The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures. REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
Symptom
Action
Seating/Trim/Body > Water Leak > Passenger Area > Occurs
GO to Pinpoint Test A
Seating/Trim/Body > Water Leak > Passenger Area > Occurs
GO to Pinpoint Test B
Seating/Trim/Body > Water Leak > Passenger Area > Occurs
GO to Pinpoint Test H
Seating/Trim/Body > Water Leak > Luggage/Load Compartment > Occurs
GO to Pinpoint Test F
Seating/Trim/Body > Water Leak > Luggage/Load Compartment > Occurs
GO to Pinpoint Test K
Seating/Trim/Body > Water Leak > Luggage/Load Compartment > Occurs
Lighting/Glass/Vision > Mirror > Side > Loose/Attached
GO to Pinpoint Test I
Lighting/Glass/Vision > Mirror > Side > Loose/Attached
GO to Pinpoint Test J
Symptom Chart
The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures. REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
Dust and Water Leaks
Most dust and water leaks are caused by missing or incorrectly installed body sealer or components. The leak source is located by:
pressurizing the vehicle and checking with soapy water.
Locate and seal body ventilation openings.
Turn the blower motor to HI.
Turn off recirculation.
Close the windows and doors.
Open the hood and spray soapy water on body seams and grommets. Be sure to check the areas around the front fender-to-cowl and hood mounting location.
Check for bubbles.
inspect for traces of dust or water near and above the area in question.
remove any trim or carpet in the general leak area.
road tests or water tests of the vehicle.
place a bright light under the vehicle, remove any necessary trim or carpet, and inspect the inside of the body for seams and weld lines.
Wind Noise
Most wind noise leaks occur at the corners of the windows or at the doors. Wind noise is detected while driving the vehicle at highway speed or at the speed specified by the customer. The vehicle must be driven in 4 different directions with the windows closed, the radio off and the A/C blower motor off.
Squeak and Rattle
Squeaks and rattles are usually caused by loose parts, contact, or relative movement between two surfaces, or by loose wires and connectors. The noise source can be located by stopping the movement of the suspected part by hand, or by using damping materials or low-friction materials.
Symptom Chart: Body System - General Information
Condition
Action
Wind Noise/Draft and Water Leak at Door Perimeter
GO to Pinpoint Test A
Draft/Wind Noise and Water Leak Around Glass Run
GO to Pinpoint Test B
Draft/Wind Noise and Water Leak at Inner Belt Line
GO to Pinpoint Test C
Draft/Wind Noise and Water Leak at Outer Belt Line Weatherstrip
GO to Pinpoint Test D
Draft/Wind Noise at Inside Door Handle/Speaker Opening
GO to Pinpoint Test E
Road Noise and Leaks at Floor Pan and Grommets
GO to Pinpoint Test F
Body/Door and Instrument Panel Creak
GO to Pinpoint Test G
Door Drain Holes Collecting Water
GO to Pinpoint Test H
Wind Noise from Outside Rearview Mirror
GO to Pinpoint Test I
Knock/Vibration from Outside Rearview Mirror
GO to Pinpoint Test J
Draft/Wind Noise and Water Leak Around Fixed Glass Perimeter
GO to Pinpoint Test K
Draft/Wind Noise and Water Leak at Rear Door/Liftgate Perimeter
GO to Pinpoint Test L
Wind Noise Generated by Airflow Over or Around Body Panels
GO to Pinpoint Test M
Wind Noise Generated by Grille Opening Panel
GO to Pinpoint Test N
Wind Noise from Vent Outlet (Body Vent)
GO TO Pinpoint Test O
Wind Noise from Bug Shield/Outside Windshield Sun Visor
GO to Pinpoint Test P
Wind Noise from Hood Panel (Sheet Metal Screen)
GO to Pinpoint Test Q
Pinpoint Tests
PINPOINT TEST A: DOOR PERIMETER WATER LEAK
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Seal
Sill Plate
Sheet Metal Joints
Door Alignment
A1 CHECK SEAL INSTALLATION
Check the seal for the following
Loose fit
Incorrect installation
Damaged clips
Was any concern found?
Yes
Correct the concern and reinstall the seal correctly.
No
GO to A2
A2 CHECK SILL PLATE INSTALLATION
Check the sill plate installation
Is the sill plate installed incorrectly?
Yes
Remove and reinstall the sill plate correctly.
No
GO to A3
A3 CHECK SHEET METAL JOINTS
Check the sheet metal joints
Are the sheet metal joints leaking?
