Edmunds Answers questions

I keep hearing a clicking noise behind the dash when the engine is running. Any suggestions?

ddoubleh2001 — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:30:41 GMT

About a week ago the truck would not start and took 3 to 4 jumps before starting. It would run with no problems but when you turn the car off, it would not restart. I have the battery tested and it showed the battery was bad. I replaced the battery and it started fine but now i hear this clicking noise behind the dash. Today it acted like it didn't want to start and after a few tries, it finally started but it would cut off when i would come to a stop. So i had to put the truck in neutral at lights and pump on the gas to keep it running. I'm not sure what the problem might be?

if the idler on the serpentine belt is noisy, is the bearings ready to malfuntion? 1998 town and country van..

glenntuia — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:52:23 GMT

either the idler or tensioner is making the noise. the serpentine belt is okay and not frayed, yet!

I found metal shavings in my oil, and it was giving up white smoke from muffler. New motor or rebuild?

hectora — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:13:06 GMT

My 2002 1.8 turbo jetta was making a really weird scrachy noise, and then white smoke started to come out of muffler. I didnt use it anymore and when chking the oil it has mini metal shavings. Can i have the motor re-build or will it have to be re-placed?

i got in an accident to the front right side of my SAAB. its all fixed, why would my exceleration work poorly now?

danielle2 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:57:09 GMT

my accident was to the front end, but only the rightside corner. i got it all fixed up. Now my exceleration makes a wierd sound but only when im driving not when im in park. Also its hard my my car to go up hills now, i have to really push it. what could be the problem?

How hard is it to change the motor in a 1995 Ford Escort?

bigford — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:59:39 GMT

We use a 95 Escort to race in a front wheel drive dirt track class. The engine blew and I need to swap it out.

THANKS FOR THE SUGGESTION ON THE COILS, I WILL DEFINITELY CHECK INTO THAT. i ASSUME IF ONE OR MORE IS WEAK IT

bruce46 — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:56:06 GMT

WOULD NOT TRIP A CODE. THANKS AGAIN I'LL LET YOU KNOW HOW I MAKE OUT. BRUCE 46

2003 chevy trailblazer ls 4x4. clunking sound on the driver side front around the wheel well

cabuno — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:07:12 GMT

sound as if something is loose or broken and hanging there. but when i checked it out i found nothing there. doesnt matter if i am going slow or fast. or if i am turning . it is not constant but sounds as if there is a real problem.i have fixed many things on this car in the past 6 months(on my own), including ..heater core. coolant temp. sensor, map sensor, alternator, transmission lines dry rotted. its killing me. help!!!

What does it mean if I start my car and there is a loud squealing sound under the hood?

patrick51 — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:25:53 GMT

When I start my car in the morning, it usually squeals for a little while and then it stops. Is this something to be concerned about?

What could cause a loud clunking noise at the bottom rear of the motor just in front of transmission when starting?

thepoppy50 — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:05:44 GMT

then it gets quite after its run for a minute or 2 then when slowing down i pick it back up again. please help

Why is my car making a very annoying sqeaking noise when I start it up?

patrick51 — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:40:31 GMT

Everytime I turn my car on, my car is squeaking and it is really annoying. Does anyone know what is going on there?

What does rough idling mean when stopped at a light? The car started vibrating but didn't stall.

elwood10 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:15:54 GMT

I came to a light stopping and the car started to do a slight tremble but no check engine light came on and this was the only time it did that. The AC was on. The car lately has been driven only locally and not on a highway. It has ran low on gas at times.

Drivetrain engages 4WD at slowdown to stop from 2WD. Is it electrical or vacuum?

runningwolf — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:50:50 GMT

While slowing the drivetrain engages the front hubs for a second jurking the drivetrain and makes a hard engage sound. Is this caused by low voltage or a vacume problem? Vehicale may have a starter problem also because the battery goes dead while running. The altenator is good and shows 15.7 volts but only 14.0 to the battery. How do you get to the 3rd bolt on the starter to remove it without lowering the rear of the motor?

