As an alternative of having fun with the mellifluous tones of Girl Gaga or the bounce music of the Arctic Monkeys, some drivers of newer Ford F-150 pickups are listening to unexplained loud crashing sounds, the noise of shattering glass, or high-pitched static by the cockpit’s audio system.
This phenomenon has prompted greater than 100 complaints to Ford, some by clients who say the noise was so distracting that they both needed to pull over and cease driving, or if parked, didn’t really feel it was secure to get on the street.
In keeping with the Wall Road Journal, the automaker issued a technical service bulletin not too long ago addressing the noise challenge in Expedition SUVs and the F-150 pickups from the 2021-23 mannequin years, and the 2022 F-150 Lightning electrical vans.
Ford says its associated to the amplifier within the automobiles’ sound programs, which appears apparent.
With out detailing the precise trigger, the corporate says that it has developed a software program repair that clients can get at dealerships or by a downloadable replace. The repair supposedly adjusts the amplifier to filter out the speaker noise.
“We’re working swiftly to ensure that is resolved for our clients,” a spokesperson mentioned.
The Journal reported that in on-line boards, F-150 house owners have been listening to a “sonic increase” or “ear-piercing static.” Drivers, in some circumstances, had been in a position to flip it off straight away. Others say it lasted for quarter-hour or extra, persisting even after the automobile was shut off.
A number of drivers who’ve complained to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration mentioned the noise was above 100 decibels, a degree just like that of a loud live performance or a automobile horn, in response to the American Academy of Audiology.
“The louder the sound is, the shorter the period of time that it’s secure,” mentioned Sarah Sydlowski, former president of the academy. At 100 decibels, just a few minutes of publicity is taken into account secure, she mentioned, in response to the Journal.
A spokesperson from the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration mentioned that the company is conscious of the problem.
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