I am on a business trip, and had a nice drive up through New England. On the last hour of my drive, I started to hear a tapping noise come from the engine, related to the throttle. I push down on the throttle at around 3000 rpms, and I get a pretty distinct rapid tap-tap-tap sound. When I let off the accelerator, it goes away.

I had a quick drive to dinner this evening in the car, and it occurred again on the way back.

Anyone experience something similar? Any idea what it might be related to? I suspect something with the valve train, like the lifter.

I'll be taking the car into the dealer in about a month to get winter tires put on, and other warranty service done. I'll likely wait until then to address it, unless someone thinks it is a significant issue.

I don't get a check engine light or any other indication of a problem.

 

Dfi engines make a lot of noise! Especially the tapping you are hearing

 

No, this is new...not something that has been a regular sound so far.

I did some online research, and it sounds similar to a sticking valve, which is usually due to a need for an oil change. I'm at 6000 miles and over a year on the original oil, so it is plausible that I should get it changed.

 

is changing oil related to miles only? or is it (miles/period of time) and which comes first? i know my first service is at 15,000 KM but my car is almost 9 month old and am still far away from this milage

BTW, i got a "Service Now" message on the cluster last month, took it ti the dealer and without checking i was told its a programming thing and they only reset it

 

You should change it at least 1x per year. I changed mine with 2500 miles on it right around its 1year anniversary.

 

I've had some low tapping noise from the engine, mostly at idle, and the dealer says it's normal.