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Hi, wondering if anyone could help identify what this sound is (see video).
It's kind of a grinding sound that occurs for a short moment only when accelerating from a stop. It's definitely NOT the ABS pump. It sounds like running the teeth of a comb over the edge of a counter. Comes from somewhere in the engine bay, center, possibly center-right, dash-level. The noise goes away after the car has been driven a few minutes. The noise is more pronounced in colder weather. Car runs fine otherwise. The noise started happening maybe 3-4 years ago. This car is just a grocery getter and sees only a couple thousand miles a year.
This is a 2002 TL Type S with 101k miles. Tranny was replaced in 2007 at 35k miles under warranty. Timing and drive belts replaced at 60k miles in 2011. No other significant maintenance jobs done other than oil changes and brake maintenance since 2011.
The car is in D5 in case you're wondering. The gear select light burnt out.
Really couldn't hear much but if this when you first start up do you have your heater or AC on? If so you may want to check your cabin filters. Pull them out and check for leaves or paper. Sometimes small leaves get in and make a ratting sound until they jamb up, then they fall back down when after the car sits, etc. etc. Just a shot at an easy fix.
Ok. Now I hear something. It sounded to me like something rubbing for a second, around 1500-1600 RPMs. Definitely not the ticking type sound I thought you were referring. Don't have a solution now, I need to think about it, maybe someone else has some experience with the sound. I do recommend that you fix the dash lights as they are used in diagnosing problems, for some problems they will blink on and off.
From your first post should we take it that you have not changed the transmission fluid and filter for the last 65,000 miles? What color is the fluid now?
Doesn't look bad. Consider doing a 3x3 change. You can search for 3x3 transmission fluid change on this site. Basically opening up tranny drain plug and then replacing the approximately 3 quarts that come out, run it a little then do it again and again. Make sure you check the fluid level on level ground. The reason you do this is not all the fluid comes out when you remove the drain plug and circulating fresh fluid with the old helps clean out junk buildup. Please recycle. Also, do a you tube search on changing the transmission fluid filter. Better safe than sorry with these transmissions.
Does the noise happen in any other gear? Try the manual mode etc. Let us know the results.
Thanks for the replies all,
Not sure if this helps but here's another short clip of the noise. I did it in D2 this time -- it doesn't seem to matter which gear. Again, this is accelerating from a dead stop and you can hear the creaking/grinding noise for a fraction of a second. It's definitely forward, dash-level, and sounds like it's center or maybe slightly center right. I'll try and get a shot of both the tach and speedometer next time I'm out.
Due to the location where I think the sound is coming from makes me think it might be something drive-belt or timing belt related?
Does it happen in Manual mode? Manual mode increases the fluid pressure in the tranny so it is helpful to know. try the other gears also.
If you think it's toward the timing belt, did you check the timing belt? It is a pain but you mentioned no major work since 2011 and a timing belt that is 12 years old (no matter what the mileage) should be replaced; at a minimum checked. In that area and moving is the whole timing belt system. Check to see if you can hear anything while someone lightly revs the engine. Try to determine if it a physical distance thing or an standing still with higher RPM thing. It could eliminate a lot. If you are sure it is from that area I would remove the timing belt covers and see if the belt and pulleys are good. The belt can be dragging over a pulley with a worn bearing after 1500 the pulley starts to move. Just a supposition. You also have the power steering pump in that area so check to see if the noise comes from it.
The transmission fluid was last changed in 2013 at 76000 miles. I went and checked the fluid just now and it's a dirty red color. Here's a picture:
I've been meaning to change that D5 light out but still need to do a little research on youtube...
Do you get the same sound when you are in park? how about in neutral? transmission fluid is overdue for change. shoulda been done in 2019 by the service manual standards, 2014 if you ask anyone around here... if only happening in drive (any gear) I'm guessing you have something going on with the torque converter, possibly worn out clutches within. Maybe check some youtube videos for TC shudder to see if you hear similar.
if it happens even in park or neutral, have you had someone assist with applying throttle while you are standing outside the car?
04-08-2023, 12:48 PM
