chirping noise when cold

[minivan]

First I had to remove the plastic intake then lift the fuel rail off the injectors, wigglw wiggle wiggle the rail gently. You have to do this because the syncronizer will hit the fuel rail. I took note of which it was pointing, scratch on timing cover the direction of the electrical plug on the sensor. Then remove bolt and work back and forth just like a regular distributor until it's out. As for lining the new one up [timing it] I did'nt.I put the new one as close to same exact position as the old one, runs great.The best way to tell if it is the syncronizer is w/an old piece of garden hose. One end to you're ear the other end at various points of the sound origin.When I stuck it to the timing cover I could hear it the loudest. One possible test is to pull the sensor off the top and drip oil down beside the shaft of the syncro. until a little seeps down inside then crank. With the engine running I could loosen the syncro. and turn it just a little and the noise went away temporarily. Make sure it is'nt an idler pulley,belt tensioner, alternator bearing, drive belt,etc.etc.etc. The hose helps alot. GOOD LUCK.

[esr26]

my 98 windstar been making chirping noise for few months, it doesn't matter if it's idle or not still the same noise. And I get to the point where I need to do something about it (the van runs great though). The mechanic put transmission fluid on the belt then the chirping noise is gone then after around 20 miles it came back again and I have the belt replaced. The noise gone again and then now after a week the chirping noise is back again! But only when I start up the engine and eventually will go away. But when I step the gas it's getting louder but if I didn't step the gas it didn't make any chirping noise. Like I said the van runs normal but it's just really annoying.
Anyone can help me here?

Thanks in advance.

[phil-l]

Perhaps it's actually a belt idler pulley or tensioner pulley, instead of the belt itself...

[sunshine730]

was most interested to read this thread as i am going through the same thing, only we have stalling with this problem. i have a 2000 windstar,3.8. chirps on cold start and will sometimes stall on startup. i can restart it, then drive but it will stall while driving, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[nra1ifer]

I had a chirping problem on my 3.8L 1999 Windstar. After a while, I found the source of it.... the camshaft position sensor, just above the water pump. The bearing was shot, and made a lot of racket. At the worst, it caused the engine to die.

[esr26]

I just back from auto repair shop. He told me that the belt needs to be change. Well...the belt is new I changed it around a month ago. Then after he took the belt off he told me again that it needs new alternator. It is expensive. He told me that the bearing (or something that sounds like that) is old. And he spun the cylinder thing ( I don't know the name but it's part of the alternator) and it is making chirp chirp noise. My question is can it be fix without getting a new alternator?

[nra1ifer]

Sounds very familiar. I was not able to locate the source of the chirping noise at first. I replaced the water pump (not a fun job), then was contemplating replacing the alternator. I finally stuck a long screwdriver on the upper end of the camshaft position sensor and listened..... BINGO. I would suggest that you try to isolate the source of the chirp before you replace anything else. Try the screwdriver method (be careful!!!). Eventually, the chirp turned in to a obnoxious squeal. At it's worst, it caused the engine to die, but would start right back up. Good luck!

[nra1ifer]

I had also replaced the idler pully that tensions the serpentine belt. Although the bearing on the pully WAS worn out, it wasn't the source of the chirping. I then took off the alternator.... mine, also, made a chirp chirp noise.... but it wasn't the source of the problem. I was just about to head to autozone to get a new alternator, after calling them to check the price... yes, it is high-priced! That made me determined to find the source of the chirping sound before I did anything else.... glad I did! I took it to the Ford garage and let them do the work of replacing the sensor, due to a recommendation of a retired mechanic I consulted. I hope this helps you.

[esr26]

nra1ifer, your postings sure help me alot..thanks!
where is this camshaft position sensor located? and how much did it cost you to replace it at ford garage?

[nra1ifer]

First off, this sensor is on top of the shaft where a distributor would be if this vehicle had a distributor. As you are standing in front of the vehicle looking in the engine bay: locate the alternator. Looking further back towards the firewall and slightly down, you'll see a black tube coming out of the top of the water pump. Just to the right of this tube is the sensor, and it has a connector staring you right in the face. With the engine running, if you have a long screwdriver or maybe a piece of garden hose that you could use to reach in and put in contact with the base of where the sensor is, with the other end to your ear (again, be CAREFUL, because there are things moving in there!!!), you just might hear the source of the chirping you have been hearing.
I don't have the paperwork with me from that repair, but seems like it was in the $300 range, including the part. First chance I get, I'll check the receipt and let you know for sure.