Yes
Seal the sheet metal joints with seam sealer.
No
GO to A4
A4 CHECK DOOR ALIGNMENT
Check the door alignment.
Is the door misaligned?
Yes
Refer to the door alignment procedure. REFER TO: Front Door Alignment (501-03 Body Closures, General Procedures). REFER TO: Rear Door Alignment (501-03 Body Closures, General Procedures).
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST B: WATER LEAK AROUND GLASS
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Glass Run
Door Trim Panel
B1 CHECK GLASS RUN INSTALLATION
Check the installed glass run seal for the following:
Loose fit
Incorrect installation
Glass run overfilled at the corners
Glass run edge does not contact the sheet metal
Was any concern found?
Yes
Remove and reinstall the glass run correctly.
No
GO to B2
B2 CHECK GLASS CHANNEL
Check the glass channel for deformation or expansion.
Was any concern found?
Yes
Compress the glass channel to reduce the opening size.
No
GO to B3
B3 CHECK FOR DOOR TRIM PANEL OFFSET
Check that the door trim panel is installed correctly.
Is the door trim panel offset and causing the glass to twist?
Yes
Remove and reinstall the door trim panel to make sure the glass channel is installed correctly. Replace components as necessary.
No
GO to B4
B4 CHECK FOR GLASS DAMAGE
Check the glass run seal for damage.
Was any concern found?
Yes
Replace the glass run.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST C: DRAFT/WIND NOISE AT INNER BELT LINE
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Inner Belt Line Seal
C1 CHECK BELT LINE SEAL INSTALLATION
Check the belt line seal installation for the following:
Incorrect installation
Contact with glass
Contact with window glass
Was any concern found?
Yes
Adjust the belt line seal and the window glass. Install foam at the seal ends if necessary.
No
GO to C2
C2 CHECK BELT LINE SEAL FOR DAMAGE
Check the condition of the belt line seal.
Was any concern found?
Yes
Replace the belt line seal.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST D: WIND NOISE AT OUTER BELT LINE
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Outer Belt Line Seal
D1 CHECK BELT LINE SEAL INSTALLATION
Check the belt line seal installation for the following:
Incorrect installation
Contact with glass
Contact with window glass
Was any concern found?
Yes
Adjust the belt line seal and the window glass. Install foam at the seal ends if necessary.
No
GO to D2
D2 CHECK BELT LINE SEAL FOR DAMAGE
Check the condition of the belt line seal.
Was any concern found?
Yes
Replace the belt line seal.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST E: WIND NOISE/WHISTLE FROM INSIDE DOOR HANDLE/SPEAKER OPENING
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Misaligned/damaged weather shield
Misalignment/damage of door handle seal
Misaligned/damaged door speaker seal
E1 CHECK WEATHER SHIELD
Check the weather shield installation for the following:
Misaligned/incorrect installation
Damage or cuts
Was any concern found?
Yes
Correctly align the weatherstrip. If necessary, replace the weatherstrip.
No
GO to E2
E2 CHECK DOOR HANDLE SEAL
Check the door handle seal installation for the following:
Incorrect/improper installation
Damage or cuts
Was any concern found?
Yes
Correctly adjust the door handle seal. Replace the door handle seal if necessary.
No
GO to E3
E3 CHECK DOOR MOTOR SEAL
Check the door speaker installation for the following:
Missing door speaker
Damaged door speaker
Was any concern found?
Yes
Repair the door speaker seal. If necessary, replace the door speaker.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Check the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST F: ROAD NOISE AND LEAKS THROUGH FLOOR PAN AND GROMMETS
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Plugs or grommets
Mastic insulator or body insulator
F1 CHECK FOR MISSING, DAMAGED OR IMPROPERLY INSTALLED PLUGS OR GROMMETS
Check for missing, damaged or improperly installed plugs or grommets.
Was any concern found?
Yes
Remove and correctly install the plugs/grommets. If necessary, replace the components.
No
GO to F2
F2 CHECK FOR MISSING MASTIC INSULATORS OR BODY INSULATORS
Check for missing mastic or body insulators.
Are mastic or body insulators missing?
Yes
Replace the mastic or body insulator.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST G: SQUEAKS IN BODY/DOORS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Loose wires/cables
Loose Components
G1 CHECK WIRES/CABLES.
Check that all wires/cables are correctly installed.
Are there any loose wires/cables?
Yes
Correctly route and install all wires/cables using clips.
