New Owner (2012 Hatchback SEL): Engine Noise, Parcel Shelf/Cargo Shade Questions

[mister_eff]

Hello,

I'm a new Ford Focus 2012 Hactchback SEL owner. It offered the best combination of price, fuel economy, quietness, and hatchback-ness out there and drove quite nicely.

I just have a couple questions/comments...

Wind noise is really good. Road noise is okay. But engine noise is kinda bothering me. It's really a low frequency rumble (like below 60 Hz). It's noticeable when I first turn on the engine and is pretty loud whenever the engine is revving, though it's less of a problem when coasting. Is that the norm?

Has anyone had experience with adding sound deadening? ie, dynamat and related materials? Does anyone have experience with how that has improved engine noise? I started calling shops and people were saying that they could also put sound deadening stuff behind the dashboard, but they could only go so far without removing the dash, and that removing the dash would basically double the cost of the job. Anybody have thoughts on that? I'm woefully inexperienced with cars and don't have the time to install the sound deadening stuff myself.

Second, it was carelessness on my part, but I didn't realize that the car (or at least my car) didn't come with a parcel hatch/cargo shade (ie, the retractable thing that covers the trunk). I tried calling my dealer to get one, but they said that the car doesn't even have the retractable option. Is that true? I thought that retractable cover thing was pretty much standard for cars. What do people do to cover the trunk then? I like to keep a bag of supplies and such in the car but I don't want it broken into.

Overall I'm still pleased with the car. Every car out there was going to be a compromise in some way. I would like to take care of the noise if possible, though.

Thanks!

[Sponsor]

[jvillareal78]

As far as the cargo shade, I have a TI and it came with solid shelf that lifts with the gate. As far as I can tell and checked they are correct there is no option for a retractable one. As far is the noise from the engine, I have upgraded my intake and that makes it louder. Although I really only notice it when the windows are down, or the radio is volume is low.

[Kabigon]

Originally Posted by mister_eff

But engine noise is kinda bothering me. It's really a low frequency rumble (like below 60 Hz). It's noticeable when I first turn on the engine and is pretty loud whenever the engine is revving, though it's less of a problem when coasting. Is that the norm?

Complaints of engine noise are rare. First, I would suggest visiting your dealer and trying some other Focuses. This will rule out a problem with your particular car.

[AZfocus2012]

I bought one of these as soon as I got my car, I seem to remember it making it quieter. They also claim that in the ad.

http://www.partscheap.com/2012-Ford-...9z-6a949-a.htm

As far as the rear shade goes you will have to order one or check salvage yards.

[jvillareal78]

Originally Posted by AZfocus2012

I bought one of these as soon as I got my car, I seem to remember it making it quieter. They also claim that in the ad.

http://www.partscheap.com/2012-Ford-...9z-6a949-a.htm

As far as the rear shade goes you will have to order one or check salvage yards.

I also have one of these and may why i don't here the engine that much also.

[ShoOff]

I wish there were more choice for engine covers, spark plug covers, out there for this car. A little dress up under the hood would go a long way

[mister_eff]

Originally Posted by jvillareal78

I also have one of these and may why i don't here the engine that much also.

Thanks for the feedback, jvillareal78 and AZfocus2012. I just ordered that.

I drove my friend around in my car and he doesn't think there's anything weird. It actually seemed quieter with him in the car. Maybe the extra weight does something, or driving around is adding up in some way? Anyway, I will continue to update this thread with observations and any new info.

Thanks everyone. I'm slightly less worried.

[Some Guy From NY]

Very weird that you think your car is loud. The focus is known for how quiet it is.

I too have the engine cover but to be honest, I did not notice a change in sound - it was very quiet before installing, and still quiet afterwards.

Maybe something is wrong though? No way to tell without hearing it.

[riparke]

My car has a loud exhaust drone at hiway speeds. Its like a resonance at speed.

[Elizabeth]

Some of the low frequency rumble is the fact it is a hatch. All hatches are more susceptible to make a deep rumbling sound due to the shape of the interior.
the fact your car is missing that hatch bit which goes from seat to rear covering the cargo space probably makes things worse.
that piece really IS a part of the car. and no way should it be missing.

Also fill up the cargo space with a bulky item. a thick blanket in there would cut the rumble some.
I am very aware of the deep rumble noise this car (actually any hatch) makes.
Like I mentioned, sticking sound dampening bulky stuff into the cargo space can reduce the rumble.