Car making rough noise from engine, why?

WYLEYBUG

MEMBER
2002 AUDI TT
1.8L
4 CYL
TURBO
2WD
MANUAL
120,000 MILES

My vehicle listed above started this morning with a red battery sign on the display and started making noise from the engine. Could a low/dead battery cause an engine mechanism to make noise even if the engine turned over and idled fine?

Monday, March 25th, 2024 AT 12:59 PM

4 Replies

WYLEYBUG

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I should add the noise seems to subside when I revved it in neutral.

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Monday, March 25th, 2024 AT 1:21 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,200 POSTS

Hi,

If the battery light was on, there could be an issue with a bearing in the alternator. Is it loud enough for you to record and upload for me to hear?

I attached a pic below showing the location of the alternator. See if that seems to be where the noise is coming from and let me know.

Joe

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Monday, March 25th, 2024 AT 8:50 PM

WYLEYBUG

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Sorry, thought I did! And thanks, that’s the consensus me and my family have come to currently is that it is the alternator, as I tried to start the car later and it just doesn’t want to turn over, but the lights and electronics are working, making me think it’s the alternator. Good to know that isn’t a completely random guess!

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Monday, March 25th, 2024 AT 11:55 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,200 POSTS

Hi,

What I suggest is to remove the serpentine belt and inspect each of the belt driven pulleys. Check if any are difficult to turn or have excessive play in them.

Keep in mind, it could also be a belt tensioner or idler pulley that is causing tension to be lost on the belt.

Let me know what you find or if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 AT 6:41 PM