Slight helicopter/knock sound coming from the front passenger side. 2012 mazda 3 gx

[Renp24]

Hey guys!

Just got my 2012 mazda 3 hatchback gx a couple of weeks ago, now got 800km on it and I've been noticing a faint knocking sound coming from the front passenger side of the car. I'm not sure if it's normal engine sounds, but it only happens when Im idle in traffic or parked. When the car is first turned on, the noise doesn't show up. It happens after the car warms up on the road and it's pretty consistent once the noise starts. It's faint but noticeable, I'm planning to take it to the dealer soon, but I really dont want to hassle them if it's just mazda engine sounds lol.
Anyone experience the same thing before?

Thanks,

[JHX 1138]

Can you try recording the noise (with your smartphone or something) and posting it?

[McGuyver_3]

Could you please post a sound clip of ths noise? I had a noise comming from the same area as you and I have an idea what it could be related to as Mazda also sent me a notice about it. I do not want to post up what it is until i hear the noise though

[Renp24]

Could you please post a sound clip of ths noise? I had a noise comming from the same area as you and I have an idea what it could be related to as Mazda also sent me a notice about it. I do not want to post up what it is until i hear the noise though

Hey guys,

Yeah I'll record it today, hopefully it's nothing serious...

thanks

[lawlzen]

Hey guys!

Just got my 2012 mazda 3 hatchback gx a couple of weeks ago, now got 800km on it and I've been noticing a faint knocking sound coming from the front passenger side of the car. I'm not sure if it's normal engine sounds, but it only happens when Im idle in traffic or parked. When the car is first turned on, the noise doesn't show up. It happens after the car warms up on the road and it's pretty consistent once the noise starts. It's faint but noticeable, I'm planning to take it to the dealer soon, but I really dont want to hassle them if it's just mazda engine sounds lol.
Anyone experience the same thing before?

Thanks,

Wow! I've had the same sort of noise as well (2010 Mazda 3 GX Sedan).
I've had it for over a year at least - just chalked it up to engine noise.

The "helicopter"/knocking is a very accurate way to describe it. The general location seems to be the same as yours as well.
Only difference is that mine seems to come and go while I'm idling. The timing with which it goes on and off seems to be the same as if a rad fan was turning on and off, but I'm pretty sure my rad fan is not turning on.


Could you please post a sound clip of ths noise? I had a noise comming from the same area as you and I have an idea what it could be related to as Mazda also sent me a notice about it. I do not want to post up what it is until i hear the noise though

I'll try and get a recording tomorrow. I'm curious to see what notice you've received.

[hzearz]

I had a problem which sounds very similar to this one. Knocking noise in left of engine bay which occurred intermittently on engine start, idling at lights, and when driving over bumps or judderbars - very frustrating noise to come from a near new car.

I could not find the solution online anywhere, and 2 mechanics failed to find any problem. After 3 investigations, the 2nd mechanic found that the grease had come out of the engine mount on the left side of the engine....it is hidden underneath a bunch of electronics (and the aircon unit I think??). Packing the grease in from underneath the mount solved the problem, but only temporarily (2 weeks), so they removed all of the stuff over the mount, packed it with grease from the top.....problem gone, its been over 6months now, no noise.

[sarujo]

I get this noise occasionally on my 2010 GX 5MT as well. And it's only at idle and after motor has warmed up. I thought it was the fuel injectors as they can be 'noisy' in our cars at idle.

[sarujo]

From what you are describing, sounds like your PMM may be shot/defective. Re-packing grease sounds pretty wonky to me. These mounts are oil filled. Once they leak they have to be replaced.

And who are these "mechanics" you refer too? Are they at a Mazda dealer?


I had a problem which sounds very similar to this one. Knocking noise in left of engine bay which occurred intermittently on engine start, idling at lights, and when driving over bumps or judderbars - very frustrating noise to come from a near new car.

I could not find the solution online anywhere, and 2 mechanics failed to find any problem. After 3 investigations, the 2nd mechanic found that the grease had come out of the engine mount on the left side of the engine....it is hidden underneath a bunch of electronics (and the aircon unit I think??). Packing the grease in from underneath the mount solved the problem, but only temporarily (2 weeks), so they removed all of the stuff over the mount, packed it with grease from the top.....problem gone, its been over 6months now, no noise.

[hzearz]

The successful mechanic was Ford. I'm friends with the GM of the service department in my city...so I know they do a top notch job on my car!!

[Jayray03]

Could you please post a sound clip of ths noise? I had a noise comming from the same area as you and I have an idea what it could be related to as Mazda also sent me a notice about it. I do not want to post up what it is until i hear the noise though

I have exactly the same problem with my 2011 mazda 3 GX. Has anyone knows what is causing it? I'll appreciate feedback! Thanks

[ronphan]

have you checked for a helicopter in your car?

[spootage]

Sorry to steal resurrect old thread, but this sounds like what is happening to my Mazda 3. I've had it 7 months now and it has done just under 5000km.

Only recently my revs shoot up to 2000 at ignition and then drop back down to about 800 after 30 seconds. Have been advised that this is normal but it only started a month ago so wasn't sure. At the same time, I now have this weird "wah wah" / "Helicopter" sound that I can only hear when idle. Happens when hot or cold. It also feels a little rough at idle, not like it used to.

I tried to take a video, hope it's good enough to hear what I am talking about. Just wondering if this is normal or if I should take it in to be looked at.

View My Video (http://tinypic.com/r/2q3zxwl/6)

Cheers

[insomniak]

i have this as well, as does a buddy of mine who has the same 2010 m3, i thought it was normal since we both had it, has anyone confirmed what the issue is here?