13 replies to this topic

[iammikeo]

Hello all,
Just joined the forum. I've had my C-Max since February and love it. That being said the last few months while driving, I hear a really loud noise when I'm driving. Also on the driver side door I can hear electricity sounds. I know this is a hybrid but man when I first got it it didn't sound like this. Can this be an issue? Set up an appointment for service but it's not until next week and would like your outlook on it.
I recorded a video while driving..not sure if it really captures the noise. It's actually quite irritating and with such a nice sound system, makes music not as enjoyable to listen to.

[brbevil]

Wow thats not right!  Let us know what the dealer says.

[Plus 3 Golfer]

Sounds like tire noise (maybe wheel bearing noise but I can't remember what it sounds like as it's been probably 30 years since I had a bad wheel bearing).  Does it make the noise at all speeds from say 20 mph to freeway speeds?  Where is the noise coming from?  Front, rear, right, left?

 

If it is tire noise, an alignment, wheel balance, and tire rotation might help quiet it somewhat but generally one needs to replace the tires to get rid of the noise completely.

 

What does electricity sound like?  Do you mean like static noise?  Do you hear the noise with the radio turned off?  The C-Max does have an active noise control system that may be an issue.  I seem to recall others having issues with it.

 

Active Noise Control

Active noise control is an audio system feature that eliminates some of the low frequency engine noise within the passenger compartment typically induced under wide open throttle or heavy part-throttle conditions. The system uses 3 microphones, a DACMC , and the audio system speakers. The DACMC determines the noise frequency to be canceled based upon engine rotation speed data from the PCM and the microphone input signals.

 

While the engine is running, the active noise control microphones located in the front and rear of the headliner monitor the engine noise resonating in the passenger compartment. The microphones transmit this noise as analog signals to the DACMC , where they are converted into digital signals by the integrated analog/digital converter. The digital signals are processed and an inverted phase sound wave with the same amplitude as the original sound is created. This new sound is converted into an analog audio signal and output by the DACMC internal tone generator to all of the speakers. 

[iammikeo]

Thanks Plus 3 Golfer. 

 

It does make noise at all speeds..even if I'm coasting with the EV on..I think it tends to be loudest in the 20-35 mph range. Honestly if I push on the acceleration it isn't as loud, which is backwards in regards to my understanding of how a hybrid car works. LOL.

 

Tires shouldn't be an issue though..I literally purchased this car in February with new tires. 

 

I guess I should have used better wording instead of "sounds like electricity". LOL. Yes, like a static noise coming from the direction of the driver door. It gets almost as irritating as the loud noise.

 

So..is there a way to disable Active Noise Control?

[iammikeo]

I just ran a Vehicle Health Report and everything came back "green" except "Brakes & Suspension" - indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system malfunction has been detected. Can this be the issue?!

Edited by iammikeo, 12 August 2015 - 05:23 PM.

[Plus 3 Golfer]

Are you familiar with Engineering Test Mode?  I would be curious if there are any DTCs stored.

Edited by Plus 3 Golfer, 12 August 2015 - 06:29 PM.

[iammikeo]

Not familiar at all..so basically hold the OK button and turn the ignition on will trigger this mode and basically pull up any DTCs that may of been stored prior? 

[Plus 3 Golfer]

Not familiar at all..so basically hold the OK button and turn the ignition on will trigger this mode and basically pull up any DTCs that may of been stored prior? 

Yes, we may not be able to interpret the DTC but it may help others in the future.  I would expect that there would be DTCs stored based on your VHR.  Make sure the dealer records the DTCs on the service order that the techs found and please post them.

[shinytop]

Uhmmm, judging by your avatar it is probably just Bum making noise.  He's good at that.

[hybridbear]

I just ran a Vehicle Health Report and everything came back "green" except "Brakes & Suspension" - indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system malfunction has been detected. Can this be the issue?!

Was your parking brake on when you ran the report? This can cause the report to show a brake issue because the light is turned on to indicate that the parking brake is on.

[iammikeo]

Hahah @ the Mad Bum comment. 

 

For the Health test...yes I had the emergency brake on..DOH!

 

Brought it into the shop..looks like the issue is a left wheel bearing issue..been driving with this for like a month..so glad I got it in to get checked! 

 

Appreciate all your feedback! 

[ptjones]

iammikeo I like the U tube video after your video of the FORD GT40's racing around the track. COOL!  

 

Paul 

[MyMax4242]

I have the exact same car. At around 30k miles it started getting noisy. I imagined all kinds of things going bad ( especially after reading forum.) it's tire noise and you can fix it. Have all your tires reversed on the rims. The inside of the rears are prone to feathering and rotating them front to back only makes them all feather. The Michelin energy a/s are NOT directional and can be reversed with no ill effects. I did this and my MAX is now as quiet as new. After the tires have worn off the feathered edges rotate them in an X pattern.

[jackalopetx]

Sounds like tire noise (maybe wheel bearing noise but I can't remember what it sounds like as it's been probably 30 years since I had a bad wheel bearing).  Does it make the noise at all speeds from say 20 mph to freeway speeds?  Where is the noise coming from?  Front, rear, right, left?

 

If it is tire noise, an alignment, wheel balance, and tire rotation might help quiet it somewhat but generally one needs to replace the tires to get rid of the noise completely.

 

What does electricity sound like?  Do you mean like static noise?  Do you hear the noise with the radio turned off?  The C-Max does have an active noise control system that may be an issue.  I seem to recall others having issues with it.

 

Active Noise Control

Active noise control is an audio system feature that eliminates some of the low frequency engine noise within the passenger compartment typically induced under wide open throttle or heavy part-throttle conditions. The system uses 3 microphones, a DACMC , and the audio system speakers. The DACMC determines the noise frequency to be canceled based upon engine rotation speed data from the PCM and the microphone input signals.

 

While the engine is running, the active noise control microphones located in the front and rear of the headliner monitor the engine noise resonating in the passenger compartment. The microphones transmit this noise as analog signals to the DACMC , where they are converted into digital signals by the integrated analog/digital converter. The digital signals are processed and an inverted phase sound wave with the same amplitude as the original sound is created. This new sound is converted into an analog audio signal and output by the DACMC internal tone generator to all of the speakers. 

 

Does every C-Max have this ANC? I often hear outside noises on my 2016 SE and they're distracting because the interior seems quiet otherwise. It makes sense that it would be ANC actively cancelling road noise, but of course every other noise is audible