Ticking sound on acceleration....

job seeker

Today, my car has developed a ticking sound on acceleration. It happens when the engine is cold or warm. it stops if I take my foot off the accelerator. Starts again when I accelerate. It's not happening when it's not in gear, stopped. It seems it get quicker as the RPM increase. But as well as this I've noticed a problem with the steering. As I go into a turn the steering gets a bit stiff. But only very slightly.

I really didn't need this hassle, from it.... :mad::mad::(

Toyota Yaris 1.0L

Thanks in advance.

job seeker

I have noticed that the ticking sound is happening on idle, there isn't any engine management light on. There seems to be a slight loss of power also. Lastly, it seems to stop, when the car is at 4/5k rpm..

Anyone that knows about cars have any idea.?

job seeker

BUMP

Bigus

Sounds linke "pinking" or detonation, which is fuel igniting before the piston is at the top of its stroke.

Used to be caused by bad petrol or ignition timing being too advanced.

The latter is not an issue with today's ecus , so I'd say bad petrol or dodgy spark plugs running too hot , assuming this is the noise described and it's not a mechanical issue like small end etc.

Plugs first would be cheapest route.

NickNickleby

Hi JS,
Does your car have power steering? Get someone to press the accelerator while you check under the bonnet. See if the noise is coming from near the fan belt or auxiliary belt or whatever belts there are under there! Then check for oil leaks near one of the pulleys (I'm thinking a problem with the power steering pump). Check fluid level in power steering reservoir.
This suggestion is not instead of bigus's, but rather just another idea if the cause isn't pinking. I've never experienced pinking in modern cars, but I recall one of the symptoms (on top of the pinking sounds) was the car seeming to continue to run after switching off the ignition, before coming to a shuddering halt.

Hope this is useful

Nick (who once owned a Triumph 1300 - 'nuff said)

job seeker

NickNickleby wrote: »

Hi JS,
Does your car have power steering? Get someone to press the accelerator while you check under the bonnet. See if the noise is coming from near the fan belt or auxiliary belt or whatever belts there are under there! Then check for oil leaks near one of the pulleys (I'm thinking a problem with the power steering pump). Check fluid level in power steering reservoir.
This suggestion is not instead of bigus's, but rather just another idea if the cause isn't pinking. I've never experienced pinking in modern cars, but I recall one of the symptoms (on top of the pinking sounds) was the car seeming to continue to run after switching off the ignition, before coming to a shuddering halt.

Hope this is useful

Nick (who once owned a Triumph 1300 - 'nuff said)

Will look into this, thanks a million for you input. Any ideas/suggestions are welcome. I'm gone mad, trying to solve this.. :pac:

job seeker

Bigus wrote: »

Sounds linke "pinking" or detonation, which is fuel igniting before the piston is at the top of its stroke.

Used to be caused by bad petrol or ignition timing being too advanced.

The latter is not an issue with today's ecus , so I'd say bad petrol or dodgy spark plugs running too hot , assuming this is the noise described and it's not a mechanical issue like small end etc.

Plugs first would be cheapest route.

Got a new spark plug for it. I changed each spark plug replacing it with a new one. Then putting everything back together and starting the car. Unfortunately it didn't solve the issue.


However I did get petrol from a petrol station that particular day.( before even I noticed this ticking sound) which I didn't use before, so hopefully it's dirty petrol. So I'll run the car too near empty and refill at my usual petrol station.Then see if this helps. Thanks a million for your help/suggestions. It's much appreciated folks.

Esel

job seeker wrote: »

Got a new spark plug for it. I changed each spark plug replacing it with a new one. Then putting everything back together and starting the car. Unfortunately it didn't solve the issue.


However I did get petrol from a petrol station that particular day.( before even I noticed this ticking sound) which I didn't use before, so hopefully it's dirty petrol. So I'll run the car too near empty and refill at my usual petrol station.Then see if this helps. Thanks a million for your help/suggestions. It's much appreciated folks.

If it is pre-ignition / pinking, that is very bad for the engine if not resolved.

If you suspect the petrol, you would be better to fill up with 'good' petrol (and possibly use an octane booster from a motor factor) rather than wait for the tank to be nearly empty before filling up. Keep topping up with 'good' petrol - in this way you will be continually diluting the concentration of bad petrol.

job seeker

Esel wrote: »

If it is pre-ignition / pinking, that is very bad for the engine if not resolved.

If you suspect the petrol, you would be better to fill up with 'good' petrol (and possibly use an octane booster from a motor factor) rather than wait for the tank to be nearly empty before filling up. Keep topping up with 'good' petrol - in this way you will be continually diluting the concentration of bad petrol.

The engine isn't ticking on pre-ignition

I will do that, it makes more sense to dilute the bad petrol.