How does water get in the spark plug coil in a 2006 Toyota Matrix?

matrix06 — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:31:15 GMT

New 2006 Matrix
60,000 mile check up done Saturday 2/28/09
Car drove fine from dealership Saturday and Monday to and from work
Monday - snow and rain
Tuesday - check engine light came on, smoke out the exhaust, kicking and bucking while driving
Coil #3 has been replaced
Friday AM - check engine light came on, dealership stated may have issues with catalytic converter, no problems with driving

What would be the cause of my car squealing when it's started?

gapeach88 — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:12:43 GMT

It started with having my water pump replaced since getting that repair done I have noticed that every morning or anytime my car has been sitting for a while it starts with a very loud squealing sound and I have had my ac and alternator belts replaced and tightened as well as still the sound. What else could this be? The sound only lasts for about 15-20 seconds and stops. What else should I be checking for?

Can dogging a vehicle for 2 days cause it to throw a rod?

tabi — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:00:49 GMT

We bought the motor from a junk yard about 4 months ago. It has been running fine, uses no oil. I let my nephew borrow it and after 2 days he heard a knocking noise and my husband says he dogged it and caused it to throw a rod.

I need help in changing the right, left and rear engine transmission mount in a 1996 Dodge Caravan.

greendillon — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:57:41 GMT

I need help changing the engine/transmission mount on my 1996 Dodge Caravan. I changed the front and now having problems with the front passenger side. When I step on the gas the front shakes a lot.

05 Ford Excursion 10 cylinder. Spark knock. 7 dealership trips, no results. Decarboned, new plugs, Techron, no electrical problems, no smoke.

friedfoods — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:08:22 GMT

05 EXC,10 cylinder. Spark knock, moderate to severe.Seven trips to the dealership. Motor has been decarboned three times, new plugs installed,(100% dealership maintained over the life of the truck). All the electronic data checks out OK,however the knock keeps coming back. The 05 was built without an EGR or a knock sensor, which the service advisor said would correct the problem, Ford factory tech said the knock was acceptable and was normal.

The truck pings so bad it sounds like a diesel or I'm running it on bad gas (tried them all, Chevron, Shell, etc. Various octanes as well). To the extent I'm loosing power towing and on grades without a load. I'm running out of warranty, money,and patience. The truck was a factory dealer rep car, Ford certified used. I have the original powertrain and aftermarket warranty still in effect but not for much longer. The truck has 69,000 miles and the problem is over 25,000 miles old.

Humming sound on a 2001 Jetta?

2ndlife — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:37:32 GMT

My 01 Jetta makes this humming sound when I'm driiving. It's quiet when just sitting at a red light idling. When I drive, the sound increases and decreases depending on how fast I'm giong, but the sound doesn't go away if I take my foot off the gas and coast. SEems to be shifting fine. I'm wondering if the catalytic converter is stopped up?

Why is the engine whining?

nitpicky — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:04:09 GMT

My son's new Accord has 1000 miles on it. There is significant engine noise, whining-like, especially at low speeds. Is this normal?

I have a 1998 Pontiac GP. Will a worn supercharger coupler cause the supercharger belt tensioner to rattle?

watchstem — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 15:34:12 GMT

The car has 104k miles on it and the OEM supercharger belt tensioner started rattling about 1k miles ago. The rattling occurs at idle and I cannot detect any noise or performance problems after I accelerate above idle rpm. I have replaced the original tensioner twice since then with generic tensioners from Auto Zone. Both of the new tensioners started rattling after just a few miles. Should I install a new OEM tensioner, or is the supercharger causing the problem? I cannot feel a bad bearing or worn coupler when I spin the supercharger pulley without the belt attached

Hello! My husband owns a 2001 dodge dakota V6 auto 4 by 4. The engine revs up at 60 mph. from 1500 to 2500+ rpm's

dodgegrl01 — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 22:00:53 GMT

my husbands truck has started this revving problem. It shifts fine and runs great. He drives from white bear lake,mn to duluth,mn every other day. It runs fine except the revving part. it has 120,000 miles on it and is an excellent truck. He was on his way home 2 weeks ago and it started to really rev up. we took it to a dodge dealership in north branch,mn and they said it was some map sensor. That sensor was $300.00. When we got the truck back it seemed to run fine. On dec.30th on his way to work at 4am, the truck started to do the same thing again. it would rev up to 3,000+ rpm's. He returned home and took my car to work. I then took it to the dealership where he purchased the truck brand new in 2001. They said it was a TPS sensor.If this doesn't solve the problem what else could it be? the transmission? the engine?

