Should I be hearing a ticking sound from the catalytic converter when the car is running?
Should I be hearing a ticking sound from the catalytic converter when the car is running?
My car makes a ticking noise, pretty loud and lasts a good 15-20 min after I turn off my car. I was informed by a mechanic that its normal and the exhaust cooling down. While this makes sense to me, still am uncomfortable bc the sound is a little louder than id like...not to mention that it doesnt always do it. It also ticks while the car is running and this I noticed when I pulled up to another car. Any ideas as to why this is. Been to the dealer twice and gotten the runaround. In addition Im getting prettty poor gas mileage. Want this fixed and want to go back knowing what I'm talking about. Very frustrating esp since the car is under warranty. Help!!
Not running the ac at all. Was told by the mechanic that the sound was coming from the converter.
Answers:
s p: do you run your air cnditioner a lot?
what makes you think its the cataletic converter?
2007-04-20 23:15:12
mike h: turn your radio up there are much better things to listen to than heat dissapating
2007-04-20 23:16:01
lilmitch07: yeah the exhaust can make a ticking noise,it may be also because inside the cat extra fuel maybe still burning off so that could be the noise you hear. it will go away after a couple of minutes though
2007-04-20 23:18:30
de bossy one: simple. take the car in. tell them your gas milage is poor and to fix it. then walk out. if hey don't fix it, tell them to give you back your money. they won't like it, but they will fix it. they don't want to give you your money back. if they say everythings fine, take their manager for a ride and let him figure out what's wrong. (i can be a real pr*ck when i want to be)! i don't take cr*p from anybody. they either fix it or else.
2007-04-20 23:18:44
Hector P: well when you use the airconditioning, it will leave a trail of water from a drain tube. that tube could be dripping on you exaust and making ticking ,fizzing noise. catalitic do make noises if its getting really hot and you can hear it when you turn the car off. when your car is running..... does it smell like rotten eggs from the exaust or is the catalitic converter glowing red.?could have a bad cat. or car running too rich ( too much gas).
2007-04-20 23:22:04
Chosen Answer
blanderswake: When your car is running, the various parts get hot and expand. After you shut it off, the parts cool off, but at different rates. An exhaust manifold shrinks faster than the cylinder head that it's bolted to, so when they rub together, they make a ticking noise. Same with your converter, which gets to about 1000 to 2000 degrees, much hotter than anything else on the car.
As to your mileage, many things could be causing it. Blocked converter/exhaust system, as has been mentioned; needs a tune-up; fuel injection/carburetor problems. Find a good mechanic. Ask around.
2007-04-20 23:42:00
doyou: I really like de bossy one's answer!!!!!!
Dealers are very stengy when it comes to warrenty. I had a car still under warranty and the motor mounts were broke. The absorbing rubber was gone. It shouldnt be on a 40k mile/ 2 years old car, but it was. The motor jumped 2 inches when you step on the gas, and back 2 inches, when coasting, very annoying! especially with having to drive a stick shift!
2007-04-20 23:46:45
FLOYD L: the ticking noise could be a number of things the 15 to20 min after you turn the car off is the exhaust cooling down,but while it is running that could be and exhaust leak,bad gasket,now the poor gas mileage could be you need a tune up,plus a valve ajustment if it is ticking a lot.i would take it back to the dealer tell them you want it tuned up the valves ajusted to spec.and your oil and filter changed and check it for exhaust leaks i don't know what your warranty covers.you may have to pay some.
2007-04-27 21:41:09