No
GO to G2
G2 CHECK FOR LOOSE COMPONENTS IN DOOR CAVITIES AND TRIM PANELS
Check for loose items and components inside the door cavities and trim panels.
Are any loose items or components found?
Yes
Remove or secure loose items and components.
No
GO to G3
G3 CHECK FOR BUZZING NOISE FROM INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS
Check for a buzzing noise from the instrument panel components.
Was any concern found?
Yes
If necessary, secure and fasten the components. Use foam or felt to eliminate the noise.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST H: WATER ACCUMULATES IN DOORS
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Clogged door drains
H1 CHECK DOOR DRAINS FOR BLOCKAGE
Check the door drains for foreign objects blocking them.
Are the door drains blocked or clogged?
Yes
Using a hammer drill or screwdriver, remove the blockage.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST I: WIND NOISE FROM OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Incorrect outside rearview mirror position
Bent or misaligned mirror gasket
Mirror housing trim caps incorrectly installed
I1 CHECK OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR.
Check whether the outside rearview mirror is misadjusted.
Was any concern found?
Yes
Remove and reinstall the outside rearview mirror. Align the edges and make sure there are no gaps.
No
GO to I2.
I2 CHECK MIRROR SAIL GASKET FOR BENDS OR MISALIGNMENT
Check for a bent or misaligned mirror gasket.
Is the mirror sail gasket bent or misaligned?
Yes
Reposition the gasket, unfolding and aligning it correctly.
No
GO to I3
I3 CHECK MIRROR HOUSING TRIM CAPS FOR IMPROPER INSTALLATION
Check the mirror housing trim caps for improper installation.
Was any concern found?
Yes
Remove and correctly install the mirror housing trim caps.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST J: RATTLE/VIBRATION FROM OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Outside rearview mirror mounting bolts loose
Broken outside rearview mirror components
Aftermarket components installed on the vehicle
J1 CHECK OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR MOUNTING BOLTS FOR LOOSENESS.
Check whether the outside rearview mirror mounting bolts are loose.
Are the outside rearview mirror mounting bolts loose?
Yes
Tighten the outside rearview mirror mounting bolts.
No
GO to J2
J2 CHECK OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR MOUNTING COMPONENTS FOR BREAKAGE
Check for broken outside rearview mirror components.
Are the outside rearview mirror mounting components broken?
Yes
If necessary, replace broken outside rearview mirror mounting components.
No
GO to J3
J3 CHECK COMPONENTS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE
Check aftermarket components installed on the vehicle.
Are any aftermarket components installed?
Yes
Ford recommends using only genuine Ford-approved components installed on the vehicle. Check the vehicle for noise without aftermarket components installed, if possible.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST K: BUFFETING/WIND NOISE AND WATER LEAK AROUND ALL FIXED GLASS PERIMETER
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Missing seals
Incorrect installation
K1 CHECK PILLAR A TRIM
Check the front pillar trim installation for the following:
Incorrect/improper installation
Loose fit
Missing foam seal
Was any concern found?
Yes
Reinstall the front pillar trim. Install the foam seal along the entire length of the front pillar.
No
GO to K2
K2 CHECK WINDSHIELD/BACKLIGHT INSTALLATION
Check the windshield/backlight installation for the following:
Gaps in sealant bead
Misalignment
Was any concern found?
Yes
Install a new windshield/backlight. REFER TO: Fixed Glass (501-11 Glass, Frames and Mechanisms, General Procedures).
No
GO to K3
K3 CHECK SEALS
Check the rear hood seal at the windshield base for the following:
Misalignment
Damage
Was any concern found?
Yes
If necessary, align or install a new seal.
No
GO to K4
K4 CHECK HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP
Check the high mounted stop lamp for the following:
Loose fit
Missing seal
Damage
Was any concern found?
Yes
Check the high mounted stop lamp installation. Check the seal. Repair or install the high mounted stop lamp as necessary.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Check the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST L: DRAFT/WIND NOISE AND WATER LEAK AROUND LIFTGATE/TAILGATE PERIMETER
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Displaced/damaged/loose seals
Liftgate/deck lid misalignment
Incorrectly installed trim panel
L1 CHECK SEAL FOR DAMAGE OR INCORRECT INSTALLATION
Check the liftgate/deck lid pinch seal for the following:
Incorrect/improper installation
Damage or cut
Loose fit
Damaged seal pins
Was any concern found?
Yes
Install the seal. If necessary, install a new seal or pinch pins.
