Helicopter Type Noise

[billford]

Hello all,

 

On my 2014 hybrid titanium, no sunroof, I am hearing a drumming type of noise, similar to a helicopter blade noise, from the interior of the car. It sounds like air turbulence and is almost deafening. I can only hear it when one or both rear windows are down and driving on the highway above 45 mph. If I put the front windows down while the noise is happening, the noise goes away. It happens on the highway when the engine is running or on ev mode. There is no noise if only the front windows are down.

 

It really sounds like an aerodynamic anomaly.

 

The day I tried it, it was somewhat windy and cold, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

 

I normally do not drive with the windows down on the highway, so I am not really going to worry about it. Otherwise the car has been perfect.

 

I am asking if anyone else can do the same test and post what you find.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

[SteveB_TX]

It's normal... and even worse in the MKZ. The fastback design causes the issue. Your owners guide mentions the issue and tells you what to do. If you haven't downloaded the .pdf version, now is a good time. :)

[corncobs]

Not sure what car you drove before but as far as I can remember all my previous cars (4 door) did this including the FFH.

 

There is probably a smart explanation for this sound but I'm not a sound or aerodynamics engineer, sorry.

[acdii]

Buffeting. Thats what its called. If you have a sunroof, set it to vent position and then you can drop the rear windows down.

 

What happens is the overpressure waves are causing the noise. The wind blowing in the back windows creates a pressure wave and forces air to the front and since it has no where to go, it is then pushed back out, causing the boom boom boom boom. When you vent the sunroof, it equalizes the air pressures.

[billford]

Thanks everyone,

 

I did a google search, seems to be a common occurrence with other brands also.

 

I have not driven many 4 doors before, my last vehicle was an old Ford regular cab pickup.

 

Looked through the owners manual, didn't see anything related to this noise, but I probably missed it.

 

Thanks again...

[inco]

I had that happen years ago when I had a Jetta and the noise was unbelievable. The windows had to go back up. Ironically it was the passenger in the back seat wanting more "air" - well they sure got it! Yes buffeting is a common expression and very accurate.

[hybridbear]

If you only roll the windows down a couple inches you can avoid the noise. Rolling down one front window and the back window on the opposite side each about 1 inch seems to allow lots of air into the car without causing buffeting.

[SteveB_TX]

I have not driven many 4 doors before, my last vehicle was an old Ford regular cab pickup.

 

The last 4-door I owned was when I was 15... a 1962 Ford Fairlane 500. That was sooooo long ago I can't remember if it had buffeting issues too. I do remember the blue smoke pouring out of the engine vent pipe! :)

 

 

 

 

Looked through the owners manual, didn't see anything related to this noise, but I probably missed it.

 

 

It's on page 75 of the .pdf manual, second printing. Ford refers to it as "pulsing". In my MKZ manual, it is referred to as "rumbling". Go figure! :)

Edited January 26, 2014 by SteveB_TX

[inco]

Rumbling - it isn't a wrestling match, or is it?

[vangonebuy]

I wonder.

While, It can't handle the pressure changing.

 

Will the noise cancellation try to compensate for buffeting sound.

[expresspotato]

It's on page 75 of the .pdf manual, second printing. Ford refers to it as "pulsing". In my MKZ manual, it is referred to as "rumbling". Go figure! :)

 

Just like at the grocery store:

 

"A unique blend of mozerlla, cheddar and provolone cheeses ideal for making devine pizza" - $12.50

 

"Marble Cheese" - $2.99

[jpohlman]

Opening the diagonally opposite window an inch or so will kill the helicoptering.

[B25Nut]

It is the clean aerodynamics of modern cars that make the buffeting sound worse. This is a good explanation:

 

http://blog.caranddriver.com/explained-that-weird-throbbing-when-you-open-one-car-window/?src=nl&mag=cdb&list=nl_dvr_news&date=113016