Noise at idle

I've searched, but haven't found anything similar.

While at a stop or under light acceleration (in gear), I hear what sounds like a 'clapping' or light popping noise. It seems to be rythmic, 10-12 knocks, then stops, and may reoccur several times on a short drive. As near as I can tell, it is coming from the passenger side of the engine bay, I can't seem to localize it better than that. It happens at operating temp, and while cold.

It sounds like some kind of valve popping, but I'm new to TDI's.

It is a 2006.5, DSG, 18,000 miles.

I'll probably take it in to the dealer, but seeing as how it is intermittent, I like to see what everyone here thinks.

Thanks in advance.

I've got the same clicking noise as you describe. I've often wondered if it was normal or not, but it's been there as long as I can remember, and I've got 66,000 miles now....

I've got the exact same thing. Not REALLY concerned but it would be nice to know what it is.

same here. it is consistent with the heater/ac coming on... i think it is some airduct opening...

i am not concerned..

I forgot to mention, it seems to be independent of the A/C compressor being on. Most of the time that I have noticed it, the compressor has been off.

I appreciate the feedback. If it is normal, I would love to be enlightened and know what the heck it is , since I'm a newbie.

Orbital TDI said:

I forgot to mention, it seems to be independent of the A/C compressor being on. Most of the time that I have noticed it, the compressor has been off.

I appreciate the feedback. If it is normal, I would love to be enlightened and know what the heck it is , since I'm a newbie.

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Mine is the same. I hear it with the AC and or vent on or off.

Sure its not the fuel pump?

No, that wouldn't really make sense. Its a series of 10-12... for lack of a better work... clicks, then goes right away.

Orbital TDI said:

I forgot to mention, it seems to be independent of the A/C compressor being on. Most of the time that I have noticed it, the compressor has been off.

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Just for future reference, the A/C compresssor is ALWAYS spinning in these cars (variable displacement pump). Not sure of the rationale behind this, but its what VW did.

Is the sound "in rhythm" with the engine (speed up with increasing revs)?

zanakas said:

Is the sound "in rhythm" with the engine (speed up with increasing revs)?

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No, it is always the same speed no matter what RPM the engine is at. (yes, I do hold the idle at 1200 somtimes.)

I have the same noise. Often wondered what it was myself. I always thought of it coming from the drivers side though?

I think this noise has to do with the Climatronic in my Pkg 2 if you are describing the same noise I hear all of the time in my car, I haven't noticed this in my friends Pkg 0 car. I leave mine on Econ about 80-85% of the time.

I don't have climatronic. So it is not releated to that.