I had the car back to the dealer for the same noise three times. They replaced the right rear trail arm and both rear tires.Then they replaced the rear wheel bearings and then the rear axle and axle seal finally the two front wheel bearings. It seems to have taken care of the noise for now. I don't know much about the lemon law and I hope I don't have to.

stumper06

At first, I would hear a small single "clunk" now and then when manuevering. This clunking became more frequent and louder. I took it to a dealer. He said "they know about it. When they have a fix, we'll contact you". Now, every turn, change in direction...anything you do other than constant forward movement is accompanied by a "clunk"!!! Anyone have this and what did you do?

diecast61

For the 2005 (which I own) -- there there are a number of TSBs on noises for the Montego -- front and rear. You don't specify your year -- or trim package (Premier or Luxury - AWD or FWD?) The TSB's can be both year and model specific.

alldatadiy.com lists all the TSBs for each model -- however a subscription is required. Personally - I think its worth the money so that you can look it up yourself and discuss it intelligently with the dealer.

The subscription also includes all types of diagrams, service instructions, etc.

tobig05

I had the same problem with my 05 500 and just last week had it back to the dealer and they replaced the upper strut bearings.Now the noise is gone.Good luck.

tobig05

Don't pay for anything. Go to Fordforum.com and they have all the tsb's and recalls listed for free.

tobig05

My 500 has developed a new problem. The guage cluster will simply all go to zero and flutter there for a few seconds and then go back to normal. Also when that happened all the indicator lights came on as though the car stalled but in fact it was still running fine.I called the dealer and they ordered a new guage cluster.I hope it works.Has anyone else had this problem? :lemon:

diecast61

Yes - but do they also provide all of the stated labor hours, full diagrams (electrical, mechanical, etc,) for everything related to the car -- and do they provide diagnostic steps? How about part numbers and prices?

You get what you pay for.

diecast61

I believe that there is also a TSB on this. Check it out.

tobig05

I don't know where you are but here in Mass. knowing the labor rates at a dealer will do nothing for you because they are non negoitalbe and as far as the prices they also can be different dealer to dealer or at auto-parts stores and as for diagrams and diagnostic steps they are no good to you unless you plan on doing the work.I did not see a TSB on the problem I am experiencing.

stumper06

Thanks. Have checked the TSBs. I have an 05, Premier, AWD.
Nothing in the TSBs fit my case exactly, nor do the TSBs I read suggest a solution. Another fellow here said change out the uppper strut bearings. I have just discussed the problem with the local dealer suspension specialist who said the problem comes back after the change. It may be an "if you have it, live with it" deal that Ford is trying to pedal. :lemon:

vrm

Folks,

I am in the market for a new FWD Montego. However, I dont envy all the "noise" issues discussed in this forum.

Have these "noise" issues been resolved in the 2007 FWD Montego?

Thanks!

times2

I have a 2006 500 SE FWD, and I don't have any unusual noises, although the factory Continental tires are a little noisy.

newcarforme

Great question. Anyone??

wizoz99

Just bought a used 05. I too have the gauge cluster all going to zero and blacking out. What happened in your situation? Has it continued? Did you get it fixed.

barnstormer64

I had my instrument cluster go to all zeroes for a few seconds, two times within a couple of weeks.

I dropped it off at the dealer, and fortunately they could replicate the problem. It required replacing the instrument cluster. Fortunately, still under warranty.

drashmore

I have a ticking noise coming from my dash, on occassion. Any ideas what it could be? Car is maintenanced regularly.

scooby22

Hello everyone,
I purchased an '05 Montego this past spring and have noticed it makes a whining noise similar to an electric motor when making a turn. Never put too much thought into it until yesterday, although I have heard it on other occasions and under similar conditions. So anyway, I am on the turnpike yesterday and when I get on the ramp to exit, my nephew says, "what is that loud noise? It sounds like an electric motor." There was definitely that kind of noise, but it only makes it when turning the vehicle. It also made that sound when I turned into my driveway after our trip. No noise when going straight. It is an AWD with CVT transmission and 71,000 miles. I did not purchase the extended warranty as they wanted $2,000 for it. Is this car going south on me?

ronsmith38

Check your power steering fluid level.

scooby22

Thank you, Ron. The fluid looks to be just below the "minimum" line. Is this supposed to be checked with the engine running or checked cold and sitting for a while? Does it matter what kind or brand of power steering fluid I use? Sorry for all the questions, but I certainly appreciate the advice you are giving me.

ronsmith38

The procedure for my 2008 Sable (which is similar to your 2005 Five Hundred) as found in the owners manual:
1. Start engine and let it run until the temp is between H and C on the temperature gauge.
2. While engine idles turn steering wheel left and right several times.
3. Turn engine off
4. Check level in reservoir. It should be between MIN and MAX. Do not add fluid if between these limits.
5. If below the MIN, add proper fluid in small increments until the correct level is reached
6. Replace cap if removed.

siobhan4409

I have just a 2005 Ford Five Hundred AWD Limited with 200,000 miles. Engine is quiet, transmission is quiet. Here is the problem. It makes a humming noise when driving. Sounds like it is coming from the back. No vibrations. Just noise. I have never had an AWD before and dont know what is normal. It reminds me of four wheel drive sounds. I live in small town Ky and I dont trust the local Ford dealer if I have no clue what it is. Any ideas? Drive shaft tight and no wiggle when checking bearings. Previous owner had hitch but on so I assume it pulled something.

tobig05

Sounds to me that you have a wheel bearing noise. Does it get louder the faster you drive? It may not be as simple to diagnose as it may sound I had that problem with my car when I first got it. They tried everything and even though the bearings did not have play they replaced one at a time until it was solved. I was lucky that it was all under warranty.

siobhan4409

it does seem to be effected by speed. I read up on what people say and tried to see if it changed when turning. It didnt. will see about changing bearings. Thank you.

tobig05

I will be curious to know if it is in fact a wheel bearing.

toochnc

I have the same issue. For me this just started about a month ago (6/2011). I have a 2005 Five Hundred with about 33,000 miles. It makes a smacking sound about 6 times in the dash coming from the passenger side when I start the car. It happens each and every time I start the car no matter how long the car has been turned off (even only 60 secs). Having the climate control system turned on or off when starting makes no difference. I took it for an oil change and the mechanic there said I should change the cabin filter. So much for what he knows: The car has no cabin filter. Anybody have an idea what's causing it or how it can be fixed?