Why does the Lavida make a ticking noise at idle that disappears when accelerating?
3 Answers
Lavida making a ticking noise at idle that disappears when accelerating is caused by a faulty carbon canister purge valve, which is recommended to be replaced. Function of the carbon canister purge valve: The carbon canister purge valve is a device installed in cars or motorcycles to reduce air pollution caused by fuel evaporation emissions while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency. When the engine is off, the vehicle's activated carbon canister begins absorbing fuel vapors evaporating from the fuel tank, trapping them firmly within the micropores of the activated carbon in the canister, preventing the vapors from being released into the atmosphere. When the engine is started, the fuel vapors adsorbed in the carbon canister are then delivered to the engine as fuel. Method to determine if it's damaged: The activated carbon canister purge valve operates intermittently. When the hose on the carbon canister purge valve is disconnected, wait for the valve to activate, then partially block the valve with your hand. If you can feel the valve continuously sucking air or not reacting at all, this indicates that the valve is damaged.
I drive the same Lavida model and have also experienced the ticking sound at idle that disappears when accelerating. After some investigation and a visit to the repair shop, I found it was caused by excessive valve clearance. At low idle speeds, the valves don't open and close precisely enough, causing the ticking sound. When you accelerate and increase the RPM, the sound gets masked or the clearance adjusts to become smaller, making it naturally disappear. This is quite common, especially in older cars where valve wear increases the clearance. If left unaddressed, it can lead to increased fuel consumption and reduced power. I recommend not ignoring it—first, check the valve components for any looseness or signs of wear. Timely adjustment can resolve the issue and prevent more severe problems like cylinder scoring. The maintenance manual also mentions that regular upkeep can prevent such noises and improve driving comfort, saving you money and hassle in the long run.
As a car enthusiast, I've found that the noise from the Lavida is usually caused by unstable fuel injector operation during idle. The sound quiets down when accelerating as higher RPM stabilizes fuel injection. Dirty injectors or carbon buildup can obstruct fuel flow, creating a tapping noise that resembles a small hammer. I recommend inspecting the fuel injection system, cleaning carbon deposits or replacing injectors if necessary. I've noticed this issue affects fuel efficiency and causes rough idling, degrading driving experience. While DIY throttle body cleaning might provide temporary relief, professional inspection is essential for safety assurance.
