Hello.

I have an Octavia II 1.4, 2 years old. Lately it developed a permanent mid-loud "whining" noise while the engine is running. The noise is not dependant on the rpm, neither on if the engine is hot or cold. When im ouside and also when i went under the car, it seems to come from the back of the car. The only way i managed to make the noise change its frequency is when i put high load on the battery, e.g. switch AC, rear window heat, and both electric windows on/up, the noise changes frequency for a few seconds...

Im clueless what could make such a noise in the back... Is the fuel pump at the back around the tank? or maybe a filter or something? I thought the exaust, but then it would change frequency when the rpm go up...

Thanks in advance for any advices... Im gonna do a service in Dec, just wondered if i should maybe stop driving immediately.

Best,

ignis.

PS. My english is far from perfect, but i hope "whining" is the proper term

With an increase in frequency under electrical load, I would be suspicious of the alternator drive-shaft bearings, but that doesn't tie in with a noise from the rear of the car.

Your wife or girlfriend aren't in the car when it happens are they?

Your wife or girlfriend aren't in the car when it happens are they?

even more disturbing is the 1.4 engine in the front!

I was ont eh same lines, though actually my thought was the kids.

I believe that the fuel pump will be int he tank with the sender unit, if not separarte. They can sgtart to whine when they are becoming worn, though can do so for their whole lives without problem, it should be covered by warranty

I was ont eh same lines, though actually my thought was the kids.

The fuel pump in my Fabia doesn't whine and it pumps as least as much fuel as yours.

Maybe you should threaten it with working as the rear window-washer pump if it doesn't stop immediately?

Your wife or girlfriend aren't in the car when it happens are they?

lol or even worse the mother in law !

LOL @ the wife and kids suggestions

1.4 - i know, i know.... it was the cheapest possible, and i was sorry several times already, nore more year to end leasing and ill get a better one.

alternator - i dont believe so, its really something at the back, no real noise at the engine...

fuel pump/sender... well they will tell me when i send it in for service. Notice- its only 10k km. Do you think if it relaly IS the pump or the sender, its dangerous, like getting a fuel leak or whatever.... should i go to service immediately?

Thanks to all for the advices. No i tested for whining also without the wife/kids/mother in law in the vehicle. :rofl:

i did think wife option, but have you checked the rear speakers for the noise, just wondering if its electrical intereference?

i did think wife option, but have you checked the rear speakers for the noise, just wondering if its electrical intereference?

try and guess if i have rear speakers.... :( still thanks for the hint

noise seems to come from under, though i cant confirm 100%. so its most audible when outside.

just thinking of a problem i had years ago where if there was interference it would come through the speakers even if the radio was turned down.

Have you looked around the wheels for any debris caught up in them like shrink wrap?

just thinking of a problem i had years ago where if there was interference it would come through the speakers even if the radio was turned down.

Have you looked around the wheels for any debris caught up in them like shrink wrap?

yes i checked... but the noise is permanent, even when the car is stopped. it starts with the start of the engine, is there while driving, and stops when the engine is switched off...

yes i checked... but the noise is permanent, even when the car is stopped. it starts with the start of the engine, is there while driving, and stops when the engine is switched off...

It does sound something like the fuel pump to me. Whatever it is, it has to be something that's running all the time and not just when the car is moving.

I can't actually think of anything else that runs full time from the rear of the car, even when stationary apart from the fuel pump. Is it a fairly high pitched whining noise or more like a deep groan? (No funny comments!!)

It does sound something like the fuel pump to me. Whatever it is, it has to be something that's running all the time and not just when the car is moving.

I can't actually think of anything else that runs full time from the rear of the car, even when stationary apart from the fuel pump. Is it a fairly high pitched whining noise or more like a deep groan? (No funny comments!!)

Its high-pitch. when inside the car most audible from the back seats.

Im also now nearly sure its the fuel pump.... why is the fuel pump located at the back?? I always thought its in the front, close to the engine.

Is it dangerous? if the pump breaks down, what happens? (me -> noob :confused:)

Thanks a lot.

have you tried driving and applying the brakes (gently) at the same time?

have you tried driving and applying the brakes (gently) at the same time?

Well I havent tried that specifically, but i just parked in the garage 5 minutes ago... at approach i was slowly slowing down, so i was gently applying the brakes while on neutral gear... noise was there, and frequency didnt change either.

I have the feeling the noise increased in power a bit... though it could be my imagination, as the only thing i hear now while im driving is this damned noise... i even have the feeling the power is lower (lol you dont get a lot out of the 1.4 anyhows, so i also assume its just my imagination)...

Tnx for the tip anyway

PS: electrical load makes everything go down, including rpm, engine noise, etc... (lol), so yeah the change of frequency could be connected to the side effect of the load, not to the load itself (e.g. the lower rpm).

so would could it be thats electrical from the rear? just the fuel pump?

As a one time mechanic and garage owner I will reassert my opinion. It will be the fuel pump, it is either located alongside the tank int he line running from it, or is part of a single unit with the fuel gauge sender unit. The latter became common fromt eh mid 90s on and I assume that is where it will be. I have never come across one causing nay danger, they whine and whine then fail. When they fail they simply stick and don't pump. Electric pumps for fuel injection systems are, as far as I can think, on all makes and models always at, or in, the tank. It should be replaced under warranty as faulty, due to the noise, though may last the life of the car in that state. Certainly don't give in if the garage try to tell you it doesn't need changing.

On safety all vehicles with pressurised fuel systems (i.e. all now) are fiited with a sensor/switch which cuts the power to the pump in the event of any sudden knock to the vehicle (such as from a bump). In the early fittings it was not unknown for the charva in his Corsa SRi/Escort XR3i, oe usch, to come a cropper due to driving at 'show my mates how great I am' speeds over speed humps. Bang, bump, bang over the hump and then the car rolls to a stop with the engine stopped. Worth a good £20+ to reset the switch (OK to press it back in) and watch the fun of mates and charvettes surrounding the hapless driver with 'encouraging' chants.

As a one time mechanic and garage owner I will reassert my opinion. It will be the fuel pump, it is either located alongside the tank int he line running from it, or is part of a single unit with the fuel gauge sender unit. The latter became common fromt eh mid 90s on and I assume that is where it will be. I have never come across one causing nay danger, they whine and whine then fail. When they fail they simply stick and don't pump. Electric pumps for fuel injection systems are, as far as I can think, on all makes and models always at, or in, the tank. It should be replaced under warranty as faulty, due to the noise, though may last the life of the car in that state. Certainly don't give in if the garage try to tell you it doesn't need changing.

Thanks a lot fo the exhaustive explanation

For now as seen from all the replies and from the observations i will assume it IS the pump. When i bring it in for service ill make sure to ask, and i will post here the real issue for everyone else with similar problems to have a tip.

Thanks go to all who posted the suggestions.

Drive safe,

ignis.

i actually think my octavia does this too! id be interested in the result!

Sorry couldn't resist!

Tried feeding the dog in the back lately?

Or is the dog still on the lead attached to your towbar?