. However if this was serious I'd expect an engine management light to be on..

job seeker

job seeker wrote: »

Will look into this, thanks a million for you input. Any ideas/suggestions are welcome. I'm gone mad, trying to solve this.. :pac:

Changed the power steering fluid and it has solved the stiffness issue. The power steering fluid was black, so it's not surprising that it was stiff..

job seeker

As for the octane booster.. How much should I add? How often, should I use it?

Would this do the job?

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?storeId=11101&productId=274575&srch=octane+&categoryId=301667&langId=-1&catalogId=15551

NickNickleby

Hi JS

Did the noise stop after you changed the power steering fluid? Did you check for leaks? Before you changed it, was it full?

Cheers,
Nick

job seeker

NickNickleby wrote: »

Hi JS

Did the noise stop after you changed the power steering fluid? Did you check for leaks? Before you changed it, was it full?

Cheers,
Nick

The ticking is still there, ya, I checked for leaking and there was no sign of any leaks. The power steering oil was full. But it was black. So it was due a change. This however only solved the power steering stiffness. Thanks for your help.

NickNickleby

Hi JS,
With the benefit of a couple of pints on a Friday evening.....

Having re-read your first post, are you saying the noise isn't there if the car isn't moving???

Staying with the pinking symptoms for the moment,
In my limited and uneducated experience, pinking is worse when under load, ie low speed in a high gear. Is that happening?

If the sound is related to speed (rather than engine RPM) might it something ridiculously simple like a stone in a tyre????

is the noise definitely coming from the engine. Usually noises can be found to be emanating from a very obvious part of the vehicle. Perhaps ask someone else to listen and ask them where they think its coming from. I heard a squeak recently and it turned out to be a seat belt which only squeaked when someone was in the passenger seat.

Ahh, the joys of motoring.

Cheers
NN

job seeker

NickNickleby wrote: »

Hi JS,
With the benefit of a couple of pints on a Friday evening.....

Having re-read your first post, are you saying the noise isn't there if the car isn't moving???

Staying with the pinking symptoms for the moment,
In my limited and uneducated experience, pinking is worse when under load, ie low speed in a high gear. Is that happening?

If the sound is related to speed (rather than engine RPM) might it something ridiculously simple like a stone in a tyre????

is the noise definitely coming from the engine. Usually noises can be found to be emanating from a very obvious part of the vehicle. Perhaps ask someone else to listen and ask them where they think its coming from. I heard a squeak recently and it turned out to be a seat belt which only squeaked when someone was in the passenger seat.

Ahh, the joys of motoring.

Cheers
NN

Hi Nick, I updated in the second post..

job seeker wrote: »

I have noticed that the ticking sound is happening on idle, there isn't any engine management light on. There seems to be a slight loss of power also. Lastly, it seems to stop, when the car is at 4/5k rpm..

Anyone that knows about cars have any idea.?

So unfortunately it is happening on idle.

Yes, indeed when im in 4th or 5th at 2000rpm the noise is more noticeable. However this maybe due to the low rev and only the ticking sound been heard. But can't tell if it's any worse so too speak.

That was the first thing I checked was for stones stuck in tyres, but unfortunately not..

It seems to be on the driver side of the engine.


_________________

Another idea that crossed my mind, was to carry out an Italian tune up. I just wonder if it would be safe enough. As if it was, I'd take a chance on it.

Also, going to buy the octane booster tomorrow morning as well as topping it up with good petrol too see if there is a difference. Just wondering how much octane boost should I add to the tank. 1 bottle be enough? Or am I as well too add the 2 bottles?

Thanks for all the help so far folks, every and any suggestions/ideas geatly appreciated...

PANADOL

job seeker wrote: »

I have noticed that the ticking sound is happening on idle, there isn't any engine management light on. There seems to be a slight loss of power also. Lastly, it seems to stop, when the car is at 4/5k rpm..

Anyone that knows about cars have any idea.?

cv joint front wheels

imnorobot

probably tappets / hydraulic lifters

is it due an oil change ?

Esel

job seeker wrote: »

As for the octane booster.. How much should I add? How often, should I use it?

Would this do the job?

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?storeId=11101&productId=274575&srch=octane+&categoryId=301667&langId=-1&catalogId=15551

Follow the instructions - a bottle per tank. You might get a cheaper version in your local motor factor.

Bigus

If it's in it at idle it's not pinking. Sounds mechanical fault , keep the revs low til you show it to a mechanic.

Toyotafanboi

imnorobot wrote: »

probably tappets / hydraulic lifters

is it due an oil change ?

I reckon so. Seen a few higher mileage Yaris ticking under acceleration like that.

