Dealership can't fix problem!!! Help!!! - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

DallasMaroLover · 10-30-2012, 12:24 PM

He fellow forum members. I hope everyone on here is enjoying their Camaros. I was wanting to see if anyone here has had the issue (only 1 out of many) I am having with my baby.

Since I got my car 3 years ago in November, it has always made this annoying knocking and clicking sounds. It only happens when I turn the car on when cold and reaches the first line in the temperature gauge. I used to think I had to drive it a good mile or 2 but actually, it happens if you just start it and let it heat up just a bit. It is 3 knocks with a weird zipper like, metal clanking noise. Seems like it comes from the middle-rear portion of the car behind the seats.

I have taken her to the dealership about 346248973894739748 times, but really, probably once or twice every couple of months and my dealership is totally incompetent. At one point, they wanted to blame the sounds on the breaks by saying "we think its the brakes. Want a quote?"

Has anyone had this sort of issue so I can go back to the dealership and give them some tips cause my Camaro is still over there?!?!?!?!!?

Russell James · 10-30-2012, 12:41 PM

It's normal. It's the fuel systems evap solenoid testing the tank. It does a vacuum test shortly after a cold start to make sure the tank can hold vacuum. Part of the EPA regs to make sure the tank isn't venting fumes.

Try a cold start with a full tank, it won't make the clicks. Only runs the test when the tank is below 3/4 full.

All cars do it, you just hear it in the Camaro because of lack of any body insulation.

DallasMaroLover · 10-30-2012, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell James

It's normal. It's the fuel systems evap solenoid testing the tank. It does a vacuum test shortly after a cold start to make sure the tank can hold vacuum. Part of the EPA regs to make sure the tank isn't venting fumes.

Try a cold start with a full tank, it won't make the clicks. Only runs the test when the tank is below 3/4 full.

All cars do it, you just hear it in the Camaro because of lack of any body insulation.

Really!?!?!? After 3 years I wonder why the dealership wouldn't know this after hearing it over and over.

Russell James · 10-30-2012, 12:56 PM

Sounds like whoever is working on it lacks the basic knowledge of the EVAP system. Every modern car on the road does that test. You can also trigger the test with a scan tool. There are certain parameters that must be met..... tank between 10-90%, eng temp at 95ish, ambient below 85ish... So the car will do that test once after every cold start as the engine is going through that temperature.

The service manual covers it in detail, but that assumes they know how to read. I've over assumed that many times.

That same test will turn on the check engine light if you leave your gas cap loose.

DallasMaroLover · 10-30-2012, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell James

Sounds like whoever is working on it lacks the basic knowledge of the EVAP system. Every modern car on the road does that test. You can also trigger the test with a scan tool. There are certain parameters that must be met..... tank between 10-90%, eng temp at 95ish, ambient below 85ish... So the car will do that test once after every cold start as the engine is going through that temperature.

The service manual covers it in detail, but that assumes they know how to read. I've over assumed that many times.

Well I know they don't have the expertise needed to work on their own cars. Last week they replaced the lifters claiming that was the issue and stated that I heard the noise in the back because noise traveled.

Russell James · 10-30-2012, 01:04 PM

Fill the tank all the way full, and it won't click tomorrow morning.

Ject · 10-30-2012, 01:04 PM

Russell summed it up.

This is a normal operation and I've heard it from day one of owning the car. It will especially do it when the tank is half full or low etc..

DallasMaroLover · 10-30-2012, 01:06 PM

Thanks guys. I will try this after they do who knows what to it and get it back to me!

Joed · 10-31-2012, 07:48 AM

It's a disgrace that this dealer could get away with charging a manufacturer for warranty work for something that is normal. By the way we all pay for their incompetence when we pruchase a new vehicle.

DallasMaroLover · 10-31-2012, 08:27 AM

So I got a call from the dealership last night and they say they can not seem to duplicate the sound I have described. They asked if I could come down and show them the sound like I have had to do with every other issue I have brought to their attention.

By the way, I forgot to mention that when I picked it up last Thursday evening (even though I dropped it back off this Monday once again) I noticed that they scratched the passenger door. It's about a 1 foot long deep scratch!!!!

Russell James · 10-31-2012, 09:18 AM

It will only make the solenoid clicking sound once a day as it warms up from a cold start at about 95 F eng temp. And it won't do it every time because a number of parameters have to be met, eng temp, ambient temp, tank level, time since last test...

They could also trigger the evap test with a scan tool, the directions are in the service manual on how to do that.

Calikenn · 10-31-2012, 09:34 AM

Man I learn something new everyday from this site every day. Nice job guys!

Johnny1 · 10-31-2012, 05:36 PM

When I had my new 2005 GTO it did the same thing. You'd think some one was in the trunk knocking. I knew what it was and would just laugh.

patternpilot · 10-31-2012, 06:20 PM

OP, I dont see it in your sig, that you have changed out your exhaust, but when I installed my new Corsa cat back exhaust, when it would warm up (still does it) it will make a sound similar to what you are describing. as the clamped connection points creek as the pipe expands. This may not be your problem and it may well be the evap. system, but just another possibility.

