QuestionQUESTION: Hello, I have a Audi A3 , 1.6 FSI and I hear strange sounds when the engine starts. The sounds appear during ignition and for a few seconds and never on the way, while the car is moving. Usually it happens on cold days but I cannot observe a pattern. It sounds like metallic sound, throttles or pistons(?).Any idea of what it may be? I guess it could be pretty dangerous so I'd better pay the Audi mechanics a visit?
ANSWER: It sounds like perhaps your starter motor clutch is not disengaging quickly. It would be a good idea to get this checked out, as it will cause the starter motor to wear out prematurely. Does it happen all the time on cold days or just when you start in the morning first time? Let me know, Jan
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QUESTION: Hello again,
In cold days, especially if the car has been left outdoors all night, it happens 7-8 times out of 10.But only when I start the engine, not while moving.But again, if I stop the engine and I start over after a couple of hours, it happens again.So,only when the engine starts....By the way, when the car has been parked in our underground parking space,where temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius even in winter,it happens rarely.
A friend told me it may be the low oil temperature when the engine is cold or a an oil pump malfunction,so the engine is not properly lubricated for a few seconds. In that case my pistons are roaring I guess....What do you think?
AnswerI don't think it is low oil pressure, however you can change the oil for synthetic and see if the behaviour changes. If the noise is like a whirring sound, I would still suspect the starter. If it is a rattle, then it may well be worth letting you dealer have a listen to it, but you'd have to leave it there on a cold night and let them start it up... I'm willing to bet that it is not your pistons making a noise, but it could be crankshaft bearings depending on the mileage on the engine, and how often the oil is changed. Let me know, Jan
