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| TSB 15-0143 | WHISTLE OR BUZZ-TYPE NOISE FROM FRONT COWL PANEL GRILLE COVER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS |
FORD :
2011-2016 Explorer |
This article supersedes TSBs 14-0029 and 15-0111 to update the vehicle model years and Service Procedure.
ISSUE:
Some 2011-2016 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a whistle or buzz-type noise from the front cowl panel grille cover at highway speeds.
This may be caused by the seal for the front cowl panel grille cover not making full contact with the windshield glass surface.
ACTION:
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
- Apply masking tape over the area where the front cowl panel grille cover seal makes contact with the windshield glass. Drive the vehicle at highway speeds. On the return road test, remove the masking tape to confirm the whistle or buzz-type noise. (Figure 1)
Figure 1 – 15-0143
- Is the whistle or buzz-type noise present at highway speeds only with the masking tape removed?
- Yes – proceed to Step 3.
- No – this article does not apply. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 100-04.
- Remove and discard the front cowl panel grille cover. When removing the wiper pivot arm, use a suitable 2 jaw puller to prevent damage to the wiper pivot. Refer to WSM, Section 501-02.
- Using a straightedge, measure the distance from the windshield glass surface to the cowl sheet metal at each of the seven (7) mounting holes for the front cowl panel grille cover. (Figure 2 Item 1)
Figure 2 – 15-0143
- Adjust the cowl sheet metal retaining clip holes to increase the clearance to 7 mm (9/32″), as required for the five (5) inner retaining clip hole locations.
- Adjust the cowl sheet metal outer left and right side retaining clip hole locations to 2 mm (5/64″). This adjustment allows the front cowl panel grille cover seal to make consistent contact with the windshield glass.
- Install a new front cowl panel grille cover. Refer to WSM, Section 501-02.
| PART NUMBER | PART NAME |
| BB5Z-78022A68-AA | Front Cowl Panel Grille Cover. |
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SEOCONTENT-START
FORD: 2011-2016 Explorer This article supersedes TSBs 14-0029 and 15-0111 to update the vehicle model years and Service Procedure. ISSUE Some 2011-2016 Explorer vehicles may exhibit a whistle or buzz-type noise from the front cowl panel grille cover at highway speeds. This may be caused by the seal for the front cowl panel grille cover not making full contact with the windshield glass surface. ACTION Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Apply masking tape over the area where the front cowl panel grille cover seal makes contact with the windshield glass. Drive the vehicle at highway speeds. On the return road test, remove the masking tape to confirm the whistle or buzz-type noise. (Figure 1) Figure 1 – Article 15-0143 2. Is the whistle or buzz-type noise present at highway speeds only with the masking tape removed? a. Yes – proceed to Step 3. b. No – this article does not apply. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 100-04. 3. Remove and discard the front cowl panel grille cover. When removing the wiper pivot arm, use a suitable 2 jaw puller to prevent damage to the wiper pivot. Refer to WSM, Section 501-02. 4. Using a straightedge, measure the distance from the windshield glass surface to the cowl sheet metal at each of the seven (7) mounting holes for the front cowl panel grille cover. (Figure 2 Item 1) WHISTLE OR BUZZ-TYPE NOISE FROM FRONT COWL PANEL GRILLE COVER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS TSB 15-0143 NOTE: The information contained in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service.The procedures should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers”. Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership to determine whether the bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article.The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates.The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company’s on-line technical resources. Copyright © 2015 Ford Motor Company Online Publication Date September 18, 2015 GE 1 Figure 2 – Article 15-0143 5. Adjust the cowl sheet metal retaining clip holes to increase the clearance to 7 mm (9/32″), as required for the five (5) inner retaining clip hole locations. 6. Adjust the cowl sheet metal outer left and right side retaining clip hole locations to 2 mm (5/64″). This adjustment allows the front cowl panel grille cover seal to make consistent contact with the windshield glass. 7. Install a new front cowl panel grille cover. Refer to WSM, Section 501-02. PART NUMBER BB5Z-78022A68-AA PART NAME Front Cowl Panel Grille Cover. OPERATION 150143A WARRANTY STATUS: DESCRIPTION 2011-2016 Explorer: Replace The Cowl Panel Grille Includes Time To Adjust Sheet Metal And Diagnose Following The Service Procedure (Do Not Use With Any Other Labor Operations) TIME 1.0 Hr. Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage Warranty/ESP coverage limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. Warranty/ESP coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool. DEALER CODING BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE 78022A68 02 TSB 15-0143 (Continued) PAGE2
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SEOCONTENT-END
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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spoke to dealership and the buzzing sound to fix the cowl issue will cost $516
was told its not covered under warranty.
does anyone have a simple fix to stop the buzzing noise.
need any feed back
thank you
I have a 2014 Explorer with 70,000 miles on it, with this problem. I was wondering how much this repair would cost?
Donald Anderson
Did you get a reply on the cost to repair this? My 2016 Explorer does the same thing.
Did you ever fix your noise? I was able to place a piece of home door weather stripping under the existing cowl piece and stop the noise. $6.00 and 10 minutes to remedy. No visible difference.
Could you send pics? If rather do that.