I have a 2005 2.0 L&G Tdi estate which has developed an intermittent dinging noise - just like a bicycle bell. In fact, it sounds like the "fasten seat-belts" warning sound.

I can't tell where it's coming from; one minute it sounds as though it's in the steering-wheel area, and the next it seems to be coming from the rear seat.

It's the same effect as a dripping tap - once you know it's there it drives you mad.

Any suggestions as to what it might be, please?

Edited 26 December, 200817 yr by KBAKER

do you have an ice warning unit on you car, as mine makes a similar noise when the temp falls to around 4degrees.

Could it be that?

Does your L&K have leccy seats? Mine does, and when you set the memory function you get a "ping" noise as confirmation that you have pressed the memory button. Maybe something pressing on this button or a short?

Otherwise agree with the low outside temp warning "ping" mentioned above.

Is handbrake fully off?, it will sound an alarm if not (even if very slightly on)

Welcome aboard, lost of useful info here, and many helpful people too,

Sounds like the car's audible warning system. If it happens when you are driving along look for an error message in the MFD (common reasons are snowflake symbol if it is cold, seat belt not done up, door not closed properly). If it happens jst after you switch the engine off then it will most likely be because you have left the blinker stalk up or down (this also functions as a "parking lights on one side" switch).

It may be worth reading your owner's manual, as there is all sorts of useful info in there (including the above).

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

The "ding" is not as loud as the one that sounds for the low temperature warning, or the seat-belt warning. It is more muffled, as though the bell itself is loose and is catching on something when I corner or go over a bump.

Does anyone know whether there is an actual bell, or whether the sound is electronic?

It will be electronic.

Possibly it is something else other than the electrics. Maybe something it loose, like a piece of trim. Best way is to remove everything you can from glove box, ash tray, boot etc so there is nothing rolling around like a tin can, loose nut or washer in the spare tyre well etc then see if noise is still there.

Handy to drive around with someone else sat in each spare seat to see if they can hear the noise - a noise which sounds to you like it is coming from the glovebox could actually be coming from the boot-strange how noise travels in a car!