No
GO to L2
L2 CHECK TRIM PANEL
Check the backing plate for loose attachment or incorrect installation.
Was any concern found?
Yes
Install the trim panel. If necessary, install a new trim panel.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Check the vehicle for other symptoms.
L3 CHECK LIFTGATE/DECK LID ALIGNMENT
Check the liftgate/deck lid alignment.
Was any concern found?
Yes
Align the liftgate/deck lid. REFER TO: Rear Liftgate Alignment (501-03 Body Closures, General Procedures).
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Check the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST M: WIND NOISE CAUSED BY AIRFLOW OVER BODY PANELS OR AROUND BODY PANELS
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Body panel misalignment
Aftermarket components installed on the vehicle
M1 CHECK BODY PANEL GAP
Check that all body panels are correctly aligned.
Were any misaligned body panels found?
Yes
Align the affected body panel and recheck the vehicle.
No
GO to M2
M2 CHECK COMPONENTS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE.
Check aftermarket components installed on the vehicle.
Are any aftermarket components installed?
Yes
Ford recommends using only genuine Ford-approved components installed on the vehicle. Check the vehicle for noise without aftermarket components installed, if possible.
No
GO to M3
M3 CHECK WIND NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEED
Check for wind noise at highway speeds.
Reproduce the wind noise by driving the vehicle in all four directions under the following conditions.
All windows closed
Radio OFF
A/C blower motor OFF
Was the wind noise reproduced?
Yes
Locate the source of the wind noise and perform the necessary repair.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Inspect the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST N: WIND NOISE GENERATED BY GRILLE OPENING PANEL
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Incorrect installation
Component imperfections
Damaged components
Loose Components
N1 CHECK GRILLE OPENING PANEL INSTALLATION
Check the grille opening panel installation for the following:
Misaligned/incorrect installation
Grille opening panel is flush with the front edge of the hood
Was any concern found?
Yes
Move the grille opening panel forward to eliminate the wind noise.
No
GO to N2
N2 CHECK COMPONENTS FOR DEFECTS
Check the grille opening panel for defects such as a sharp edge or foreign material attached to the grille opening panel.
Was any concern found?
Yes
Remove sharp edges. Clean the grille opening panel of any foreign material deposits.
No
GO to N3
N3 CHECK GRILLE OPENING PANEL FOR DAMAGE
Check the grille opening panel for damage.
Was any concern found?
Yes
Replace the grille opening panel.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Check the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST O: WIND NOISE FROM AIR EXHAUST (BODY VENTILATION FANS)
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (Body System 501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Incorrect installation
Damaged components
O1 CHECK AIR EXTRACTOR HOUSING INSTALLATION
Check the air extractor housing installation for the following:
Misaligned/incorrect installation
Was any concern found?
Yes
REINSTALL the air extractor housing.
No
GO to O2
O2 CHECK AIR EXTRACTOR HOUSING FOR DAMAGE
Check the air extractor housing installation for the following:
Housing damage
Damaged flaps
Was any concern found?
Yes
Install a new air extractor.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Check the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST P: WIND NOISE FROM WINDSHIELD/SUN VISOR OUTER WINDSHIELD
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Incorrect installation
Aftermarket accessories
P1 CHECK FOR AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION
Check for any additional accessories installed on the vehicle.
Were any aftermarket accessories found?
Yes
Advise the customer about the aftermarket accessories installed on the vehicle. Ford recommends using only approved accessories on the vehicle.
No
GO to P2
P2 CHECK FOR INCORRECT INSTALLATION OR DAMAGE
Check the insect screen/windshield external sun visor for incorrect installation or damage.
Was any concern found?
Yes
Reinstall the component to correct the concern. If necessary, replace the component.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Check the vehicle for other symptoms.
PINPOINT TEST Q: WIND NOISE FROM HOOD PANEL (SCREEN LEAD)
Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms
REFER TO: Body - Overview (501-00 Body System - General Information, Description and Operation).
Possible Sources
Hood grille rubber edge
Q1 CHECK HOOD GRILLE RUBBER EDGE INSTALLATION FOR LEAF SCREEN
Check that the leaf screen rubber cover is correctly installed and not damaged.
Was any concern found?
Yes
REINSTALL the component. Check for damaged mounting clips. If necessary, install a new component.
No
The system is currently operating correctly. Check the vehicle for other symptoms.
?
Test yourself
A quick Ford Escape quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.
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PINPOINT TEST A: DOOR PERIMETER WATER LEAK