I need to open the hood?

More then likely we have an air leak in the windshield but lets start with opening the hood and finding out if there is anything out of place or left open like the air box or anything else.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-open-a-car-hood

Next we need to start using painters tape and tape off the windshield boarder and door gaps. Then drive the vehicle and see if the noise is gone.

If it is, then start removing strips of tape until the noise comes back. Then you know where the noise is coming from.

Here is another guide that will help with noise in more general:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

This could also be an issue with the HVAC system or the PCV system.

When does the noise come and go? Does it get better at slower speeds, higher speeds?

If this is not affected by speed but when the engine is warm, I would replace the PCV and see if that takes care of it. I have seen this cause a whine noise when the engine heats up. Basically they get clogged and cause a noise like this.

I attached the process below on how to replace the PCV for all engines.

Let us know this info and we can go from there. Thanks

Check with a junk yard or body shop there may be different hoods for light duty as well as heavy duty.

Hollander show the Expedition uses its own hood not interchangeable with other trucks. The 2003-2006 shows as usable years for a 2004.

Seems like the cable has binded up somewhere which is keeping pressure on the hood latch. Try spraying some lubricant on the release cable any and everywhere you can access/see it. Then work it in and out with the release handle in cable.

Remove front grill and unbolt the latch
open hood and remove and replace latch

Can you get your pal to hold the release OUT, while you "Rattle" the hood?

The release or mechanism, in the hood, could be broken or out of adjustment.

I use any and all available resources when I'm in a bind!

If you could get it there, or get one of them to you.

A small Ma and Pop (maybe self serve) type auto salvage yard guy could probably pop it, and diagnose it too! Sounds dumb, but they do like to strut their stuff, when they express their expertise! Maybe give 'em a nice tip for the help!

The Medic