Ticking sound while cold

[seahawkdodge]

2013 Passat, 112k miles.
When the engine is cold, there is a very pronounced ticking noise while driving. It is much louder than the normal lifter noise, and louder than the initial ticking that lasts about 5 seconds after startup.
It is most noticable in the lower RPMs, 1000 - 3000rpm, under part throttle. It will do this all the way until the engine temperature gauge hits 190.
When the engine is at normal operating temperature, it is not present.

I started noticing this a few months ago. The dealership just changed the head gasket and timing belt, and it didn't change.

I would say it is progressively getting worse as time goes on.

I can try and get a recording of the sound.

Any ideas what this might be?

 

[Tom in PT]

Can you tell where the sound is coming from at idle, standing next to the car?

 

[seahawkdodge]

You don't really hear it at idle. It only seems to be there under load.

 

[seahawkdodge]

I took audio of it (video) this morning. Not sure if this is going to work, but I am trying to post it.


Video of ticking sound

 

[pedroYUL]

Which engine oil are you using?

 

[AverageAndy]

I've had to replace 2 injectors, at separate times. Both times symptoms were cold weather cold engine related, starting slowly then getting progressively worse over a few months. Noticeable ticking noises (more pronounced but similar to yours), usually around 1500-1800 RPM. Symptoms progress to engine stumbling, bucking like the transmission is bad, then triggering a code (for me P1004 and later P1007). Codes may be intermittent and self-clear at times.

Maybe scan for any pending codes and if you see a P1004, P1005, P1006 or P1007, consider resetting that injector or preparing to replace it. For me personally, resetting didn't help, but my symptoms were much worse than yours sound. I think you can also check through VCDS for the actual torque difference in the cylinders and see if maybe one is slightly different from others, but still within normal parameters.

 

[DivineChaos]

While cold... Outside temp? Probably diesel knock. Mine has the old diesel knock for a bit when it's cold outside. It's a cylinder not igniting. Right. Almost sounds like either knock if your familiar.

 

[seahawkdodge]

I am using liquid moly oil, of the correct specifications.

It happens regardless of outside temperature, but before the engine is at operating temperature.

It didn't start happening until right after 100k miles. The dealership said they did a full reset of the injectors when they replaced the head gasket and turbo.

 

[oilhammer]

It is called "nailing", and the CKRAs seem to do it a lot, fairly common. You can try resetting/re-entering the injector IDs, that sometimes helps. Some are worse than others. I notice it on more of them than not.

 

[seahawkdodge]

Thank you all for your input. I am going to see if the dealership will replace the injectors under warranty. I am pretty sure VW is ready for this warranty to expire.

 

[jafische]

How do you reset injector IDs? Through VCDS?
I ask because mine is progressively getting clickier.

 

[AverageAndy]

Yes, through VCDS. If you follow these instructions for a new injector (see link below), but enter an implausible number, save it, then re-enter the original injector number, save it. This should reset your specific injector. The reset is injector specific, so if you want to reset all, you would have to do this 4 times. There may be an actual reset function button, but I am not sure if this does the same thing.

2.0L CR TDI - Ross-Tech Wiki

wiki.ross-tech.com

VCDS would also let you know if there is a pending code for an injector, such as P1004-1007, before any MIL light shows up. If no pending codes, you can see the pressure/torque values of each cylinder and possibly identify an outlier.

 

[jjblbi]

I had the same issue recently which worsened as the temps got colder, eventually threw the P1007 code. I changed the fuel filter (it was due - 240k service) topping off canister with PowerService and used 1/2 bottle of Chevron 266373272 Techron D Concentrate Diesel Fuel System Cleaner, 20 fl. oz. for my next two tanks. I was ready to replace my injectors and thought I'd give it a try. At ~$50 vs. $500 it was worth a shot for me and worked. I have 241k miles now. Good luck, John