1999 new beetls GLS engine noise

[anstoss]

we bought a used 1999 new beetls GLS last octorber. everything is fine till recently. after we started using AC, we started noticing that the engine produce noise like 'tu tu tu'. I don't know if this has anything to do with AC. even if we turned it off, the noise still happens. the noise frequency will increase at high rpm. I think it either comes from the engine or the cooling fan, not exactly sure. just wonder if anyone had such experience and how to solve the problem. appreciate your help. thanks.

[johnmichael]

does it run funny?

[anstoss]

no, it doesn't. it runs ok, just sounds noisy...any idea?

[draco24433]

Ijust picked up a '99 GLS also and has a weird noise just like yours. I traced it to the stick shift in my case. For some reason , particularly with the AC on the shifter vibrates and makes the noise. Hope this helps.

[anstoss]

thanks for your reply. mine is automatic. not sure if same problem. but in winter (when I bought it late last year, I lived in california), I didn't observe this at all. it just got started after I started using AC I think...

[draco24433]

Well, I believe my A/C compressor just went out. As I was driving I got this noise that sounded as if the car had a V8 in it. The engine started to shake back and forth and the a/c no longer blew cold air. The noise on the engine got louder with the RPM and and as I let go of the gas it got quieter. I know this because when I turned the a/c off the noise and engine shake went away.

[anstoss]

for me, even if I turned off ac, the noise is still there...it is sth like 'ta ta ta ta', like something spinning. I think maybe it is the fan outside the engine. I am thinking to take the car for oil change and ask the mechanic to check out.

another wired thing is these days some time when we turn left, th e engine oil light suddernly turned on for a few blink then went off. I think it might be a misfunctioning of the circuit, as if there is a problem, after starting the engine, it should stay on always.....any thoughts?

[LadybugEwa]

Originally Posted by anstoss

another wired thing is these days some time when we turn left, th e engine oil light suddernly turned on for a few blink then went off. I think it might be a misfunctioning of the circuit, as if there is a problem, after starting the engine, it should stay on always.....any thoughts?

How's the oil level? Maybe it's just on the cusp of being too low and the turning brings the level to the alarm level.

[Bugman]

check your cooling fans , you may have something hanging down into them rubbing , , just a thought

[gadgetvise]

Originally Posted by anstoss

for me, even if I turned off ac, the noise is still there...it is sth like 'ta ta ta ta', like something spinning. I think maybe it is the fan outside the engine. I am thinking to take the car for oil change and ask the mechanic to check out.

>>>Be sure the mechanic uses syntec oil. OEM oil is syntec.

another wired thing is these days some time when we turn left, the engine oil light suddernly turned on for a few blink then went off. I think it might be a misfunctioning of the circuit, as if there is a problem, after starting the engine, it should stay on always.....any thoughts?

>>>if the oil level is low, the car turning right will surge oil to the right, and thus starve the oil pump until oil gets back enough to keep the oil lines pressurized to turn off the oil indicator.

My dipstick has a plastic part molded onto the stick to clearly show where the oil should be; if it's not on the plastic area or at the low end, it may cause the oil light to blink. How fast were you going into your turn?


Bon Chance

[anstoss]

today I opened up the hood and took a look at engine oil. b4 starting the engine, I saw oil on the dipstick. then by following the manual, I turned on the engine to warm it up and then shut down and wait for a few mins, however, when I pulled the dipstick out, I could not see any oil on it, which is wired. the manual said it takes a few mins for engine oil to get back to the pan. not sure what happened. I assume if the oil level is too low, when I start the engine, the indicator will be on right away and stay there....but it is not the case. the indicator goes off and everything looks normal. I decided to bring the car to mechanic on monday or a oil change and quick inspection. btw, I could not find anything in touch with the fan to cause rubbling....:-(

[LadybugEwa]

If there's NO oil - don't drive the bug, please! Big damage.
Get a bottle of oil and add some bit by bit. Then you'll see the level rising on your dipstick. Under no circumstances, have I ever taken the dipstick out and seen no oil. Never, never, never. This poor bug needs oil pronto!