The sisters hadn't had an oil change in around 4 years, it was like tar and it started ticking real bad. Done two oil changes in quick succession with good brand 10w40 and it brought it back good.

job seeker

PANADOL wrote: »

cv joint front wheels

I had it too a mechanic and he said the cv joint is perfect.

job seeker

imnorobot wrote: »

probably tappets / hydraulic lifters

is it due an oil change ?

Funnily enough, it had an a full service 200 miles ago.

Edit: However, 5w30 was used instead of 10w40. If that makes a difference.

job seeker

Bigus wrote: »

If it's in it at idle it's not pinking. Sounds mechanical fault , keep the revs low til you show it to a mechanic.

I did indeed show it, he first thought it was a dodgy spark plug. So I bought a new one and tested them myself. So I eliminated that idea, as they were fine. He now thinks it's dirty petrol as I explained too him. That I filled up the tank before noticing the ticking sound.

job seeker

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

I reckon so. Seen a few higher mileage Yaris ticking under acceleration like that.

The sisters hadn't had an oil change in around 4 years, it was like tar and it started ticking real bad. Done two oil changes in quick succession with good brand 10w40 and it brought it back good.

I know the sound indeed. On our old Yaris, that was happening as we didn't service it in 100k or 2 years. But from memory, I seem to recall that been a very rough ticking sound.. This wouldn't be as bad...

job seeker

Esel wrote: »

Follow the instructions - a bottle per tank. You might get a cheaper version in your local motor factor.

Bought it this morning and followed the instructions. Topped up the tank after. Haven't seen any difference apart I've seen is that the ticking isn't present on idle. However was expecting for the ticking sound to be gone straight away..

Edit: The power seems fine also..

job seeker

Thanks everyone for the help/advice, any suggestions at all is much appreciated.

shietpilot

Timing chain?

Esel

It's a time-bomb! Sell it quick!

job seeker

shietpilot wrote: »

Timing chain?

Funnily enough that did cross my mind. However the timing chain had a rattle on our old Yaris. It doesn't sound like it at all. I must get a video footage of this..

job seeker

Esel wrote: »

It's a time-bomb! Sell it quick!

Not sure if serious, however it's only after getting a brand new headlight and has a fresh n.c.t. So I was hoping too hold onto it for this year. Known my luck, the headlight is probly cursed. :pac:

Esel

job seeker wrote: »

Not sure if serious, however it's only after getting a brand new headlight and has a fresh n.c.t. So I was hoping too hold onto it for this year. Known my luck, the headlight is probly cursed. :pac:

Not serious. Ticking sound...

job seeker

Esel wrote: »

Not serious. Ticking sound...

Ah, got ya..

Update

So I've just done a 70 mile trip and drove it hard. Too try and solve this dirty petrol problem.. I think it may not be dirty petrol at all.

I have noticed that the stiffness in the steering isn't gone at all. :eek: When driving at 5km/h it's very stiff, as the speed climbs, the stiffness goes gradually. I'm flat out at 100kph the steering is fine. If I stop at a roundabout to yield to traffic coming from my right, then take off, the steering is very stiff.

So, I'm now assuming that the problem is that, the power steering pump is given up.. Would this cause a ticking sound?

Thanks

NickNickleby

Hi JS,

I'm no expert in power steering pumps (or anything else , if the truth be told), but certainly that was the first thing I thought of, when you originally mentioned ticking and steering issues. I'm afraid I've no idea how to diagnose such a problem.

So, starting from a position of complete ignorance, I suggest:

Check the Internet or better still a Haynes Manual for the location of the ps pump. Then simply try to listen for the sound in that general area.

I would advise major caution before playing with any belts or pulleys. Make sure you don't interfere in any way with the timing belt. Hopefully its not the same belt as the one on the steering pump.

Good luck,
NN

Hal1

Does it 'tick over' like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-H1ZaoqCtw

job seeker

Hal1 wrote: »

Does it 'tick over' like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-H1ZaoqCtw

No, it is nearly noni existent on idle. More noticeable around the 2000rpm mark.

Thanks

job seeker

NickNickleby wrote: »

Hi JS,

I'm no expert in power steering pumps (or anything else , if the truth be told), but certainly that was the first thing I thought of, when you originally mentioned ticking and steering issues. I'm afraid I've no idea how to diagnose such a problem.

So, starting from a position of complete ignorance, I suggest:

Check the Internet or better still a Haynes Manual for the location of the ps pump. Then simply try to listen for the sound in that general area.

I would advise major caution before playing with any belts or pulleys. Make sure you don't interfere in any way with the timing belt. Hopefully its not the same belt as the one on the steering pump.

