Fluttering/vibration during down shift (not just engine noise)

[SBoyum]

Our 2020 Aviator in the shop to solve a fluttering/vibration sound that has grown more frequent over the last few weeks. I can consistently recreate the noise after coasting down to 35MPH, then again at about 23MPH, again around 8MPH, usually when turning left (slowly), and even when the car is in park and I give it a little gas. Flutters, then stops, unless I sustain at the previously mentioned MPH. (I've not noticed the fluttering/vibration over 40MPH.) Tech thinks it's a cracked exhaust flex pipe, but I can't find anything to support that theory. Another Aviator owner mentioned similar issues, and had his drive shaft replaced, apparently that fixed the issue...my tech doesn't think that's the cause of the fluttering. Not too confident about a $1400 repair that might be the issue. Any suggestions?

 

[11MarkX]

Can you get him to show you? 2020 Aviators have problems with the flex pipes leaking and vibrating so he might be right. You should smell a little exhaust while driving with windows down. If he's correct, then get them to change motor mounts too. Its mostly the reason the flex pipes cracked. Motor mounts are covered under a recall so motor mounts shouldn't cost you anything.

Could also be the turbo wastegate is leaking. Coasting, or revving engine opens the wastegate to allow turbo pressure to escape. These wastegates are engineered to muffle sound unless broken, but I'm just guessing.

Its just a sound, correct?..or is car vibrating? If car is vibrating where you can feel it in the seat, then it could be the drive shaft or motor mount (see recalls below). If its vibrating in the steering wheel, could be as simple as a bad tire, could be a number of things. I don't know. Hope this helps.

I was surprised by the number of recalls for 2020 Aviators. While in for service, have these done too.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Recalls | CarComplaints.com

20 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator by the NHTSA. Read the complete details: what they cover and the recommended solutions.

www.carcomplaints.com

 

[SBoyum]

Thank you, I will share all your suggestions with the tech. (Yes, we've met all the recalls.)
There's no noticeable car vibration into the seat, nor steering wheel. All new tires a few months ago, too.
I'll report back, as this seems like a unique issue to my car, but hopefully will help others - it's been too long, and too frustrating for a luxury vehicle.

 

[peterk9]

Thank you, I will share all your suggestions with the tech. (Yes, we've met all the recalls.)
There's no noticeable car vibration into the seat, nor steering wheel. All new tires a few months ago, too.
I'll report back, as this seems like a unique issue to my car, but hopefully will help others - it's been too long, and too frustrating for a luxury vehicle.

Welcome to the Forum.
Have a look at this. List of Useful Threads - 6th Generation Ex and Aviator Recalls, TSB, FSA and SSM

Peter

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[SBoyum]

Thanks, Peter. Tech tried this already, said it didn't fix the flutter/rattle issues. What I'm not understanding is why does the rattle/flutter only happen at specific speeds when decelerating, and it can also be reproduced when in park and rev the engine a bit?

 

[Moondog66]

Thanks, Peter. Tech tried this already, said it didn't fix the flutter/rattle issues. What I'm not understanding is why does the rattle/flutter only happen at specific speeds when decelerating, and it can also be reproduced when in park and rev the engine a bit?

 

[Moondog66]

I believe there was a flexpipe TSB to install a clamp of some sort to prevent rattling. I've had that done as well as replace passenger flex pipe that was cracked somehow causing a rattle on cold startup. Hopefully that's your problem and not a turbo issue.

 

[SBoyum]

Thanks, all. Flex pipe was replaced, though unfortunately not covered under extended warranty. (Ext warranty doesn't cover exhaust, and the foreman couldn't find any additional cause that would have cracked the flex pipe, so $1400 out of pocket.) Fluttering noise seem to be solved, but accelerating now sounds more like a race car at take off, than a luxury SUV. Next... rattling moon roof cover, and my tailgate deciding not to open. Growing more and more jaded with Lincoln...

