When I accelerate it makes a ticking sound?

OZWALD04

MEMBER
2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
130,000 MILES

About a week ago my check engine light came on and my car started making a ticking noise only when I accelerate. When I am at a complete stop the check engine light will flash. I asked the dealer I bought the car from and he said I got some bad gas and to put some octane booster in. It helped for a little bit but it still makes the noise but not as bad. What else could the problem be?

Monday, October 17th, 2011 AT 11:33 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Does it come from the engine, exhaust. Also, if the check engne light is flashing, it sounds like an engine miss. Have the computer scanned to determine where the problem is coming from. Most parts stores will do it for free.

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Monday, October 17th, 2011 AT 11:52 PM

OZWALD04

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes, it's coming from the engine. I went to the auto store and the scanner said cylinder 3 was misfiring. Had the plugs and wires changed no difference. Dealer still says its a gas issue. I didn't buy from VW. However, my low fuel light came on after a bit the noise stopped until I put more gas in.

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Friday, November 4th, 2011 AT 4:14 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

That is odd. Is the compression good in that cylinder?

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Friday, November 4th, 2011 AT 4:20 AM

OZWALD04

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I have no idea. I may have to take it to a mechanic who works on vw but im afraid it will cost a lot. The check engine light will still flash at a complete stop. They replaceda solenoid in the tranny and a week later the noise started. I was on the interstate the day before the noise started and when I hit 90 it acted like it governed and the check engine light flashed but disappeared after slowing down.

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Friday, November 4th, 2011 AT 4:31 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS