Vehicle Noise Diagnostics – UnderhoodService

Vehicle Noise Diagnostics

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.

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

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