TheReaper

My 14 makes the same noise as my 11 did and it was the belt causing it.

m05fastbackGT

So if it's just the belt that's causing the noise, just replace the belt..

I assume that it's the serpentine belt, unless the design is different compared to 11-12

PonyMuscletang13

Thanks for kind reply. I'm open to all possibilities, just wish it was as simple as changing out the belt. Do you recall TSB reference number on this (for 13-14)?

I just can't help but to wonder why we're having the noise in the first place. And why most of us who does have this issue reports noise 'after' an oil change. Something to think about. Did the belt get loose because we used recommended oil grade or full-syn/different weights? Is the belt that much sensitive?

It'll make much more sense to me if the Engine breaks down for instance, but why the noise?

I've read as extreme as changing a short block or even replacing an Engine and still get a tick, some plan on selling a car because of this noise.

Personally, I don't think getting a new Engine will resolve the issue. If so many are having the same problem that we read on forums, what's a new Engine gonna do? It'll be the dang exact same motor with the same design from the factory, isn't it?

SpectreH

The AC has a separate belt from the big serpentine belt. The TSB replaced the short AC "stretchy belt" with a long one that included a tensioner and idler pulley. My guess is that the original design is cheaper to make and works fine for most, but not all people.

TheReaper

Ford can't explain why it happens but it's happened to me with 2 cars I bought new after the first oil change. The ticking does go away after a few hundred miles.

m05fastbackGT

Oh okay, I understand now.. So things have really changed since the 2005-10 3v 4.6 engine days.. Didn't even realize the A/C now has a separate belt from the main serpentine belt.. At any rate, I assume that your 14 is still under warranty ? so hopefully you'll be able to have Ford replace the A/C with the newer design under the TSB at no cost to you..

PonyMuscletang13

Hey Reaper, I just found the old thread that we both were posting on back in 2013 lol...
https://themustangsource.com/forums/...k-club-526104/

TSB 12-8-14
Some 2011-2012 Mustang vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and air conditioning (A/C) compressor drive stretchy belt configuration may exhibit a light, lower-end engine knock most noticeable when engine temperature is warm and the vehicle is at idle.

Part Number: BR3Z-8620-DA

This TBS does say 11-12 Mustang though, and I can't seem to find 13-14.

*On the LMR site, they posted:
Eliminate the infamous engine tick in your 2011-14 Ford Mustang 5.0L with this A/C Tensioner Kit featuring a new belt and tensioner!
https://lmr.com/item/LRS-8620DK/ford...kit-5-0l-11-14

From that old thread, I didn't pay much attention to TSB because most said the noise was still there. But, now I want to give it a try.

My guess is the TSB is not covered by the warranty, right? How did you get them to perform and what's the cost doing this. The part seems to be cheap but the labor. Don't I still have powertrain??

m05fastbackGT

If the car is still under the bumper to bumper warranty, then yes it also includes TSB's.. It might still be covered under powertrain warranty as well

TheReaper

Mine stopped ticking for now but in the future I might install the LMR
kit.

14Glassback

I work for a large auto group that includes the Ford Dealer I bought my 14 from. The TSB will not be covered by Ford for the 14 MY. My Dealer had me cut the stretchy belt off and drive my car for awhile. I noticed that with the belt off my noise was mostly gone. So since I am a employee the dealer put the TSB parts on for me and ate the cost. They also replaced my clutch disc. My ticking was prominent from the bell housing area. And when they pulled the trans they did find a loose spring in the disc. The disc did not cure my remaining noise though. I think unfortunately the noise is just inherent in the design of the powertrain.

m05fastbackGT

If your dealership wouldn't cover the issue under TSB, then I would consider finding another dealership... As long as the vehicle is still under the manufacturer's bumper-to-bumper warranty or extended warranty, it should still be covered!

14Glassback

It has absolutely nothing to do with the Dealer. People don't know all of the inner workings of a Dealer. In my case the actual Service Manager contacted his Factory Rep. She informed him that Ford Corporate would not cover the TSB on mine because it clearly states only application is 11-12 model year. If my Dealer submitted the warranty claim Ford simply wouldn't pay it. I am not saying I agree with Ford Corporate. But that is how it works.

m05fastbackGT

Well I don't understand that at all then.. If the car is still under the manufacturer's bumper to bumper or extended warranty policy, then everything should still be covered including known issues under a Ford TSB..

Now if the car's warranty coverage has expired ? Then I can understand the dealership in question's refusal for eating any repair related costs..

14Glassback

It has been almost 2 Years ago since I ventured down this rabbit hole so I do not remember all the particulars. But as I recall the TSB also included a software update. My semi educated guess is that the newer production vehicles (13-14 MY) were built with this updated software. And that Ford figured the software was enough of a patch to not address the mechanical aspect of the TSB. I will say that since I have installed the FRP Track Cal Tune with the Lopey Idle... I notice far less ticking while driving. Mine always occurred right as I was pulling away from a stop. So maybe the change in the VVT software was enough to lessen my noise. I am far from a expert on that so take my opinion for what it is worth.

Tronster

2014 GT CONV Premium (Auto) at 93000 km's. Have had ticking sound consistently over long period of time but has recently gotten worse. Low RPM and very noticeable when at drive thru window (lol). Have read many threads to indicate possible engine problem associated with the tranny and in many I have read, Ford changed the motor. I think they know what the problem is but are not letting owners know. I recently had some extended warranty work done and need to get wheels torqued so I am heading in the discuss the tick. Will update all accordingly.

PonyMuscletang13

You said it has gotten worse and is very noticeable, maybe your case is similar to mine. Not sure the coverage in your area but if you still have the powertrain (93,000 kilometers = 57,788 miles), I'd take a look at the link below.

https://themustangsource.com/forums/...-fixed-544133/

Robby Merced

I have a 2014 GT and it only recently started ticking. It has 25K miles on it and the ticking started AFTER I changed the oil. This is my 5th oil change and I've used Royal Purple 5W20 for every oil change. If it is the A/C stretchy belt issue, why did my car only start now? And why does the ticking start after an oil change? I just don't see how the two relate. I also live in Germany so getting this problem fixed is about to be really fun. FML

14Glassback

I thought mine was the belt. It was not. If you can get your hands on a new belt cheapest way to tell is cut old belt off and drive car. See if noise goes away

Robby Merced

I hope mine is a quick fix

MRGTX

Robby,
Don't sweat it.

Mine still ticks many miles (and many, many WOT runs to redline) after my original post on the topic and it hasn't changed. Assuming you have the same "problem" as the rest of us, it's almost certainly purely cosmetic.

So keep an ear on it...but I think you're going to be ok. As a matter of fact, it took yours longer than most to develop the sound. Most of us seem to have gotten it after oil change #1.