93 Chevy S-10 pickup truck engine shutters when idle

bbamba — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:55:16 GMT

i have a 93 s-10 pickup, 4.3 liter engine, two wheel drive, automatic. my engine shutters when it idles. i put fuel injector cleaner in it, and had my oil changed. the truck has approx. 244,000 miles on it.

mazda3 '04 -engine replaced at 55k- bad wrist pin. Anyone else having problems? Over new 12k warr. noisey again!

mazdalemon — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:47:00 GMT

04 mazda3 hatchback- automatic. Just over the 50k warranty it developed a loud ticking noise. All service has been done at dealership in a timely fashion. Tests showed that it had a bad wrist pin and needed a new engine. New 12k warranty has expired and it's noisey again...Just at the 12k service, I asked dealership to run tests on engine again, said it was fine. I'm so disappointed. I loved everything about the car but it's a lemon...

The engine in my 2002 Subaru failed (main bearing) at 90K mi. Anyone else having like problem? (Bought car new.)

jtnelz — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:51:57 GMT

I purchased a 2002 Subaru Legacy new in 8/01. When weather got cold (around Nov in MN), the engine knocked on cold start and noise went away as engine warmed. Dealer said not to worry. On return visit to dealer for the same problem, I was given a copy of a document put out by Subaru for dealers that explained the noise as the result of efforts to make the engines "more fuel efficient, more powerful and had a flatter, more usable torque curve" begining with the 1997MY. The document oulined the changes and stated the noise occured on some engines and as long as it went away upon warm up it was not a problem. This noise persisted until the engine failed in November, 2007 at 90,600 miles. According to Consumer Reports Reliability Ratings in the April 2007 Auto issue, the Subaru Legacy nonturbo, which mine is, experienced much worse than average major engine trouble. Subaru refused to pay any part of the cost of a factory rebuilt engine or labor. The car was out of warrantee so they were not obligated to do so. Have you experienced similar engine problems (total failure) at what I would consider such a low mileage?

Manifold bolting discrepancy 1995 Jimmy Side Mount

gypsyhawk — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 11:49:55 GMT

In the manual for the 1995 Jimmy 4.3L 4x4 it states that there are 4 bolts
inside the manifold plenum. Then, it states there are 4 bolts behind the plenum and 4 bolts behind the plenum.
SO, are there supposed to be 4 or 5 bolts inside the plenum.

i have 98 civic i over reved engine then it started ticking at higher rpms then lost power and will not run now

jstrider — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:58:13 GMT

i have 140000 miles i thougt it it might be timing belt but its fine i took valve cover off and everything looks fine it was running rough when it lost power it will turn over but wont start thanks for your help

ticking tappet noise from engine disapears when warm have had it before and had to replace engine big ends gone ??

birdcbr — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:56:43 GMT

I have an engine noise from my 3 series E46 i have had this noise before and had to replace the engine because the big ends enventually went. This noise disappears when the engine is warm. Theory is the oil may ne too thick or and oilway blaoked, can you advise?

I own a Volvo S60 with 45000 miles and have noticed that the engine seems to be very noisy during acceleration.

mike257 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:44:22 GMT

This seems to decrease after the engine has warmed up and when I use a premium gas (93)

My 98 Jeep Wrangler needs a new engine. Fix or trade it in on something new?

mkozemchak — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:14:08 GMT

My 98 Jeep Wrangler has a cracked piston, and two separate shops say the engine needs to be replaced. It also needs tires and brakes. I bought the car used, and still owe about $5K on the loan. Current mileage is about 106K. Estimated cost for the engine alone runs between $2400 - $3600. Would it be better to trade it in on a new car, or fix it and keep it for another couple of years? My concern with trading it in is that I'll automatically owe more on a new car than it's worth because I don't have the cash to pay of my existing loan.

Any advice?

Thanks.