10-30-2012, 12:24 PM	#1
DallasMaroLover Drives: 2010 Camaro IOM SS Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 162	Dealership can't fix problem!!! Help!!! He fellow forum members. I hope everyone on here is enjoying their Camaros. I was wanting to see if anyone here has had the issue (only 1 out of many) I am having with my baby. Since I got my car 3 years ago in November, it has always made this annoying knocking and clicking sounds. It only happens when I turn the car on when cold and reaches the first line in the temperature gauge. I used to think I had to drive it a good mile or 2 but actually, it happens if you just start it and let it heat up just a bit. It is 3 knocks with a weird zipper like, metal clanking noise. Seems like it comes from the middle-rear portion of the car behind the seats. I have taken her to the dealership about 346248973894739748 times, but really, probably once or twice every couple of months and my dealership is totally incompetent. At one point, they wanted to blame the sounds on the breaks by saying "we think its the brakes. Want a quote?" Has anyone had this sort of issue so I can go back to the dealership and give them some tips cause my Camaro is still over there?!?!?!?!!? __________________ Love my Camaro

10-30-2012, 01:04 PM	#7
Ject aka Patrick Drives: '10 Camaro 2SS '04 Silverado Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Derby Kansas Posts: 3,072	Russell summed it up. This is a normal operation and I've heard it from day one of owning the car. It will especially do it when the tank is half full or low etc.. __________________ Current Modifications: Your average Bolt-ons & Suspension Upgrades GForce Engineering: 9" Rear End, Strange Pro Iron Case w/Moser Nodular 3.70:1 Detroit locker, 3.5" Solid Drive Shaft

10-30-2012, 01:06 PM	#8
DallasMaroLover Drives: 2010 Camaro IOM SS Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 162	Thanks guys. I will try this after they do who knows what to it and get it back to me! __________________ Love my Camaro

10-31-2012, 08:27 AM	#10
DallasMaroLover Drives: 2010 Camaro IOM SS Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 162	So I got a call from the dealership last night and they say they can not seem to duplicate the sound I have described. They asked if I could come down and show them the sound like I have had to do with every other issue I have brought to their attention. By the way, I forgot to mention that when I picked it up last Thursday evening (even though I dropped it back off this Monday once again) I noticed that they scratched the passenger door. It's about a 1 foot long deep scratch!!!! __________________ Love my Camaro

10-31-2012, 06:20 PM	#14
patternpilot Drives: 2012 2SS/RS Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tri-Cities WA. Posts: 928 View My Garage	OP, I dont see it in your sig, that you have changed out your exhaust, but when I installed my new Corsa cat back exhaust, when it would warm up (still does it) it will make a sound similar to what you are describing. as the clamped connection points creek as the pipe expands. This may not be your problem and it may well be the evap. system, but just another possibility. __________________ There's more to life than gas mileage LS3, Whipple, Custom Comp Cam, springs, pushrods, timing set, CAI intake, Apex cold air scoop, Doug Thorley TRI-Y headers, Billet Custom Products baffled Valve covers, Mighty Mouse Catch can, ADM FPCM, ZL1 fuel pump, MSD boost-a-pump, Hex Vent hood vents, ProSport gauges(fuel pressure, AFR, Boost), Corsa, 100 cell Cats. Jannetty remote tuned, Pfadt trailing arms, all parts user installed. No Dyno yet. Manual trans. 3.45 gears.

10-30-2012, 12:41 PM	#2
Russell James Drives: '15 SS 1LE, '69 Z28 drag car Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mich Posts: 4,482	It's normal. It's the fuel systems evap solenoid testing the tank. It does a vacuum test shortly after a cold start to make sure the tank can hold vacuum. Part of the EPA regs to make sure the tank isn't venting fumes. Try a cold start with a full tank, it won't make the clicks. Only runs the test when the tank is below 3/4 full. All cars do it, you just hear it in the Camaro because of lack of any body insulation.

10-30-2012, 12:56 PM	#4
Russell James Drives: '15 SS 1LE, '69 Z28 drag car Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mich Posts: 4,482	Sounds like whoever is working on it lacks the basic knowledge of the EVAP system. Every modern car on the road does that test. You can also trigger the test with a scan tool. There are certain parameters that must be met..... tank between 10-90%, eng temp at 95ish, ambient below 85ish... So the car will do that test once after every cold start as the engine is going through that temperature. The service manual covers it in detail, but that assumes they know how to read. I've over assumed that many times. That same test will turn on the check engine light if you leave your gas cap loose.

10-31-2012, 07:48 AM	#9
Joed Drives: Camaro 2SS RS Victory Red Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Hurley NY Posts: 52	It's a disgrace that this dealer could get away with charging a manufacturer for warranty work for something that is normal. By the way we all pay for their incompetence when we pruchase a new vehicle.

10-31-2012, 09:18 AM	#11
Russell James Drives: '15 SS 1LE, '69 Z28 drag car Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mich Posts: 4,482	It will only make the solenoid clicking sound once a day as it warms up from a cold start at about 95 F eng temp. And it won't do it every time because a number of parameters have to be met, eng temp, ambient temp, tank level, time since last test... They could also trigger the evap test with a scan tool, the directions are in the service manual on how to do that.

10-31-2012, 09:34 AM	#12
Calikenn Drives: 2012 Corvette GS Join Date: May 2012 Location: Sunny California Posts: 620	Man I learn something new everyday from this site every day. Nice job guys!

10-31-2012, 05:36 PM	#13
Johnny1 Drives: Would only drive GM Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Southeast Kansas Posts: 190	When I had my new 2005 GTO it did the same thing. You'd think some one was in the trunk knocking. I knew what it was and would just laugh.