What causes the abnormal noise when starting an Audi A3?
2 Answers
Audi A3 has abnormal noise when starting for the following reasons: Gear reset stagnation: If the noise only occurs at the moment of starting and disappears after starting, it is likely to be the abnormal noise of the starting motor. This is caused by the aging of the starting motor coil, which leads to the stagnation of the starting gear reset. This kind of noise is usually a series of sharp metal knocking sounds, which disappear after starting. Aging of rubber materials: If the noise occurs after starting and disappears after a while or when the engine is hot, it may be the abnormal noise of the belt at the front of the engine. This is generally caused by the aging and dryness of rubber materials. This kind of noise is usually very sharp and mostly occurs when the car is cold. Once the belt is heated and softened, the noise will immediately become smaller or disappear.
I just bought an Audi A3 and for the first two years, there was always this annoying squeaking noise when starting up. After some troubleshooting, I realized it was due to a loose or cracked belt—when the engine was cold, the rubber hardened and caused slipping sounds. Another time, it was the tensioner pulley bearing that went bad, producing a humming noise, so it had to be replaced immediately. The air conditioning compressor or water pump seizing up could also cause squeaking, especially noticeable after rainy days. My advice is not to delay—record the sound with your phone, check the belt tension or oil level, and take it to a repair shop for a quick fix. Regular maintenance, like replacing the belt, can prevent this issue—don’t wait until it snaps and causes bigger problems. Audi parts are quite durable, but minor noises should be addressed early to avoid costly repairs later.
