2.0 Turbo Engine & Transmission Noise(s)

[Black Ice]

The only Emira I've been in is my own so I've nothing to compare it against, but when driving gently/normally my car doesn't sound great. There's a pronounced ticking which I presume is the fuel injection system, and a whirring noise from the transmission, which is all slightly reminiscent of the double decker buses I used to travel to school on in the 90's! Or, the Ford Fiesta my Dad had with the dreaded Valencia engine at around the same time....

I'm guessing that due to the position of the engine you're a lot more exposed to the mechanical noises compared to a front engined car, and I hadn't thought much of it until the wife commented the other day about it sounding "awful", but I'd be interested to hear about other peoples experiences.

It sounds much better when under load, especially in sport and track, just to be clear!

Thanks.

 

[Orchardbike]

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[Kaz]

The only Emira I've been in is my own so I've nothing to compare it against, but when driving gently/normally my car doesn't sound great. There's a pronounced ticking which I presume is the fuel injection system, and a whirring noise from the transmission, which is all slightly reminiscent of the double decker buses I used to travel to school on in the 90's! Or, the Ford Fiesta my Dad had with the dreaded Valencia engine at around the same time....

I'm guessing that due to the position of the engine you're a lot more exposed to the mechanical noises compared to a front engined car, and I hadn't thought much of it until the wife commented the other day about it sounding "awful", but I'd be interested to hear about other peoples experiences.

It sounds much better when under load, especially in sport and track, just to be clear!

Thanks.

Unless there is some way to record this audio I don't know if anyone can help identify, the car makes all sorts of noises, even when it's off lol. Also which mode, under what situation (idle, light tip in throttle, full throttle, decelerating, etc.). Off top of my head I don't hear ticking usually, there is some pinging with 91 gas but I don't think you guys have that issue over there...and the whirring, it's definitely the transmission so it's related to gear noise? Do you hear it more from 1st or 2nd or all the time? And also in general the I4 pumps in fake engine and exhaust noise to make things worse...

 

[smhoward]

Is the ticking sound constant or at low revs and giving it gas in a higher gear? I have that but the transmission sound I haven’t noticed. Honestly that might be because I’m too focused on the turbo noise.

 

[Black Ice]

Unless there is some way to record this audio I don't know if anyone can help identify, the car makes all sorts of noises, even when it's off lol. Also which mode, under what situation (idle, light tip in throttle, full throttle, decelerating, etc.). Off top of my head I don't hear ticking usually, there is some pinging with 91 gas but I don't think you guys have that issue over there...and the whirring, it's definitely the transmission so it's related to gear noise? Do you hear it more from 1st or 2nd or all the time? And also in general the I4 pumps in fake engine and exhaust noise to make things worse...

I’ll try recording it, but it’s not noticeable on the reviews I’ve watched so it may be difficult to capture fully.

In regard to the engine I’d describe it as sounding “tappety”, especially at low revs and light throttle. It doesn’t matter if the car is accelerating, decelerating, or stationary, it just fluctuates with engine speed. I’m not particularly concerned as it’s probably the pump and/or injectors, but it’s quite noticeable and doesn’t sound very sporty (hence the comparison with a Valencia engined Fiesta!).

The transmission sound is constant (until it’s drowned out by road and wind noise) and again I’m not overly worried, it’s just not something I’m used to.

Do all of the I4s pump fake noise into the cabin? I wasn’t sure if the UK spec was different? To be honest it doesn’t sound fake, it’s all very mechanical sounding!

Is the ticking sound constant or at low revs and giving it gas in a higher gear? I have that but the transmission sound I haven’t noticed. Honestly that might be because I’m too focused on the turbo noise.

As above, it fluctuates with engine speed but disappears (or is drowned out) under hard acceleration, especially in sport and track modes.

The turbo sounds are quite noticeable (and fun!) but again I’m not sure if UK spec cars sound the same with the engine being mapped differently? Completely different cars obviously, but our MK7 Fiesta ST200 sounds more turboey (made up word!) than a standard ST.

 

[smhoward]

I’m just parroting what I have seen others say here, but as far as I know all I4’s have fake engine noise. It should be the same with UK cars but I’m not completely sure on that.

I think everything we’re hearing is normal and characteristic of mid engine cars. at least in terms of hearing everything that is happening behind you. My parents own a C8 stingray and it makes some not so pleasant sounds too. Especially when driving normally and it’s in V4 mode. It seems driving a mid engine is both a blessing and a curse lol

 

[SteveT]

I think what you might be hearing is the pinging coming from the engine at light throttle/low revs. It's discussed a few threads down from yours. I took my car in about a week ago to do software updates and it's less, but still there. I'm hoping a tune will clear it up completely.

 

[Black Ice]

I think what you might be hearing is the pinging coming from the engine at light throttle/low revs. It's discussed a few threads down from yours. I took my car in about a week ago to do software updates and it's less, but still there. I'm hoping a tune will clear it up completely.

Thanks, I had a look at the thread but I don't think it's the same pinging sound. I run the car on 99 RON (E5) which may prevent it as well (unless anyone using the same fuel has experienced it?).

I've been out in the car today and tried recording it, but it doesn't really come across on the video. I'm almost certain it's the fuel injection system ticking away under high pressure, it's right behind your head after all! It's just not something I've heard (in the cabin anyway) on previous cars. What I did notice is that if you blip the throttle the ticking flutters very briefly as the revs return to idle; at first I thought it was a vibration but I'm fairly sure it's the same sound.

 

[TheMotizzle]

My i4 doesn't make ticking noises as far as I can tell. Might take it to the dealer.

 

[SteveT]

Thanks, I had a look at the thread but I don't think it's the same pinging sound. I run the car on 99 RON (E5) which may prevent it as well (unless anyone using the same fuel has experienced it?).

I've been out in the car today and tried recording it, but it doesn't really come across on the video. I'm almost certain it's the fuel injection system ticking away under high pressure, it's right behind your head after all! It's just not something I've heard (in the cabin anyway) on previous cars. What I did notice is that if you blip the throttle the ticking flutters very briefly as the revs return to idle; at first I thought it was a vibration but I'm fairly sure it's the same sound.

I hope you're right and it's not pinging. I don't hear anything else other than the whine of the Turbo. I'm not hearing what you're explaining.

 

[gcmak]

I do hear a noise that I'd characterize in the realm of tapping/pinging but it's not getting more severe under higher loads and higher revs. If there's something actually wrong, I'm sure it'll let me know in more ways than one.

 

[RoryBellows]

Its probably the fuel pump. DI engines have higher pressure fuel pumps that tick. You could try the old Italian tune up on it though. If its from the valves, some revving could get them seated better.

 

[koflo]

So I just got my car back from the dealer and did not have the ticking when it went in. Now I have the ticking you are describing. Yes it’s different than the pinging that you experience in low gears. It almost is like a grandfather clock tick. I’ve noticed that as the car warms up, it gets quieter. I messaged my dealer and have not heard back. They probably hate me at this point. I’ve had the car 3 months and it’s been in the shop for a month of that. Might be headed back but it’s hard to tell if I just have ptsd from all the work that’s being done.

Only weird thing is I have a manual car.

 

[Black Ice]

Its probably the fuel pump. DI engines have higher pressure fuel pumps that tick. You could try the old Italian tune up on it though. If its from the valves, some revving could get them seated better.

I’m pretty sure you’re right and it’s just the high pressure fuel system. In regard to the whirring sound, I’ve noticed it goes away after a few miles of driving, so it must just need to warm up.

It’s funny you mention an Italian tune up; the car is an ex-demo which is why I’m slightly paranoid in the first place!