Clicking noise, revs decrease and increase

Tiny
SANDY CHANT
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 270,000 MILES
I just bought this car second hand and am worried it's a lemon.
When idling (and maybe when driving not sure) it starts to feel like the engine will stop and the revs lower, then there's a loud clicking noise and the revs increase. Is this normal?
Friday, April 5th, 2019 AT 5:35 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

That doesn't sound normal. Can you tell approximately where the clicking sound is coming from? Also, how low do the RPM's drop? Once last question, if the sound is coming from under the dash, does it do it if the climate control is completely off?

One last request. Can you record the noise and upload it for me to hear?

Thanks,
Joe
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Friday, April 5th, 2019 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
SANDY CHANT
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  • 9 POSTS
Thank you for replying. I don't know much about cars so wouldn't know what it is coming from.
The RPM's drop from around 1,000 to maybe around 400.
It doesn't seem to click as much when I turn the A/C off.
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Saturday, April 6th, 2019 AT 5:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Based on your video, the clicking sounds like the AC compressor engaging and disengaging. When it engages, it puts a load on the engine, but the computer should compensate for that and increase the RPM's so you hardly notice it. Since it seems to be related to the compressor engaging, I question if it is in the process of locking up.

What I need you to do is locate the AC compressor. It is one of the belt driven accessories. I added a picture of one so you can see what it looks like. Now, here is what you need to pay attention to. With the engine running, locate the compressor and pay attention to the center portion of the pulley which is driven by the belt. When you hear the click, see if the center starts spinning or if it stops spinning. I know that sounds crazy, but there is an electric clutch that locks the center portion so it turns the compressor. When it is disengages, the outside will continue spinning and the center will stop.

Try to do that using a flash light to see. Just keep away from the moving parts.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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+1
Saturday, April 6th, 2019 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
SANDY CHANT
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thank you for your help, you have been so helpful.
The centre stops spinning and then starts again when the click happens. I've included a video.

I also wondered if you've seen my other question about the indicators.
The answer given while helpful is a bit above my ability.
I was wondering if you would know what us wrong.
I'm taking the car back to the caryard today but think it would be a good idea to know what the issue is so I don't get fobbed off again.
The indicators stopped working and tbe indicator lights in the dash started flashing when I took the keys out. I tried to upload a video yesterday but it doesn't seem to have worked.

Thank you so much for all your help, it is really appreciated
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Sunday, April 7th, 2019 AT 5:03 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Welcome back:

Okay, that is the compressor for sure making the noise. When it engages, it does put a load on the engine. However, there is a thing called a stepper motor that should increase the idle speed so you don't notice the change very much. If the engine isn't stalling but the RPM's are lowering, that is normal. However, it should not stall the engine.

Don't be alarmed by the clicking sound. That is normal. There is an electromagnet that receives power and quickly engages the compressor. Because the magnet is both strong and quick, you hear the click. Also, if you hear it with the defroster on, don't be alarmed. The system is designed to engage the AC compressor to help dehumidify the air entering the vehicle to defrost the glass quicker, so it will turn on and off then, too.

I didn't see your other link. If you can, copy and paste the link for me and I'll look at it for you.

For this issue, if the RPM are slightly dropping, it's normal. If that changes and the engine begins to stall or you hear a loud squealing noise when the compressor engages, let me know and I help you get it fixed.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, April 7th, 2019 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
SANDY CHANT
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Hi Joe,

Thank you so much.

The bigger issue is definitely the indicators as when the lights on the dash start flashing it won't even let me start the car.

Here's the link:
https://www.2carpros.com/questions/2004-corolla-indicators-not-working-indicator-lights-on-dash-stay-on-and

I have more videos of it but I'm having issues uploading atm.

Thank you so much for your help. I am genuinely amazed at how helpful you've been,

Sandy
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Sunday, April 7th, 2019 AT 5:35 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
OMG, you are very welcome. I will take a look at the other link and let you know what I think.
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Sunday, April 7th, 2019 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
SANDY CHANT
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Hi Joe,

Thank you so much for getting back to me. Your help is so appreciated and I cannot stress that enough.

I just took the car to the car yard and the guy is saying there seems to be an alarm on top of the immobiliser and that is what is causing the problem.

He was able to get the indicators to play up by trying to start it/putting the key in/using the indicators etc. When the alarm light was on.

He is saying that as long as the alarm light is off, the car should be fine, but if necessary they will take the alarm out.

Does this sound right to you?

I found that the problem first occurred (lights started flashing) as I was about to get out of the car both times, so am unsure if his explanation makes sense.

Thank you again for your help. I've been telling everyone how amazing you guys are.

Sandy
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Sunday, April 7th, 2019 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Welcome back, Sandy. I had a feeling it had something to do with an alarm/anti-theft issue. Listen, if the part he is referring to is not an original equipment Toyota component, get rid of it. It could be something that was installed after it was purchased.

I had a person bring in an Audi convertible because the top wouldn't work. Someone installed a "quality" anti theft system which had a special FOB which also opened the top from outside of the car. The Audi dealer wanted nearly $3,000.00 to replace the power top control module. I inspected the module, seen there was an additional component plugged into it, removed it, and the top worked great. LOL The customer was much happier with a $35.00 labor fee. LOL

What I am saying is this. Anytime aftermarket components are added, anything can go wrong. If in fact someone installed an aftermarket anti theft system, personally, I would remove it.

Let me know if I can help. Also, I'm happy to help, and you are welcome here anytime you have a question.

Can I ask you for a favor? Is it possible for you to copy and paste your last post to the original thread regarding this issue? We try to keep them consistent so they help others.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, April 8th, 2019 AT 5:53 PM

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