On the first drive of the day I notice a "ticking" sound coming from the back-end of the car...almost like a stone in the tire.
But the noise is not speed-dependent, meaning I hear it even when the car is stopped. It seems to be coming from beneath the cargo area (fuel tank, fuel pump?).
Once the car is warmed up, I don't hear the noise again, even on subsequent start-ups later on.
I see no warning lights. The car is running and braking just fine. There are no other unexplained noises...only this one.
I'm not as much concerned about it as I am curious.

For reference - my A3 is the 2.0T with the DSG.

Somebody must know what I'm describing. What is it??

 

i've experienced this as well, but with no answer...

 

I have the same noise....I recently had it into the dealer and told them about the prob. For me it happens when the car has sat for a prolonged time, meaning overnight or for a day or so. I get about 2 blocks from home and " tick tick tick" from the back right somewhere around (above) the wheel well.

I didn't do it when I first bought the car....started after 15k or so. Doesn't do it everytime but it happens often.

Audi Service answer was that it is an "air pump" that pressurizes the fuel tank. When the air seeps out of the tank this pump re-pressurizes it.
It does it when the tank is near empty and when its full. I guess I have to except this as a "normal" noise.

hope this helps.

2006 A3 2.0T


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Thank you, nicness! Your dealer's explanation sounds good to me.
Interesting that a noise that noticeable wouldn't be mentioned either by the manual or the dealer at delivery time.[sm=interesting.gif]

 

My Subaru has body vents on each side in the rear that periodically make ticking noises from their little plastic flaps opening and shutting. When I rev or hit the throttle it tends to go away; when the car is idling it's pretty noticeable. It just be a similar scenario.