[paulbuck]

I understand that there is a fan to cool the high voltage batteries under the rear seat. Has anyone heard their's come on? I heard a 'whirring' noise from the back, quite loud, and I was wondering if that was normal. Only came on above 35 mph and only when the gas engine was running; if I let up and changed over to EV the noise stopped. Sounded like something was rubbing or the fan, if that's what it was, was hitting something, as it was very loud.

I'm having my 6 month service done soon, but wondered if I could get any thoughts about this from the forum members.

Thanks for looking.

[rfruth]

Never heard my fan, should I ?

[lolder]

paulbuck, on 12 July 2010 - 12:46 PM, said:

I understand that there is a fan to cool the high voltage batteries under the rear seat. Has anyone heard their's come on? I heard a 'whirring' noise from the back, quite loud, and I was wondering if that was normal. Only came on above 35 mph and only when the gas engine was running; if I let up and changed over to EV the noise stopped. Sounded like something was rubbing or the fan, if that's what it was, was hitting something, as it was very loud.

I'm having my 6 month service done soon, but wondered if I could get any thoughts about this from the forum members.

Thanks for looking.

It doesn't sound normal. You might have it checked immediately. This car is normally very quiet unless you use more than two or three divisions on the "PWR" gauge in "Empower" dash mode.

[Oman]

I hear the fan pretty regularly. It is just a slight whirring noise from the front of the rear seats. Usually when it is hot out and I have the windows down (I live in a nice quiet rural area). Anything more than a normal blowing sounding noise and I would have it checked.

Jon

lolder, on 12 July 2010 - 12:23 PM, said:

It doesn't sound normal. You might have it checked immediately. This car is normally very quiet unless you use more than two or three divisions on the "PWR" gauge in "Empower" dash mode.

[Zacher]

I've heard mine kick in a few times. I wouldn't say it's "loud", but it is noticeable when in EV mode and not pumpin' the tunes .

Question and Answer from Owners Manual:

Question:
What is the fan noise I hear from
the rear of my hybrid?

Answer:
The fan noise comes from a fan
located inside the high voltage
battery. This fan turns on when
the battery requires cooling air.
The fan speed, and associated
noise level, will change according
to the amount of cooling required
to maintain good performance.
Maintaining the battery
temperature at optimal conditions
also prolongs the useful life of the
battery and helps to achieve better
fuel economy.

[Fuze-ion]

I guess I am just going deaf, I haven't heard any Fan from the back, only the Dash fan. It has been plenty hot here in VA, (5) days over 100 already this Summer.

[paulbuck]

Thanks to all for their input! Just to update, since the first time I heard the 'loud' fan noise, it hasn't happened since!
The FFH went to the dealer today for the 6 month service, I told them about the noise. They, of course, couldn't duplicate the sound, although they test drove it, called Ford Hot-Line support and drove two brand new FFH's to see what their fans sounded like. If true, they did go beyond the call of duty, and I admit I haven't heard the fan since; soooooo, we'll wait and see if anything develops.
Again, thanks for the comments.

[paulbuck]

Just an update, since the weather has heated up, I've heard the fan noise more frequently, usually when the car has been sitting in the sun (90 degrees plus) and before the A/C cools things down. Still noisier than I think it should be.
Got a survey from Ford about my service, told them I was disappointed that they couldn't diagnose the fan noise. Haven't heard back from anyone.

[runutzzzzz]

paulbuck, on 27 July 2010 - 06:26 PM, said:

Just an update, since the weather has heated up, I've heard the fan noise more frequently, usually when the car has been sitting in the sun (90 degrees plus) and before the A/C cools things down. Still noisier than I think it should be.
Got a survey from Ford about my service, told them I was disappointed that they couldn't diagnose the fan noise. Haven't heard back from anyone.

I have never heard the fan kick on. It's possible that when it's hot out I have the A/C full blast and it drowns out the fan noise?

Just a FYI, when you give a bad survey from the visit they could "blacklist" you. Meaning appointments that are scheduled further out, no loaner car, more "could not duplicate problem" etc...

[paulbuck]

runutzzzzz, on 27 July 2010 - 10:22 PM, said:

I have never heard the fan kick on. It's possible that when it's hot out I have the A/C full blast and it drowns out the fan noise?

Just a FYI, when you give a bad survey from the visit they could "blacklist" you. Meaning appointments that are scheduled further out, no loaner car, more "could not duplicate problem" etc...

HA! I'd like to see them 'blacklist' me! There are about 4 or 5 Ford dealerships in my area that I can choose from. One sign of a 'listing' and I'm bringing my service business to another dealer.