As you drive your vehicle, be aware of its operating characteristics and normal sounds from the engine, transmission, driveline, exhaust system and tires. Excessively loud or abnormal sounds fall into the category of “noises”. They can be very helpful to service technicians when diagnosing the cause of a problem. The following definitions of common noises are provided to assist you in completing the diagnostic worksheet.
NOISE DEFINITIONS
BOOM – Rhythms sound like a drum roll or distant thunder. May cause pressure on ear drum.
BUZZ – Low pitched sound, something like a bee. Usually associated with vibrations.
CHATTER – Rapid repeating metallic sound.
CHUCKLE – Rapid noise that sounds like a stick against spokes of a bicycle wheel.
CHIRP – High-pitched rapidly repeating sound, like chirping birds.
CLICK – Light sounds, like a ball-point pen being clicked.
CLUNK/THUMP – Heavy metal to metal sound, like a hammer striking steel.
GRIND – Abrasive sound, like a grinding wheel or sandpaper rubbing against wood.
GROAN/MOAN – Continuous, low-pitched humming sound.
GROWL/HOWL – Low, guttural sound, like an angry dog.
HISS – Continuous sound like air escaping from a balloon.
HUM – Continuous sound of varying frequencies, like a wire humming in the wind.
KNOCK – Heavy, loud, repeating sound like a knock on a door.
PING – Similar to knock, except at higher frequency.
RATTLE – A sound suggesting looseness, such as marbles rolling around in a can.
ROAR – Deep, long, prolonged sound like an animal, or winds and ocean waves.
RUMBLE – Low, heavy, continuous sound like that made by wagons or thunder.
SQUEAK – High-pitched sound, like rubbing a clean window.
TAP – Light, hammering sound like tapping a pencil on edge of table. May be rhythmic or intermittent.
WHIR/WHINE – High-pitched buzzing sound, like an electric motor or drill.
WHISTLE – Sharp, shrill sound like wind passing a small opening.
