Have an 03 TL-S with only 38K on it and i'm noticing a clicking or gargling noise coming from the motor under acceleration, anywhere from 5% to about 50% throttle. Sometimes more apparent when going up hills. Hard to explain the sound. Just wondering if anyone knew what this was or has the same problem?

 

Sounds as though it is worse when under a good load. Could there be an exhaust leak?
Mine was doing that too, and the resonator was bent. After I installed the headers, the problem was gone. I think one of the little crush gaskets wasn't sealing well.

Have you put any exhaust mods? Maybe created a slight leak?

 

Usually on 2nd gear or 3rd??

I think i have the same problem too but don't know where it is coming from.

 

I havent done any exhaust mods to the car. And yes it is in second and third gear. I just dont have any clue what it is an i really dont want to take it to the dealer because its out of warranty

 

It does sound similar to mine before I replaced the gaskets in the exhaust.

However, there are about a thousand things that can click.

Is it worse when you go over bumps or turn?

Is it definitely from engine bay?

gargling? what's that (kinda what made me initially think of exhaust)?

 

Its definitely from the motor. it sounds like there is something in there just bouncing around. When i go up a hill i can hear the motor clicking. I dont know how to describe it other than that.

 

what kind of fuel do you use?

 

Calling Captain Seafoam, page for Capt Seafoam

 

Always premium, which is 92 octane around where i live

 

yeah, if you haven't, might seafoam it just for good measure. Kind of vague symptom. Does it change with rpm, is it separate. Rattling around or valvetrain-like?

 

Or perhaps an idler pulley or ac compressor gone bad?

 

Its usually at lower rpms. Its apparent when starting from a dead stop or going up a hill.

Can small rock chips or small particles get inside the intake and be inside the throttle body? It just sounds like there is something bouncing around part of the motor when its under half throttle or less.

 

well, if it is something bouncing around, I would think maybe a bolt or something. don't think so on the dirt in intake, though.