Engine rattle when accelerating?

LEEGRAY04

MEMBER
2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
1.8L
4 CYL
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
119,020 MILES

When accelerating in from low to mid (2,000-3,000) RPMs, can occasionally hear a very faint rattle for maybe half a second as it transitions to higher rpm (3500-4000). It is very quiet and barely noticeable. Sounds kind of like a panel slapping something. Or the clicking of gears on each other. Like I said though it is not constant and sometimes doesn't happen. No idea what it could be. Nothing is hanging from the undercarriage. Maybe engine mounts? Or something more internal?

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

Most of the time this kind of noise will be associated with the exhaust system, like a heat shield or the catalytic converter that has come apart internally. I would wait until the engine is cold and then tap the exhaust system with a rubber mallet. This should help you find out where the noise is coming from. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? That way I can tell for sure what's going on.

Here is a guide to help with an engine rattle problem:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/rattle-noise

Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

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Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 AT 10:43 AM

LEEGRAY04

MEMBER
2 POSTS

You can hear it just after the camera moves a little. Around the 2 second mark. Like I said it's very faint which makes it hard to capture. This was at around 45mph in 6th gear around 1,200-2,000 RPMs. I had it in 6th trying to find it in that low RPM range while accelerating.

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Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 AT 1:12 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

Thanks for the video. Can you get an idea of where in the car the noise is being generated? I would raise the car up and look underneath, also use the rubber hammer and tap on things this will help pinpoint the sounds source.

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Friday, October 4th, 2024 AT 11:20 AM