Some 2001-2003 Tributes and 2002-2003 MPVs equipped with a 3.0L Duratec engine with less than 5000 miles accumulated, may exhibit a ticking noise from the left cylinder head and the engine at operating temperature. To diagnose, remove the water pump belt and restart the engine. If noise decreases, turn the engine off and follow the repair procedure below.

Remove left valve cover (belt and cam seal do not need to be removed). Loosen bolts holding #8L intake camshaft cap (the 2nd from the water pump) but do not remove cap. Using 2 large screwdrivers or pry bars, shift the cap to the left side of the engine (towards the exhaust cam). Hold cap in shifted position and have an assistant retorque the cap to 8NM (6LB-FT, 72LB-IN). Retest and perform procedure again in not successful the first time.