# 2002 Ford Explorer Engine Noise **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [January 4, 2009, 8:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-ford-explorer-engine-noise/24346 "2009-01-04T08:45:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![greywolf617](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7ab992/32.png) [@greywolf617](https://community.cartalk.com/u/greywolf617)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2009, 8:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-ford-explorer-engine-noise/24346/1 "2009-01-04T08:45:50Z")
I have a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, the automatic V-6, with just over 90k miles. I have have owned it since new, and I have nothing but praise for it. However, recently I have been noticing a squeal when the engine hits about 1900 rpms, but only in certian conditions. It mostly happens when I am going up a small hill/incline and the engine hits 1900-ish rpms. It only lasts for a few seconds and is solved by accelerating or decelerating up the hill. It is not a loud or high pitched squeal, but it noticible. It happens whether I am going 35mph on a side road or 75mph on the highway. Should I take it in for service (if so, what might be the issue), or is it just a sign of old age? I did have a major front accident on an icy New England day with a telephone pole. This was in 2004, and the noise only started in the past year. Any input would be great ๐Ÿ™‚ ---
**Author:** ![greywolf617](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7ab992/32.png) [@greywolf617](https://community.cartalk.com/u/greywolf617)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2009, 10:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-ford-explorer-engine-noise/24346/2 "2009-01-04T10:11:21Z")
One more problem I am having that may or may not be related is; when I put the car in reverse from a cold start, the engine โ€˜pulsesโ€™. It creates a similar effect to pumping the brakes. It has been happening for about a month or so, and recently I have noticed it a little when I am โ€˜Dโ€™/forward (automatic transmision), from a cold start. It does not happen as much, or at all if it shift into reverse/โ€˜Dโ€™ after driving for a while. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2009, 11:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-ford-explorer-engine-noise/24346/3 "2009-01-04T11:45:11Z")
When was the last time you checked the automatic transmission fluid? How about the accessory belt? ---
**Author:** ![greywolf617](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7ab992/32.png) [@greywolf617](https://community.cartalk.com/u/greywolf617)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2009, 2:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-ford-explorer-engine-noise/24346/4 "2009-01-05T02:40:35Z")
The oil and transmission fluid were changed at 90000 miles (2k miles ago). I have no idea about the accessory belt. I beleive the timing belt needs to be changed at 100k miles, and I am going to have that done with the next oil change. It is possible that could be what is cause both/either problem?