Noise on cold start

10

Asked by Bucknuts14 Mar 16, 2014 at 09:38 AM about the 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Recently purchased a 2003 VW Passat GLX 4 Motion for my teen driver.  Have noticed
that upon a cold start the car makes an unusual noise near the front of the engine.  Lasts
for only about a minute or two and then stops.  Almost sounds like some type of
electronic sensor or something is warming up and then shuts off.  Doesn't appear to be
coming from any belts and serpetine belt has already been replaced.  Is this a normal
function on the Passat.

7 Answers

45,155

The car is 10 years old- you rule out belts- could be a bearing going out, alternator or tensioner bearing- hard to tell from here without hearing it- if the car is running ok, just run it until the noise gets louder- if it worries you, (like it should) just take it to a pro and have him/her listen- a 10 year old VW will need a good mechanic if you don't already have one

2 people found this helpful.
1,415

Most likely the Secondary Air Injection Pump turning on and then turning off. It runs during cold starts to lean out the rich air fuel mixture in the exhaust, which helps your cat function more efficiently.

10 people found this helpful.
10

Thanks Armaan....the scenario you are describing makes good sense. It sounds like it something normal occurring during start up because it turns on and off within a minute of starting the engine. I would think if there were a severe issue it would continue to make the noise more frequently on start ups and last longer.

1 people found this helpful.
1,415

Not a problem! Yes if there was a problem it would not occur with such consistency. Enjoy the car!

1 people found this helpful.
20

I have the same problem same sound that bucknuts14 is talking about, but I have a 2014 passat Wolfsburg edition. Car only has 28000 miles. If the car is warm I don't hear the sound on start up but if it is cold I hear it until to the car is warm. Can anyone one help me?

2 people found this helpful.
20

my mechanic said it is the tensioner (cost $ 250) and if neglected it may start leaking oil.

2 people found this helpful.

I have the same issue and same vehicle as RoaltyVW, Could this be the secondary air injection pump armaan is talking about.

Your Answer:

Passat

Looking for a Used Passat in your area?

CarGurus has 3,956 nationwide Passat listings starting at $675.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2003 Volkswagen Passat

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    4,470
  • #2
    Chrisand Edwards
    Reputation
    2,650
  • #3
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    2,420
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Volkswagen Jetta
669 Great Deals out of 14,238 listings starting at $954
Used Honda Accord
1,488 Great Deals out of 28,916 listings starting at $1,200
Used Toyota Camry
1,964 Great Deals out of 40,025 listings starting at $1,100
Used Honda Civic
1,336 Great Deals out of 24,823 listings starting at $1,000
Used Volkswagen Jetta GLI
52 Great Deals out of 1,685 listings starting at $3,999
Used Volkswagen Golf
64 Great Deals out of 829 listings starting at $3,995
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
153 Great Deals out of 4,947 listings starting at $3,995
Used BMW 3 Series
955 Great Deals out of 13,189 listings starting at $1,500
Used Toyota Corolla
1,365 Great Deals out of 25,620 listings starting at $1,350
Used Audi A4
314 Great Deals out of 4,189 listings starting at $2,995
Used BMW 5 Series
533 Great Deals out of 8,742 listings starting at $1,650

Used Cars for Sale

2022 Volkswagen Passat For Sale
26 Great Deals out of 295 listings starting at $13,990
2021 Volkswagen Passat For Sale
30 Great Deals out of 443 listings starting at $11,989
2020 Volkswagen Passat For Sale
17 Great Deals out of 314 listings starting at $10,725
2019 Volkswagen Passat For Sale
8 Great Deals out of 102 listings starting at $8,990
2018 Volkswagen Passat For Sale
30 Great Deals out of 394 listings starting at $6,495

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.