[08S197Jim]

Hi all,

I just bought an 08 v-6 with the t-5 transmission. 29000 miles. I noticed that at idle in neutral, I have a rattling sound that goes away when I engage the clutch. Is this "normal" I want to address any issues while it is still under warranty. Thanks in advance!

[LedZepplin77]

This isn't constructive, but the T-5 trans is a total POS, did the guy before you drive hard on it? It could be nothing, but unless it starts causing serious shifting problems I wouldn't worry too much.

[08S197Jim]

Don't know if he did or not, The car is in great shape, just not used to having "odd" sounds. Guess the extended warranty was a good idea..

[exodus209]

Originally Posted by 08S197Jim

Don't know if he did or not, The car is in great shape, just not used to having "odd" sounds. Guess the extended warranty was a good idea..

mine has got 28k miles and i have the same thing, its not a big deal. does it kinda sound like a slight scrapping noise almost?
i believe that it is just the clutch since no gears are engaged. let me know if you find out otherwise!!

[08S197Jim]

Yea I guess you could say that is the sound. Is your 5 speed notchy as hell too? I'm assuming an aftermarket shifter will get rid of that and the slack.

[Animal's 3rd]

I would say take your car in for warranty. I have over 40K on mine and my car has no noise when in neutral. You also might want to check if the tranny fluid has been changed. The manual says 30K but stay around 25K and the tranny will perform great for a long time. Try out Royal Purple SynchroMax.

And yeah, the shifter is notchy and stiff. Once you get used to it, ya don't think about it as much. I'm starting to prefer the positive feel of it nowadays. Then there are those days where I would prefer to have an aftermarket short throw shifter. But hey, what are ya gonna do if ya aint got no money?

[08S197Jim]

Better to log it, even if they come back "normal". Thanks for the info on the Royal Purple product I looked it up and it sounds good.

[LedZepplin77]

Awww crap! Well you are a CURSE Jim! Lol I was driving to drop off a paycheck at the bank, and now I have that same stupid sound you were talking about, I'm thinking aftermarket.

Oh and it's probably a loose nut, someone had a short throw shifter that wasn't installed well enough and it was rattling too.

[jayberge]

I have 26,000 miles and no noise, but the shifting wasn't right. I put in a Hurst short throw shifter this weekend. Makes a huge difference, much shorter shift and more positive. Highly recommend the switch. Got it for $175 at JC Whitney with 20% off and free shipping.

[08S197Jim]

Cool thanks for the info on the shifter.

[dcmab]

yeah mine makes a whole crap load of noises! ive got around 26 k. sometimes mine doesnt want to go into 2nd anymore. Like it will but sometimes it just doesnt feel right. ideas?

[08S197Jim]

I'm taking mine to the dealership this week. I'll let y'all know what (if anything) they discover.

[Animal's 3rd]

Originally Posted by dcmab

yeah mine makes a whole crap load of noises! ive got around 26 k. sometimes mine doesnt want to go into 2nd anymore. Like it will but sometimes it just doesnt feel right. ideas?

Do you drive it like you stole it? If so, that might be your problem. My brother in law drove like that and he broke his tranny a couple of times. Be nice to the ol' girl she'll treat you right.

[MOTORCITYBADBOY]

The noise you hear is called "shift rail chatter" according to a Ford mechanic. When the trans is in neutral it's the shifter and the shift rail rattling together and it's normal. Mine does it too.

[08S197Jim]

Thanks!