Having problems with a 2006 Ford escape hybrid
Asked by Kristina Feb 19, 2015 at 08:51 PM about the 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I have a howling noise when I hit the gas I
think it's coming from the back end? Also
when gaining momentum the rpms jump up
between 3-4 and never go down and it
doesn't sound like its shifting gears. also
when I make turns it randomly makes a
popping noise like I hit something
sometimes it's really loud it was followed by
a faint rubbing noise (doesn't sound like
grinding gears)I had the inner tire rods
changed and it's still doing it.
3 Answers
Sounds like tranny issues... the FEH has CVT Transmission. It will not automatically change gears. You need to let off the gas and to bring the RPMs low and then apply the gas pedal again and it will engage at lower RPMs if you work the engine too hard (high RPMs) you may blow it. I bought mine with a blown engine (196K Miles & fragmented piston in the bottom of the oil pan). When I replaced the engine and I drove it for the first time (I was new to hybrids), I noticed the same thing that you described above. My experience with CVTs on snowmobiles helped me understand what what going on in the CVT in the FEH transmission. When you let off the gas the RPMs Drop but not by much. I have found the best strategy is to find a spot on the gas pedal where you are somewhat accelerating gradually and then locking your foot to the right against the side of the console so as to hold that position. If you have scan gauge connected you will notice that this is how to best achieve steady and high MPGs. As for the noises and crashing sounds you have described, it sounds catastrophic. If your not much of a wrench, then get it checked out!
I changed my stabilizer links 25$ each and poping went away ...
mariner 2006 has 203,125 miles and suggest you replace the tierod ends and stabilizer links at same time, my pop from wheels like I hit a bump went away.