rattling sound when accelerating

I have a 2003 VW Jetta, 1.8 Turbo. All of a sudden, there is a rattling noise (from the engine I think) whenever I accelerate. It's especially noticeable going uphill. Any ideas of what the problem might be?

Thank you

maybe spark plugs. have you changed them yet? or maybe timing belt. sounds like you need a tune up. could be engine or turbo mount. id start off with a tune up.

you didnt say how many miles u have

check the exhaust system. there is a mount right after the cat. that normally breaks and causes annoying rattles

maybe spark plugs. have you changed them yet? or maybe timing belt. sounds like you need a tune up. could be engine or turbo mount. id start off with a tune up.

The car has 31,000 miles. About a month ago, it got a 30,000 mile service. I don't know if they changed plugs then.

check the exhaust system. there is a mount right after the cat. that normally breaks and causes annoying rattles

If it were the exhaust system, would you expect the rattle to be worse upon acceleration?

yes, it would be worse uphill. its too early for timing belt or sparkplugs. wouldn't hurt to get the exhaust pipes checked out. nice diagnosis V-dub

check the exhaust system. there is a mount right after the cat. that normally breaks and causes annoying rattles

Good call! Here's what the VW dealer said: Bolts for the exhaust manifold to the turbo loose, and the gasket was worn. Rethreaded the hole in the bracket holding the intake pipe and secured.

Thank you!

Hi, I have a 97 Trek with the same problem. The dealer in Montreal told me it was a loose heat shield making that noise. I'm poing to have it fastened more securely this week-end and will let you know if the noise stops. He said to remove the shield would cause the wires to melt eventually so that's obviously not an option. :grinno: