Chinn_03_2.7t

the problem. The noise seemed like a high pitched grinding noise, like a band saw, sounded like metal on metal to me. It was really loud the 1st (Monday) & 2nd (Tuesday) times I started engine cold a week ago. Did not drive it either time. Smoke came out from under the car the second day I started it, I quickly turned it off and I have not seen the smoke again.

The third time I started it (Thursday) the noise was present but was not as loud. The noise seemed to go away after it warmed up and the choke turned off. Same thing on the 4th start up (Friday), I then drove it to my indy mechanic. I did not hear the noise while driving it. The Indy thinks the noise is coming from the left turbo but he is not sure, he said the noise is defineatly from the back left section of the engine as you face it. I did not notice any loss of power when I drove it either. No engine CEL codes or alarms.

Can it be a turbo impellor? Why is the noise present when the engine is cold? Is it a sign of complete failure to come? Any other ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Edd W

very rare on a car as late as an 03 because of the improvements made on the later cars.

I would hope for you that there is a simple explanation but it does not sound good.

The auxiliary air pump can be noisy but that is located in the centre of the engine. It does not run every time you start depending on conditions at the time - engine temp, ambient temp etc.

oskidunker

I have been told by a local dealer that the Turbos are covered until 70,000 miles under the emissions warranty.

LuvnhatemyA6

This sounds like a metallic ratcheting noise.

On my 2.7T I get it for about 2-3s on a cold startup, the colder the more likely it is.

It is possible you have it, but for longer.

I can prevent it my doing the "start it twice" routine. First start, turn over but turn off before it starts. Second time, start as normal. Hey presto, no noise.

Chinn_03_2.7t

Thanks for your replies.

Another post on another forum suggested possibly a secondary air pump. I am told this comes on to heat up the catalytic convertor. Any thoughts on this?

LuvnhatemyA6

and a high-pitched screaming noise.

Unlikely to be loudest at idle.

RSC

The noise usually goes away after warmup. But if it's turbo, I don't think the noise will go away.

LuvnhatemyA6

BTW, the first step should be finding a new mechanic.

quattro2turbo

Is that covered under 4year/50k with a complaint of this noise?

Grapeking

secondary air injector. That is located on the driver's side of the engine (U.S cars), near the brake booster. You are certain the noise is coming from the other side of the engine.

The smoke you mention - is it coming from the exhaust?