Repair Topics / Car Noises-1 / Car Noises-2 / Car Noises-3

Car Makes Popping Noises

Answer:   Replace the ignition coil housing as they have a tendency to short out under load.

Question: 2003 Ford Taurus mileage: 53,000. I changed my plugs and wires the other day and found that an old wire boot had decayed and broken apart in my plug well. I fished most of it out but a good-sized piece (1/2") fell into the cylinder. With the new plugs and wires, I started it up to find a "popping" from the engine and exhaust. I checked and regapped the plugs and the idle was fine. As soon as I put it into gear the "popping" returned. When I open up the throttle, I don't hear it but it returns at stoplights. There is a slight loss in power off the blocks... Is it that stupid rubber boot piece or some misfire that I can't spot? If my wires were crossed from ignition box to plug, would that be a cause also?

Answer: The piece of broken spark plug boot that fell into the cylinder may have been caught under an intake valve. This would account for the popping sound you are hearing. It may be come dislodged after you drive it for awhile.

Question: 2002 Chevrolet S10 Blazer mileage: 62,808.  I’ve replaced dist cap, ignition rotor, plugs, wires and fuel filter and I still have pop through the throttle body like sticking points in old cars.  I have no codes to tell me what the problem is.  It mostly pops under acceleration. Help !

Answer: Your car pops through the intake because of lean mixture. Check the fuel pump for proper pressure and delivery. Most of the time the fuel pump is weak in this situation. Under acceleration is the first sign that the fuel pump is going out.

Question: 2003 Mercedes Benz C230 mileage: 44,000.  My car is backfiring through the intake.  I have changed the plugs and fuel filter, and cleaned my fuel injection fuel pressure is ok.  After all of this it is noticeably better, but still has a steady backfire through the intake.  What else is there to do or check?

Answer:  Its sounds like you have broken valve train. Do a compression check; check for broken valve springs and for a flat camshaft. Replace as needed to recheck system.

Question: 2001 Honda Accord mileage: 120,000.  My engine recently started a popping sound.  I have changed spark plugs, plug wires, and fuel filter but did not help.   Sounds like one of the cylinders is not working on idle speed.  When accelerate car is running well.  As soon as stop at the lights engine quits.  If I start the engine again, runs bumpy.  First, I noticed is spark plug on number three cylinder had oil on it.  Also first start on cold engine I've seen white smog out of muffler. What can be wrong?

Answer:  Its sounds like you have broken valve train. Do a compression check; check for broken valve springs and for a flat camshaft. Replace as needed to recheck system.

Question: 2001 Chevrolet S10 4x4 mileage: 86,000. I have a Chevy s10 4x4 pickup. When I turn right or left it makes a popping or knot type noise under it. It’s loud I was told or I hear that it could be the torsion bar mounts. Is that true?

Answer:  It sounds like you have sway bar links that need replacing. Disassemble to inspect and replace as needed.

Question: 2005 Nissan Pathfinder 34,000 miles. My car makes a popping sound when I start it up and idles. In addition, when I rev it, it pops. I removed the air filter, it seems like it is coming out of there?  weird huh...  you ever heard of this?

Answer:  Remove the valve covers to inspect valve train. It sounds like you may have a broken valve spring or a camshaft that has malfunctioned.

Repair Topics / Car Noises-1 / Car Noises-2 / Car Noises-3

Replace Air Filter

Check Engine Light