My Vibe (2004, base, automatic) is making a ticking noise at low idle (700-800 rpm), or when it gets close to a stop (<1000 rpm, after releasing the gas pedal). The noise goes away as soon as I press the gas again. I wonder if it's the same as what some of you refer as "VSV noise". When the engine is warmed up, I hear this noise permanently (when the engine is at idle), even inside the car. It sounds like an engine noise. I asked the dealer to listen to it, and they said it was normal, as the engine has a timing chain… Is a timing chain so noisy that it can be heard inside the car? In addition, occasionally I hear a clicking noise, coming from the driver's side. This one lasts for a few seconds and then goes away. Most frequently, it occurs when I stop the car and shift into park. At that time, the rpm increases to 1000, and I hear the clicking noise right in front of me (I would say it originates next to the air filter). What do you guys think?
Hard to know from your description...My car does seem more "clicky" then other cars but sounds fine...something I'd kinda have to hear to say...As to the VSV, that usually only becomes suspect if the user has installed a CAI. If you're still stock, the VSV is likely not the cause.
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!
I paid a visit today to the dealer, and asked them to listen to the engine. They said that the engine sounded fine. The noise that I am hearing is, according to them, the injectors ticking (due to the engine design, the injectors are positioned high under the engine cover, and that's why they are noisy). I am more confident now that there is nothing wrong with my engine...