What’s your vehicle trying to tell you when it clicks, clunks or grinds? Translating these common car noises is key for automotive technicians who are trained to identify problems via sound. The important thing to remember is to be specific. Narrow that rattle down and then document when it happens — details such as when the car is hot, cold, at idle, moving at 55 mph, etc. can go a long way in helping to diagnose the problem.
|
NOISE |
PROBLEM |
|
Growling from air conditioner |
Worn compressor |
|
Squealing windshield wipers |
Worn wiper blades |
|
Grinding while shifting gears |
Worn clutch or clutch that needs adjustment |
|
Screeching under the hood |
Loose or worn belt |
|
Popping from engine |
Dirty air filter or bad spark plugs, wires or ignition components |
|
Scraping or buzzing from transmission |
Transmission needs new fluid |
|
Squeaking noise when shifting |
Manual transmission needs lubrication |
|
Clunking under hood when gears change |
Worn joints or engine’s idle speed may be set too high |
|
Knocking under hood |
Clogged air filter, timing off or needs higher gas octane rating |
|
Clicking when idling |
Needs oil |
|
Clunking that worsens as speed increases |
Broken or worn engine parts |
Courtesy of ACDelco
