tonifan Report post Posted July 16, 2009 Just got my wonderful FFH, and I'm already aware that the electric motor can "wind down" when stopping with a slight whining sound. That's not a problem, and is expected. However, at speeds of 50-60 mph, sometimes I hear what I think may be an air leak in a window, or just the very tiny high-pitched whine of the battery or electric motor. It's very subtle, and probably approaches the very, very high-frequency pitch of a dog whistle; you know, the kind that only dogs can hear? Does anyone else experience this? I really don't want to go to the dealer with some obsessive request to find an air leak that really isn't there. Could it be the air rushing past the outside rear-view mirror? Of course, when I lower the window, the noise isn't there, but that could be because the noise of the traffic with the window open could be drowning that little noise out. Any thoughts? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oman Report post Posted July 16, 2009 There are two electric motors in the FFH that are involved in providing motive force, and there are at least three others that provide other services (A/C, power steering, etc). The main sound generator is MG1, which essentially provides the "difference" between the speed that the engine is running and the speed the wheels are turning. This is usually described as a whine that gets louder and softer / higher and lower in pitch as the car accelerates and eventually comes to the requested speed. Some people who first start driving the FFH think there is a police or fire siren off in the distance. If it changes in pitch as you press on the accelerator than this is likely what you are hearing. MG2 is the large traction motor and it makes the lower pitched "rumble-whine" that you hear when you are braking (it is acting as a generator that this point). You can hear it and even feel it a bit as the car decelerates. Jon Just got my wonderful FFH, and I'm already aware that the electric motor can "wind down" when stopping with a slight whining sound. That's not a problem, and is expected. However, at speeds of 50-60 mph, sometimes I hear what I think may be an air leak in a window, or just the very tiny high-pitched whine of the battery or electric motor. It's very subtle, and probably approaches the very, very high-frequency pitch of a dog whistle; you know, the kind that only dogs can hear? Does anyone else experience this? I really don't want to go to the dealer with some obsessive request to find an air leak that really isn't there. Could it be the air rushing past the outside rear-view mirror? Of course, when I lower the window, the noise isn't there, but that could be because the noise of the traffic with the window open could be drowning that little noise out. Any thoughts? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fsb99 Report post Posted July 17, 2009 Just got my wonderful FFH, and I'm already aware that the electric motor can "wind down" when stopping with a slight whining sound. That's not a problem, and is expected. However, at speeds of 50-60 mph, sometimes I hear what I think may be an air leak in a window, or just the very tiny high-pitched whine of the battery or electric motor. It's very subtle, and probably approaches the very, very high-frequency pitch of a dog whistle; you know, the kind that only dogs can hear? Does anyone else experience this? I really don't want to go to the dealer with some obsessive request to find an air leak that really isn't there. Could it be the air rushing past the outside rear-view mirror? Of course, when I lower the window, the noise isn't there, but that could be because the noise of the traffic with the window open could be drowning that little noise out. Any thoughts? If it is not the engine, the dealer should agree to do a test drive with you. It could be a leak in your windshield. They can take care of this by removing and reinstalling the windshield. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
emillham Report post Posted July 18, 2009 Just got my wonderful FFH, and I'm already aware that the electric motor can "wind down" when stopping with a slight whining sound. That's not a problem, and is expected. However, at speeds of 50-60 mph, sometimes I hear what I think may be an air leak in a window, or just the very tiny high-pitched whine of the battery or electric motor. It's very subtle, and probably approaches the very, very high-frequency pitch of a dog whistle; you know, the kind that only dogs can hear? Does anyone else experience this? I really don't want to go to the dealer with some obsessive request to find an air leak that really isn't there. Could it be the air rushing past the outside rear-view mirror? Of course, when I lower the window, the noise isn't there, but that could be because the noise of the traffic with the window open could be drowning that little noise out. Any thoughts? I hear the same thing at that speed but no one else who's ridden in the car has mentioned it. I think it is something in the electric motors. I ignore it by cranking up classic vinyl. ;-) Boy does that stereo rock! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tonifan Report post Posted July 20, 2009 This is a follow-up to my previous post. I took my new FFH back to the dealer, and demonstrated to the Lease Manager the high, almost imperceptible whistling sound that the car made between 55 and 65 mph. He noticed it, too (so it wasn't my hearing going bad), and we drove back to the dealership. Then, we drove another new FFH for comparison purposes, and it exhibited the same, high-pitched whistling sound at the aforementioned speeds. Seems it might be something in the electric motor's planetary gears, according to the Lease Manager, who also drives a regular Fusion. Nothing to worry about; it exists on all of the FFHs, so I just crank up the excellent Sony stereo and don't even notice it any more. Anyway, I think it very well could be the sound of the car saving me money, :lol: as I'm averaging 39-40 mpg, and that's city (San Francisco) AND highway (all San Francisco Bay Area freeways) combined. Pretty good, considering I use the A/C ALL the time (allergies), and usually have the Sirius radio on, too. Couldn't be more pleased with this car. And it may be a shock to some of you, I traded in my leased 2009 Lincoln MKS for the purpose of purchasing this little gem; the ride is better (not so truck-like as the MKS) and the car is very much quieter as well. And actually, I can hear the stereo at all speeds now, unlike the Lincoln. (Just don't let the folks in the MKS Forum know; they probably wouldn't understand...) :hysterical2: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
