Engine noise?

ANTHONY MANTHONY

MEMBER
2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
2.0L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

This morning after a short drive I noticed my car was making a noise that is hard to describe. Recently the weather has heated up and the engine has been louder in general but when I put my car in idle this morning there was almost like a very light ticking or quiet rattle. Rather than try and describe it, I will attach a video. The sound is very light but distinct so if you listen closely, you should hear what I'm talking about.

As best I can tell, this sound is only produced when the vehicle is parked. I have heard this sound once before, but it went away after driving. Now the sound seems to sticking around.

I recently had an oil change. I checked the dipstick, and the oil level looked a little low, but not terribly low. There are no indicator lights and as far as I can tell the engine has no signs that it has been overheating.

4 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

I didn't see the video. This sounds like it could be a rocker arm, cam follower or possibly a timing belt. Does the noise seem to be near the top of the engine or down low? 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. You can upload it here with your response.

This guide may help us while I wait for the video:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/comprehensive-guide-to-identify-and-fix-ticking-and-tapping-noises-in-engines

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Saturday, June 17th, 2023 AT 4:04 PM

ANTHONY MANTHONY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for your reply. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly where the sound is coming from because the engine is running louder than usual. It seems to be coming from the left side, or possibly the lower left side, in the general area of the serpentine belt

I will read the guide. In the meantime, here is the video. Sorry I failed to post it earlier.

Video (Click to make bigger)

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Saturday, June 17th, 2023 AT 4:27 PM

ANTHONY MANTHONY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Here is a video with clearer audio.

Video (Click to make bigger)

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Saturday, June 17th, 2023 AT 7:13 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

Thanks for the videos, they help. It sounds like one of the engine front accessories or idle pulley bearing has failed, but to help narrow the problem down, let's remove the serpentine belt and they start the engine for a second to see if the noise is gone. This will help us determine if the noise is external or internal to the engine. If the noise goes away spin the pulleys to see if one makes the noise. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to make bigger)