[true_sedan]

Hello guys,

My Virtus GT has developed a clicking noise that occurs every 23 seconds precisely. The sound can be heard coming from the engine bay and sounds like metal rubbing against metal. Also exactly when the click noise happens the car jerks a bit when driving. Happens at all speeds and also in idle(at idle the car does not jerk). If anyone is facing the same issue please advise.
Here is a one minute video of the issue and the clicking noise can be heard exactly at 0:13, 0:36, 0:59.

Virtus GT Odo & history:
ODO reading: 9300 km
Model: September 2022

https://youtu.be/hunpL0Uvk_4

PS: Have booked an appointment with Volkswagen service and taking my car tomorrow to get the sound diagnosed.

[shancz]

I may be wrong but I think the sound is in sync with the increase in radiator fan and/or engine speed. Is the AC on ? Does it happen on hot or cold engine ?
Doesn't seem like anything alarming but I cannot say about the vibration.

Better to get it checked and update us too.

[Jeroen]

Sounds like the AC clutch engaging. The engine RPM dips a bit, adds a little power and is normal again.

Nothing unusual, I think

Jeroen

[shimoo]

Does the time between ticks change when you're accelerating? or does it stay constant at 23 seconds no matter how fast the engine is revving?

Has this been happening for a while? Also, when was the last service?

I have a feeling that it's something to do with the cylinder de-activation or the injectors.

Hope it gets resolved soon. Good luck.

I wonder if Volkswagen will ever make a high-quality car?

[bravo6]

Turn off the AC and repeat the same test again. However, it should not be causing a noticeable jerk while driving.

[SteeringWheel]

Like others have mentioned, it seems to be AC clutch sound.

Sound will be usually prominent when engaging, it is associated with a small change in rpm. You may be able to notice the rpm needle move a bit when this sound comes. While disengaging the sound is not so prominent.

You can verify by turning off the AC. This sound should not be there with the AC off.

I have a Scorpio which makes this sound. At idling RPM, it frequently engages the clutch like in your case, may be even less than 23 seconds. But when the RPM is higher than idling rpm, the clutch remains engaged for a longer duration. I suspected the frequent engaging/disengaging because of low refrigerant but the AC tech said it is normal. I left it as is since I don't have any issues with cooling. My other cars do not cycle so frequently even when idling may be it differs from car to car.

You may also increase the rpm and see if the frequency changes.

[true_sedan]

Thank you all for the suggestions. Yes, turning off the AC puts an end to the noise. But as most have suggested that this should not cause the car to jerk when driving. My Virtus GT stalls and jerks a bit when the compressor turns ON which is ruining an otherwise great experience I’ve had so far with it. The car jerk is brief but very intrusive and mildly annoying. It feels like a tiny slingshot at that moment.
In all my 1 lakh kilometres of driving experience ranging from i20 to X6 I’ve never had a car do this.

[vividhavasthi]

I had the same experience and it's the AC for sure. While driving in a particular gear and the AC engaging I too have felt a small jerk.

Get the AC checked and gas levels etc, once I got my AC fixed (low gas level) this issue slowly went away - but not completely. Try to keep the AC on auto at 22, this was the most optimal setting for me.

[true_sedan]

Update: Took the car to the service centre and the service advisor(my regular guy) said that the compressor noise is normal with all MQB vehicles. He explained that the minor jerk can only be felt at low rpms and speeds which is not true. I explained this to him and he wanted the car to sit in the service centre for a couple of days so that he can diagnose it extensively. He further added that the jerk is caused by a drop in engine power which then the engine compensates by increasing power causing the minor jerk as rightly said by BHPian Jeroen.
Even the SA was of the opinion that VAG group has severely downgraded the quality of not only the externals like plastic fit and finish but also the internals especially the AC and its components.
The very reason I got the Virtus GT was because I loved the sheer driving pleasure I got from driving my cousins 2.0L TDi Jetta. That is a gem of a motor. Creamy smooth at all speeds and takes on corners like there is no tomorrow. I only wish VW had put similar care in making their 2.0 cars for India. Not only VW but most cars below 25 lakh OTR sold in India nowadays don’t feel premium like the cars of yesteryear(pre-Covid). This is a topic for another day.
Thank you all for the suggestions. My next step would be to check the AC gas as suggested by BHPian vividhavasthi.

[PearlJam]

Even my 7 year old Verna has a variable displacement compressor, so it doesn't keep engaging/disengaging at all. I'm surprised that more cars haven't moved to this.

I think these minor jerks are much more evident in petrol cars, probably due to lower torque - and can sometimes catch you out if it "cuts-in" at the same time that you're overtaking, for example.

[dhanushs]

Originally Posted by true_sedan

.. My next step would be to check the AC gas as suggested by BHPian vividhavasthi.

If you think you have enough cooling in the cabin, and the showroom guys are saying all good, please dont go to a local AC guy with your brand new (relatively) car.
The refrigerant is in a sealed system. Let it stay that way..

[Jeroen]

Originally Posted by PearlJam

Even my 7 year old Verna has a variable displacement compressor, so it doesn't keep engaging/disengaging at all. I'm surprised that more cars haven't moved to this.

Probably most cars have a variable displacement compressor these days. However, a number of them are equipped with an electromagnetic clutch as well. The problem with these variable compressor is they are always running, but when not “displacing” refrigerant they also get no, or too little, oil lubrication. That’s why many OEM have added electromechanical clutches as well.

In general those combined system are set up, so the clutch engages first and next the variable displacement system starts working. So there is a lot less force involved to get the compressor to turn and the load comes on gradually.

There are actually three different aspects to this. The electrical load on the battery/alternator of the clutch engaging, the inertia of the compressor and the actual load due to the compressor pumping gas around.

Even on a small family car the total power consumption of an AC system could be 3-4 horsepower.

Jeroen

[2000rpm]

That noise is definitely from the AC compressor going on and off. The frequency is however too high.

This should happen once say 10 mins or so.

What are the AC settings on currently?

I would guess, <20 degrees with Auto AC on.

[Jeroen]

Originally Posted by 2000rpm

That noise is definitely from the AC compressor going on and off. The frequency is however too high.

This should happen once say 10 mins or so.
.

Not really. Of course it depends a bit on the system, ambient temperatures, but you will find that many clutch driven AC systems cycle a couple a times a minute.

It does so on two of my cars and I can guarantee both systems are in peak order, as I serviced both of these systems.

Once every 10 minutes is more applicable to stationairy systems as for instance a home AC. But again, that depends on many factors too.

Jeroen

[true_sedan]

Originally Posted by 2000rpm

That noise is definitely from the AC compressor going on and off. The frequency is however too high.

This should happen once say 10 mins or so.

What are the AC settings on currently?

I would guess, <20 degrees with Auto AC on.

The video was shot with AC temperature kept at 21 degrees and fan speed at 1. I normally never use auto AC because it gets too cold too fast.