Alright I've had my '05 GT for a week now and by and large, I love it - its basically everything I wanted in my first Mustang. However, with a whopping 400 miles, I have now for the last 2 or 3 days, heard a "cha" type of sound roughly every 30 seconds when driving at speeds of 50+ on the highway. I ignored it the first time but it continues to happen at these speeds and I can't possibly imagine something is already wrong with my car. Not only that, but one time it even didn't start upon my attempt to start it (yes the clutch was all the way in) but that hasn't happened again. I mean come on, I know this is a Ford and its American and all, but what could be wrong at 400 miles and a week of age?! Anyone else have these issues? Especially the clicking sound (which I believe is coming from the rear)

 

Can we assume you have already ruled out the A/C clutch engaging/ disengaging?
I seem to remember mine doing something like that for a couple of days a while back, but it went away (or I just realized it was the AC).

 

If you are sure it's coming from the rear, I'd bring it in to the dealer just in case.

 

...and if it's not coming from the rear I'm going to say its the A/C. As far as it not starting, I had that problem one time...the first VERY hot day here in MD.

 

Well people seem to think its the A/C so I am going to run some tests, for example driving it at those speeds with the A/C on and observing the sound, then shutting the A/C off entirely and seeing if I hear the sounds anymore. If I do, then yes I will take it to the dealer (wow, a dealer visit after one week). And yes Pittperson, I realized that the one time it happened to me as well, it was also extremely hot, but still, I think cars this new should start on the first try regardless. Thanks...

 

So far everyone that has posted they hear a ticking sound or "cha" as you put it has found out it is the A/C compressor.

 

Let's assume that it is the A/C compressor in my car as it is in many others' cars; is this a problem that needs to be attended to or is this just something to "live with" with this car?

 

I would put money on it - its the A/C compressor - if defrost is on it does it too...

I noticed it the first time on the freeway - made my hair stand on end...
Unless Ford says otherwise - Its not a problem ...

 

Well never hear mine at all. I would take it in if its that loud. Shims can be added for space distance between clutch and magnet usually. The space plus the strength of magnet, usually will determine the loudness of them. I didnt hear it before my exhaust put on or anything. I usually dont play my music loud. So Like I said either way try to have it adjusted. Several people have complained about it, so hopefully it is known as well. Good luck

 

mine does it too...its the a/c compressor. drives me nuts. and btw the a/c really kills the performace of the car.

 

My other mustangs were just as loud and my 97 Grand Am is just as loud as well so I would say it is not a problem.

 

The A/c hurts the cars performance noticably? I didn't know that...

 

Yeah, it really does. Usually I drive around with the A/C off, but when I have to go on work trips, my buddy has to have cold air. The car is just sluggish with it on, even with 1 person in the car.

 

I haven't noticed any difference in performance between having the AC on or off.....

 

wait....your car is doing a "cha cha"?


darn....mine is doing more of a rumba....

 

it does for me. it make the car very sluggish.

 

When the A/C clutch is engaged, it is pulling about 10-15+ horspower from the motor. You can definitely feel it SOTP when the clutch engages and disengages. Never a worry in a WOT situation however, as the CPU disenages the clutch at WOT.

 

 

I noticed the power drop with the A/C on untill i used the DPT tune, now I hardly notice it.