Fluttering/ ticking sound comes from the engine when accelerating is this normal

[Hobsong1]

There is a Fluttering/ ticking sound comes from the engine when accelerating it happens all the time is this normal? ie just the normal engine sound? I've noticed it from day one. Mine is a T3 R DESIGN PETROL

[Deleted User 2504]

As it’s a three cylinder it does make a strange noise if you accelerate hard, sort of like a ‘soft’ diesel sound. Not sure about the ticking bit though. If it’s excessive then get the dealer to check it.

[Skyrimmer]

Can't say I have noticed anything like that on my car when accelerating. It's very quiet in fact.

[myzo78]

Hello,

I have the exact same issue. Car has been brought to dealership 3 times already but they failed to find the issue. Mine is T4 FWD.
Did your dealer managed to find the issue? I'd really appreciate your feedback if your car is fixed.

Thanks

[guyfawkes1960]

Hi, I have a similar issue. Just taken delivery of a new T3 Automatic Inscription. When revving the engine its smooth no unexpected noise however, when ecelerating I get a tapping /pinking noise from the engine, doesn't sound normal to me, am I wrong?

[RonFleet]

My T3 auto makes a tappety sort of noise when accelerating hard. Presumably it's in the nature of the three cylinder engine.

[malkyxc40]

Mine does similar (D3) but not annoyingly so.
I put it down to just slight natural diesel sound (knock). Only when moving with press if accelerator for a few seconds.
Don't even pay any attention to it now.

[Loose-leaf]

I have taken delivery of my new xc40 r design automatic FWD petrol and I have noticed the same thing. Under acceleration there is a tapping, similar to a diesel. Not sure how else to describe it.
It doesn't tap when revving the engine in neutral. I am curious if it is just the t3 engine, or, if it's an issue as the car drives great and feels smooth.

[Gnomeface]

I've had this noise (or similar) on my T5 from new and haven't solved it. It sounds a bit diesel-like but more like the "pinking" noise of pre-ignition, and is most noticeable between 2500 and 3000 revs on medium acceleration. It isn't there when cruising but the revs are lower then (note to self - try cruising at 70 with the gearbox locked in a lower gear to keep the revs at around 2700); it's also more noticeable when the engine is cold.

I've tried running on 99 octane fuel (expensive!) which would reduce any pre-ignition knock but it made no difference, and with Covid restrictions there wasn't really a way to discuss it with a knowledgeable technician at its first service, or to borrow a suitable courtesy XC40 as a comparison.

[Peter8642]

I have to agree, the three cylinder engine is a bit schizophrenic in terms of engine noise- inaudible when driven gently, quite raucous at full throttle.

My T5 recharge is better with 98 octane petrol- the manual says it should ideally be run on 98 octane but can run at reduced power/ reduced economy with 95 octane.

I’m curious to know if the octane recommendation is the same for all the three cylinder variants.

Pete