Feel, Hear, See, Smell: Part Two

• Clicking noise from transmission while in four wheel drive:
  Everything is fine until you shift into four-wheel drive and you hear a lot of clicking and clacking from the transmission. You may even feel the noise through the floor or through the gearshift. The noise goes away when you put the transmission back into two-wheel drive.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. The fluid level in your transfer case is low: Fill transfer case to proper level with the correct type fluid.

  2. The final drive chain in your transfer case is stretched or damaged: Replace transfer case chain.

  3. You have an internal problem in the transfer case: Overhaul or replace transfer case.

  4. Your front drive shaft or axle needs repair: Repair or replace front drive axles as required.

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  Thumping and Clunking

• There is a rattling noise from the engine when you accelerate:
  Your car runs well all the time. But when you press on the gas pedal to accelerate or to go up a hill, the engine rattles like the cylinders are full of marbles.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. The ignition timing may be set wrong: Adjust ignition timing.

  2. The engine is overheating: Check and repair cooling system.

  3. A vacuum line is leaking or disconnected: Reconnect vacuum line. Replace vacuum lines.

  4. Incorrect grade of fuel: Fill with the correct, or higher, octane fuel.

  5. There is an excessive amount of carbon built up in your engine: Clean carbon from valves and combustion chamber. (Not a DIY job)

  6. There may be a fault in the computerized engine control system: Check engine control systems with a scan tool. Test circuits and repair or replace components as required. (Generally not a DIY job)

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• Rattling from under the car:
  There is a loud rattling noise coming from under the car. The noise may or may not change with engine speed or bumps in the road.

  Possible causes:
  

  1. The heat shields around your catalytic converter or exhaust pipes are loose: Repair or replace exhaust heat shields.

  2. One or more of your exhaust pipe clamps are loose or damaged: Tighten clamps and hangers as required.

  3. Some part of your exhaust system is hitting against the car's frame or suspension: Locate where exhaust is hitting and adjust for proper clearance.

  4. Your exhaust system needs to be repaired: Repair or replace exhaust parts as required.

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