Picked up Lil Red today...but a funny noise

[laurierocs]

We picked up our red passion today, we test drove two before buying ours. After driving it for several hours, we're a bit concerned. When idling it has a slight "Tapping" coming from the right rear. Kind of an engine "Knock". This "Tapping" sound starts at the beginning of 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. I don't remember the exhaust sounding as loud as on this car. Does this make sense to anyone? Or has anyone experienced this problem? Is it possible this is just part of the "Breaking in" period?

I wanted to take it back to the dealer, but the hubby wanted to drive it for awhile first. (I guess he thought the noise would cease.

Thanks for any help on this.

[mvaldes]

See if this thread helps:
Tat, Tat. Tat, Now Repaired.

[Duckhunter]

Try looking at these, might be just a noisy purge valve. Some seem to be quite loud. Also make sure engine cover is on tight.

Engine knocking- normal, or something wrong?

Purge Valve exonerated.

Sporatic ticking noise at idle

[wiltjk]

I found the first 250 miles to be very tight. Engine, transmission, all breaking in. After driving to 80 the first time, I caught a ticking sound coming from the exhaust. Give it a couple days and 150 more miles before worrying too much.

[laurierocs]

You guys are awesome!!! Very interesting reading! It sounds like a sewing machine indeed! We will be taking Lil Red back to dealer as soon as we can. Funny how the two other cars we drove didn't have this sound...

[fpage77]

Congratulations on your new smart.

[3slndr]

I had a tapping noise coming from the rear area of the car driving home from the dealer , a 175 miles away so going back was out of the question at the time.The next day I began to look around in the back and found that the single twist lock that secured the engine service lid was missing. I orderd one from SCP this fix solved my noise problem and was a lot cheaper than a return trip to the dealer for an eight dollar part. Anyway I hope you enjoy your car they are fun to drive