2004 MAXIMA,AUTOMATICAT 40 MPH CAR BOGS,WHEN IT SHIFTS DOWN TO 4TH THERE IS A SHUDDER, TRANNY CHECKED OUT OKAY

bruce46 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:22:35 GMT

WHEN CAR SHIFTS FROM 5TH GEAR TO 4TH THERE IS A SHUDDER, ONLY AT THIS GEAR. DEALER CHANGED MASS AIF FLOW SENSOR, DIDN'T HELP. TRANNY CHECKED AT GOOD REPAIR SHOP, CHECKED OUT OKAY. 47,000 MILES. WAS STUCK IN SNOW A MONTH AGO BUT NOT TOO BAD. NO CODES ON THE DASH OR AT COMPUTER. ALWAYS SERVICED AND ADULT DRIVEN.

1990 Accord LX Need Help Trouble shooting

bpshunter — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:07:36 GMT

This is a 1990 Honda accord LX 4 door sedan with a 4 speed automatic transmission, 4 cylinder under the hood. Accelerates to aprox. 55 mph, 2500 rpm then starts to lug and the speed decreases down to 10 mph, their it acellerates slowly with hesitation. A knocking noise is heard from under the hood coming from the passanger side. Does anybody have a link to a honda accord troubleshooting fourm? Or know what the problem is and how to fix it?

2005 vette engine noise

binredbluff — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:46:33 GMT

2005 vette 30,0000 miles runs great cold start after 1 minute have a lower slight roller cam noise will go away after driving for about 3 minutes or hold idle up then wont come back until cold start check bullitins one for an o ring on oil pump techs say that wont fix it

HELLO, MAYBE YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THIS VERY STRANGE PROBLEM

bruce46 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:13:18 GMT

2004 MAXIMA, 47000 MILES. AT 40MPH THE CAR SHIFTS TO OVERDRIVE AND BOGS DOWN, GROANS, AND THEN SHUDDERS BACK TO 4TH. HAD TRANNY CHECKED, THEY SAID IT IS FINE. DEALER REPLACED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, NO HELP. IT FEELS LIKE TRANNY BUT HE SAID IT SEEMS LIKE AN ENGINE ISSUE. NO DASH PROBLEM LIGHTS AND NO CODES COME UP. HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS WARMED UP. ANY OPINIONS?

2004 Yukon Knocking

jughead3 — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 21:39:52 GMT

Has anyone experienced a knocking or tapping sound at start up??? The noise fades as the engine warms up, usually 3-4 minutes. Ths occurs inconsistantly and could go a month without happening. It is pretty loud and can be heard equally as loud from both sides and under the engine.

Also does anyone know about coolant loss. I have put 2-3 gallons in over the last 3 months, there appears to be no external loss. Oil looks good as well, however my oil fill cap has condensation on it?????

All serious concerns I should not have with a $40,000+++ vehicle.

Thanks, Mike

i have a 99 passat 1.8t and it is making a ticking knoise from the engine bay.

nharrison85 — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 20:30:34 GMT

i have a 99 passat 1.8t and it is making an ticking knoise form the engine bay. i think it has something to do with the oil pump or even jusy t tthe oil period. please help me with this problem. what can i do to check for this?

How do I check to see if my oil pump is operating properly?

papa_john — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:28:20 GMT

I have a 2002 Buick Century with a 3.? V6. It has appx. 70K miles on it. A clicking noise is coming from deep in the engine. Can be heard well at the oil dip stick. It gets louder as you drive further. I wonder if the oil pump is not working properly or could it be something else? I am not experiencing any overheating and the oil level is fine.

My Jeep grand cherokee i bought 2 weeks is making a loud clicking noise, what could this be?

jessies_mom — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:55:19 GMT

I just bought a 2001 JGCL and recently it statrted making a loud clicking noise- sound like it is coming form underneath the car- there is also a low clicking noise that sound like it could be coming from the engine. What could this be? Has anyone else had these kind of problems with this vehicle? Also when I step on the brakes at high speeds the car vibrates, I think this might be the rotors. I hope I did nto make a bad decision with this car, Any advice would be appreciated.

