Pounding engine noise started suddenly one morning upon startup. Engine oil level was at minimum level. Coolant level was slightly low. There are no fluid leaks stall under the car or on the engine. The noise occurs with the air conditioner turned off and the engine idling. The pounding noise is loudest when I place a long screwdriver on the alternator and listen, not heard on power steering pump, not heard on engine top. Temperature gauge is reading normal. There are no warning lights on the dashboard.
Update from Oct 13, 2021: The engine oil looked very dirty even though I took the car to the dealer for an oil change 6 weeks prior. I suspect the dealer didn’t change the oil. The transmission fluid was 1/2 quart low. I changed the oil and topped off the transmission fluid, and the engine noise was greatly reduced.
Pounding engine noise started suddenly one morning upon startup. Engine oil level was at minimum level. Coolant level was slightly low. There are no fluid leaks stall under the car or on the engine. The noise occurs with the air conditioner turned off and the engine idling. The pounding noise is loudest when I place a long screwdriver on the alternator and listen, not heard on power steering pump, not heard on engine top. Temperature gauge is reading normal. There are no warning lights on the dashboard.
Update from Oct 13, 2021: The engine oil looked very dirty even though I took the car to the dealer for an oil change 6 weeks prior. I suspect the dealer didn’t change the oil. The transmission fluid was 1/2 quart low. I changed the oil and topped off the transmission fluid, and the engine noise was greatly reduced.
- Carl Y., Dripping Springs, US