Hi Everyone,

I'm a new owner to a lovely 05 Skoda Fabia Estate 1.2 Ambiente in Graphite Grey.

It's been great so far - FSH and like new in every way, however I've just noticed that there is a rattling/tinking/knocking noise coming from the engine department.

After some testing it appears that it only occurs when under initial acceleration going uphill or on level ground but not downhill - so basically when the engine is under load. When the AC is off the noise doesn't happen at all, when the AC is on the noise occurs in every gear while it is under minimal rev's (2-3k rpm) but I never drive so slow that the engine struggling, the knocking noise does seem to disappear when I am heavier with the right foot! I don't know whether the noise stops or whether it is masked by the increase in engine, road and wind noise.

The AC was regassed before I took ownership (last week) and it is blowing lovely and cold, whereas it was warm on the test drive. I was told that the gas was low, when it was checked, that it was topped up and that there was no leaks in the system and that it held it's charge.

I just wanted to know whether this has been experienced before and is some kind of normal "design feature", or whether anyone knows what the cause could be?

Any ideas anyone?

Cheers!

Edited 15 August, 201015 yr by SkodaFabiaOwner

The aircon compressor normally does make some noise, mine sounds a bit rattly when it first starts, but quietens down a bit.

Perhaps they have not put enough oil in the compressor (It is mixed in with the refrigerant gas).

Welcome to the forum, by the way!

I just wanted to add that it seems to happen without AC as well, but the noise is not as noticeable, perhaps because the AC isn't sapping some of the power.

Is it possible that it's just the noise of the cam chain behaving normally? Or might it need adjusting? It's only covered 40K and just had a full service. I've never had a car with a cam chain before. so it could just be something I'm not used to.

It's not really loud it's quite a high pitched knocking/tinking noise when at low revs, as I say the engine is not struggling and stuttering but perhaps it's because I'm not pushing it enough?

Does anyone know where the cam chain and oil filter are on the 1.2 engine? As I can't seem to see them. Also if my engine does have a cam chain, does anyone know what the belts to the left hand side of the engine are for? Perhaps the alternator?

Cheers!

I'm still looking for a response to my reply above, but also could the knocking problem be due to worn anti roll bar bushes? if so would this get picked up in an MOT? As it just had an MOT done last week...

Many thanks!

You wont see trhe cam chain, its in the engine. Oil filter is the black plastic cap above the alternator.

The belt on the left runs the water pump and alternator and compressor.

Had quite a few of the water pumps make a knocking noise like the one you describe, id get it checked out.