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[11MarkX]

Loud noise - Aviators are known for a quiet interior so if it sounds like a race car when accelerating, then maybe they didn't secure the flex pipes correctly or damaged something when installing them. Its not an easy job since the flexpipes are crammed in there. I don't know if those flex pipes are clamped down or welded, but maybe take it in and have them check it again.

Moon roof noise - There's a TSB#50379 for water intrusion. If not fixed, it could corrode mounting parts which would rattle. Usually the water ruins the electric motor before that happens.

Tailgate - There's a TSB#40915, but its the other way around. Car thinks tailgate is open and activates the alarm. So is your tailgate not opening by Keyfob, by Button on dash and by Button on tailgate?

 

[Moondog66]

Loud noise - Aviators are known for a quiet interior so if it sounds like a race car when accelerating, then maybe they didn't secure the flex pipes correctly or damaged something when installing them. Its not an easy job since the flexpipes are crammed in there. I don't know if those flex pipes are clamped down or welded, but maybe take it in and have them check it again.

Moon roof noise - There's a TSB#50379 for water intrusion. If not fixed, it could corrode mounting parts which would rattle. Usually the water ruins the electric motor before that happens.

Tailgate - There's a TSB#40915, but its the other way around. Car thinks tailgate is open and activates the alarm. So is your tailgate not opening by Keyfob, by Button on dash and by Button on tailgate?

I had a water leak on moonroof and rear glass panel was replaced and still leaked. It ended up clogged drains that have been cleaned and no more leak. However there is a rattle that was there before panel replacement. Headliner been out twice and can't determine source. Where are the mounting points you referred to, middle or toward the rear? TIA

 

[11MarkX]

I had a water leak on moonroof and rear glass panel was replaced and still leaked. It ended up clogged drains that have been cleaned and no more leak. However there is a rattle that was there before panel replacement. Headliner been out twice and can't determine source. Where are the mounting points you referred to, middle or toward the rear? TIA

I thought you have a similar panoramic roof I have? Mine slides back, but it can also pop up and tilt. If yours pops up, look at the track and mechanisms that hold the roof on. See if silicone spray on the links helps. I'm kind of getting out of my comfort zone since I don't own an Aviator. I've read an Aviator owner thought his roof was squeaking, but it turned out to be the hood. Another one said dealer found a piece of plastic that fell into the roof's frame.

If the rattle is driving you nuts, then unfortunately, you might have to drive around for while someone uses an automotive stethoscope to pinpoint the noise. Anyhow, good luck and if successful, please post.

 

[G-737807]

Thanks for the heads up on the moon roof. Definitely sounds like it could be mounting parts - sounds like a lose screw or nut; when I push on the fabric cover (when closed) the rattling stops. Otherwise, rattles when the cloth cover is fully opened, half covered, and fully closed. I've not tried to open the entire moon roof to listen for a rattle - too cold in WI to have it open, but will try later tonight.

As for the tailgate issue, nothing worked to open it - keyfob, tailgate button, dash button, foot swipe under the car, shutting the car on and off several times - there was no way to open the tailgate that day. Drove it a few times, tried again, and it opened. It's added to my list for the next appointment.

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[peterk9]

Thanks for the heads up on the moon roof. Definitely sounds like it could be mounting parts - sounds like a lose screw or nut; when I push on the fabric cover (when closed) the rattling stops. Otherwise, rattles when the cloth cover is fully opened, half covered, and fully closed. I've not tried to open the entire moon roof to listen for a rattle - too cold in WI to have it open, but will try later tonight.

As for the tailgate issue, nothing worked to open it - keyfob, tailgate button, dash button, foot swipe under the car, shutting the car on and off several times - there was no way to open the tailgate that day. Drove it a few times, tried again, and it opened. It's added to my list for the next appointment.

I'm not sure what these last few posts have to do with the thread title but it shows how easy it is to get off-track.
What year Aviator do you have? The foot swipe (hands-free) feature on the liftgate was eliminated on the 2023 model.

Peter