Engine rattle when accelerating?

LEEGRAY04

MEMBER
2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
1.8L
4 CYL
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
119,020 MILES

When accelerating in from low to mid (2,000-3,000) RPMs, can occasionally hear a very faint rattle for maybe half a second as it transitions to higher rpm (3500-4000). It is very quiet and barely noticeable. Sounds kind of like a panel slapping something. Or the clicking of gears on each other. Like I said though it is not constant and sometimes doesn't happen. No idea what it could be. Nothing is hanging from the undercarriage. Maybe engine mounts? Or something more internal?

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 AT 5:52 AM

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
51,478 POSTS

Most of the time this kind of noise will be associated with the exhaust system, like a heat shield or the catalytic converter that has come apart internally. I would wait until the engine is cold and then tap the exhaust system with a rubber mallet. This should help you find out where the noise is coming from. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? That way I can tell for sure what's going on.

Here is a guide to help with an engine rattle problem:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/rattle-noise

Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

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Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 AT 10:43 AM

LEEGRAY04

MEMBER
2 POSTS

You can hear it just after the camera moves a little. Around the 2 second mark. Like I said it's very faint which makes it hard to capture. This was at around 45mph in 6th gear around 1,200-2,000 RPMs. I had it in 6th trying to find it in that low RPM range while accelerating.

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Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 AT 1:12 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
51,478 POSTS

Thanks for the video. Can you get an idea of where in the car the noise is being generated? I would raise the car up and look underneath, also use the rubber hammer and tap on things this will help pinpoint the sounds source.

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Friday, October 4th, 2024 AT 11:20 AM