Good luck,
NN

That's a good idea. I have a Haynes manual. I'll have a look into it on Thursday as I am not at home until then. Have to repeat a college exam..

job seeker

So the plot thickens ... Got the power steering pump swapped and while the steering is perfect, the ticking sound remains..

Here is a video. It seems to be coming from where my finger is pointing.. This is when its on idle. But the engine is cold. When it gets up to temperature it's not as loud..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKo2u_7EdK0

shietpilot

It sounds like it's running on 3 cylinders to me! Remove the coilpack (the black thing with the wire going to it) and swap with with cylinder 4 or something and see if the noise goes to the other side of the engine!

I haven't read the rest of the thread but it also could be a bad spark plug. Try swapping the coils first though.

job seeker

shietpilot wrote: »

It sounds like it's running on 3 cylinders to me! Remove the coilpack (the black thing with the wire going to it) and swap with with cylinder 4 or something and see if the noise goes to the other side of the engine!

I haven't read the rest of the thread but it also could be a bad spark plug. Try swapping the coils first though.

The mechanic checked the cylinders and they are grand. Originally we thought it was a spark plug. But it wasn't that either unfortunately. But the strangest thing is, I have no engine management light on..

Thanks anyway for your help..

job seeker

Could it be that I put 5w30 oil in on the last service instead 10w40?

shietpilot

job seeker wrote: »

Could it be that I put 5w30 oil in on the last service instead 10w40?

I have been using 5w30 for a few years in mine (same engine) and it's been running fine.

shietpilot

job seeker wrote: »

The mechanic checked the cylinders and they are grand. Originally we thought it was a spark plug. But it wasn't that either unfortunately. But the strangest thing is, I have no engine management light on..

Thanks anyway for your help..

Unplug the cable for the first coilpack and start the engine and see if it sounds different maybe? It will run for 5 seconds and cut out and won't start again until you plug it in.

If it sounds the same with coilpack unplugged for the first 5 seconds then there's a problem with the coilpack obviously.

job seeker

shietpilot wrote: »

Unplug the cable for the first coilpack and start the engine and see if it sounds different maybe? It will run for 5 seconds and cut out and won't start again until you plug it in.

If it sounds the same with coilpack unplugged for the first 5 seconds then there's a problem with the coilpack obviously.

The coil pack is this one?

Pic is sideways for some reason..

shietpilot

Coilpacks are what's connected to the spark plugs and there are four of them, 3 under the airbox and one can be seen in your previous video. I would take 2 out and see if it changes the location of the sound.

job seeker

shietpilot wrote: »

Coilpacks are what's connected to the spark plugs and there are four of them, 3 under the airbox and one can be seen in your previous video. I would take 2 out and see if it changes the location of the sound.

Aw, right.. Apologies for my lack of knowledge in this area..

job seeker

shietpilot wrote: »

I would take 2 out and see if it changes the location of the sound.

Tried this, the noise is still in the same location...

shietpilot wrote: »

Unplug the cable for the first coilpack and start the engine and see if it sounds different maybe.

Also tried this and the sound is still there...

JohnBoy26

Id get the sump dropped to make sure their is no blockage. It sounds like something that is starved of oil tbh.

job seeker

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Id get the sump dropped to make sure their is no blockage. It sounds like something that is starved of oil tbh.

I see, well it has always got a service when due. If it was starved of oil, would the oil light be coming on?


Also the mechanic that was doing the other work for me was like today "Ah sure just drive it on, be grand" :eek:

JohnBoy26

job seeker wrote: »

I see, well it has always got a service when due. If it was starved of oil, would the oil light be coming on?


Also the mechanic that was doing the other work for me was like today "Ah sure just drive it on, be grand" :eek:

No the oil light won't illuminate unless the oil is actually low. You have minded it well yourself but who know what neglect it got in the past. Im not saying it's definitely the problem but it's worth doing it anyway for piece of mind.

Another benefit of doing this is it will get every drop of old oil out of the sump so you will be starting with 100% fresh oil in the sump.

job seeker

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

No the oil light won't illuminate unless the oil is actually low. You have minded it well yourself but who know what neglect it got in the past. Im not saying it's definitely the problem but it's worth doing it anyway for piece of mind.

Another benefit of doing this is it will get every drop of old oil out of the sump so you will be starting with 100% fresh oil in the sump.

It got a brand new sump in our ownership, back 2 years ago (1 year after buying it) As the sump leaked oil because the previous owner fixed a crack with fiberglass. However I can still do this if you feel it should be done..

JohnBoy26

job seeker wrote: »

It got a brand new sump in our ownership, back 2 years ago (1 year after buying it) As the sump leaked oil because the previous owner fixed a crack with fiberglass. However I can still do this if you feel it should be done..

If it's been done in the last 2 years and the oil pick up was cleaned then I don't think there is any need