I HAVE A 1999 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR IT MAKES A GRINDING NOISE WHEN I GO BELOW 35MPH AND WHEN I EAS OF THE GAS

lov3u43v3r — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:46:31 GMT

I HAVE ASKED ALOT OF PEOPLE ABOUT IT AND KNOW ONE KNOWS WHAT IT IS IF SOME ONE CAN HELP PLEASE MY TRUCK IS A 4x4 I WAS TOLD I CAN BE THE TRANSMISSION OR IT CAN ALSO BE THE U JOINT WHAT CAN IT BE HELP PLEASE

my 2003 honda pilot occasionally makes a grinding noise when slightly accelerating 25 mph and above.

raider6 — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 22:31:17 GMT

This noise goes away when the gas is let off. The honda dealer mechanic said it was from old tires. I got new tires and it's still there. They said that they dont think its anything to worry about, and that it might be the 4WD trying to engage, but they cant find anything wrong with it.

I have a 02 Explorer(V6). Everytime I speed up or shut off the truck it hisses.

chad2002 — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 09:58:26 GMT

I think it might be the pcv valve, but im not sure.

My 2001 Chrysler T&C Ltd AWD has an engine vibration between 2100-2300 rpm. It is fine at all other speeds. Why?

wanna_azzy — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:59:31 GMT

3.8 L with 81,000 miles. The vibration is at that rpm, no matter the gear. Makes kind of a rumble throughout the car. No terrible, but annoying. Any clues?

2000 Tacoma 4x4.It has a vibration/roaring sound between 45-55.The dealer has no idea.Looking for answers please.

nthpokt — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:05:46 GMT

Changed rear u-joint 2 years ago.Sound went away for 9 months.Changed u-joint again but this time sound did not leave.Any help would be greatly appreciated.

2000 corolla 100000 miles, has loud upper engine knock started with no warning

seabass4 — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:51:32 GMT

where would be a good place to start on repair

Mr Shiftright, thanks for the answer. I have not had the driveshaft out ever. I have my wheels rebalanced very often

nthpokt — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:05:50 GMT

Is it possible that a bearing in the transfer case or tranny is causing the problem?

2004 Subaru Legacy Valve Noise

bobv8 — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:53:45 GMT

Hello everyone
I have an 04 legacy wagon with a 2.5 liter engine high mileage 140,000

I get a loud valve tapping noise when the engine is cold and will continue when accelerating until the engine warms up. The noise is less noticeable when stopped and the rpms go down. I'm wondering if it's just because of the high mileage or maybe the synthetic oil( recommended 5W 30) I'm using? I'm getting good mpg it's just that it sounds like it's getting louder. With the warmer weather in the summer it is much less noticeable. Any help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Bob

Why does my 2006 Civic vibrate at idle?

luther54 — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:02:10 GMT

It vibrates heavily at idle. When I got the car it didn't do it. When you hit the steering wheel, it stops, but it starts again within seconds. Could it be a mount, low idle, etc...?

My Mazda CX-7 2007 engine sounds like a diesel.

rshamy — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:17:45 GMT

Loud tapping sounds at idle and at low rpms. Anyone else note this problem and what does Mazda say about it.

97 Jeep Wrangler hissing noises

tonkatuff — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:20:31 GMT

my 97 Wrangler has started making a hissing sound from the engine and a squealing sound. i have checked the fan belt and i soaped it up to see if it was slipping but doesn't seem to be the case any answers guys?

07 Subaru Outback rattle at 20 mph, stops and will not act up again unless you shut off engine and go to 20 mph

rmac2 — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:22:05 GMT

2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i

Rattle only occurs at 20 mph for a few seconds.
Will not occur twice in the same drive cycle.
You have to shut the car down and accel to 20 mph.
Does it every time.
I also may hear the same rattle going over a speed bump or bumpy road.

any Ideas?

2002 Subaru 2.5RS Valve Tapping Noise

kyangs — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:51:06 GMT

Hi I have this year and make model car. When I start it from cold start and idles, it makes that valve tapping noise. The engines warm and it doesn't make unless i gas it (when it is parked). Also this is what happened while driving. I drive and 2500 rpms or lower it makes the tapping mix with a winding noise. When I am at a stop light, it goes back to idle and makes a huge valve tapping noise. Whenever I gas it above 2500 rpms again it stops. Is there something wrong with the engine. Any advice or insights, besides take it to a mechanic and fix it?

Kp