Volkswagen ID.3: Technical data. General procedure for identifying noises

Volkswagen ID.3 (E11, E12) 2020-2024 Service Manual / Body / Manual for Troubleshooting and Diagnosing Noises / Technical data. General procedure for identifying noises

General procedure
Localising origin of noise
Identifying the type of noise
Identifying the point in time when the noise occurs
Identifying the noise by definition or designation
Preparing an audio CD with downloaded files
List of audio tracks
Conditions for testing
Conditions for performing the audio test
Checklist

General procedure

The steps below must be followed in the specified order when identifying a noise:

♦ To allow for properly identification of a noise and the reason for a complaint, the checklist must always be completed in the presence of the regular vehicle user. Start with asking for the origin, the type, the point in time when the noise occurs and the designation of the noise.

♦ Observe technical product information.

♦ Note the examples.

♦ Localise the noise using the specified tools.

♦ After diagnosing the noise, complete the checklist.

Note

It is essential to note the environmental conditions at the point in time when the noise occurred.

Localising origin of noise

To simplify the procedure, it is recommended to start by dividing the vehicle into quadrants, e.g. front, rear, left and right. In this way, it is easier to isolate the potential cause.

The diagram from the → Chapter „Checklist“ may also be used to mark the area or areas in which the noise could be localised.

Identifying the type of noise

In this step the noises are differentiated according to their characteristics to allow for identifying the potential cause more precisely. For this, the hearing must be trained accordingly to be capable of differentiating the various sounds from each other for a correct identification.

As explained above, low-pitch and high-pitch sounds must be differentiated. Low-pitch sounds have a low frequency such as the male voice, whereas high-pitch sounds have a high frequency such as the female voice.

In addition, it must be determined whether the noise occurs periodically or continuously.

The duration must be differentiated as well, i.e. whether it is a short or long noise.

Another important aspect is the composition of a noise, i.e. whether it consists of several sounds with one primary sound accompanied by an additional less relevant sound caused by the oscillations of another object. This additional sound must then be identified as a resonance or as a sound which is produced by a metallic or plastic component.

Identifying the point in time when the noise occurs

In many cases the point in time when the noise occurs is the crucial information for identifying the cause or origin of a noise because it is the moment when the affected component is activated. In this way, it is easier to identify a malfunction, wear or any other issue in the component.

Such point in time could be the activation of the air conditioner compressor, to driving through a pothole, etc.

Identifying the noise by definition or designation

To identify noises by means of similarities with other noises from outside the automobile industry the noises must be assigned to names of objects, animals or instruments and thus to well-known noises.

For more information on designations for noises refer to section → Chapter „Designations for noises“.

Preparing an audio CD with downloaded files

– Download the WAV files and CD cover from the website of your importer or contact your importer.

– Copy the various audio files in this order onto a CD.

♦ 01. Music [1:38]

♦ 02. 50 Hz sine curve [0:42]

♦ 03. 60 Hz sine curve [0:42]

♦ 04. 70 Hz sine curve [0:42]

♦ 05. 80 Hz sine curve [0:42]

♦ 06. 90 Hz sine curve [0:42]

♦ 07. 100 Hz sine curve [0:42]

♦ 08. 110 Hz sine curve [0:42]

♦ 09. 120 Hz sine curve [0:42]

♦ 10. 130 Hz sine curve [0:42]

List of audio tracks

Track 1 ► Music

Note

When this track is played at the volume specified for the vehicle, there may be no noises in the area of the loudspeakers and the door trims.

Tracks 2 - 10

Note

♦ Theses tracks are sounds in different frequencies.

♦ The individual tracks are to be played in succession until a potential noise source can be identified.

Conditions for testing

The following conditions must be observed during execution:

♦ Start fault finding with the radio set to switch-on volume level 2.

♦ Bass and treble of the radio must be set to neutral.

♦ The balance control must be set to neutral.

♦ Slowly increase the volume of the radio until the components causing the noise begin to vibrate.

♦ The maximum volume of 50 % should not be exceeded.

Conditions for performing the audio test

It is recommended to perform noise localisation by two mechanics.

One mechanic controls the radio system and determines the track which is most suitable.

At the same time, the second mechanic focusses on the area in which the noise occurs to identify the source of the noise and potential remedies.

The workshop area in which the test is carried out must be as quiet as possible.

Note

After the source of the noise has been eliminated, perform the audio test again.

Checklist

The checklist provides assistance when identifying and localising a noise in the workshop and is used as a protocol. It is very useful for the data acquisition. The first part is to be completed in advance together with the regular user of the vehicle to obtain more information on the respective noise.

Description of the checklist (guideline)

This section describes the most important fields in the checklist.

Print out the checklist → Chapter „Checklist“.

Description of the checklist (guideline), part I

A - Vehicle data → Remark1) → Remark2)

B - Vehicle inspection → Remark 3) → Remark 4) → Remark5)

C - When did the noise begin to occur → Remark 6) → Remark 7) → Remark8)

D - Potential damage → Remark9)

E - Diagram for localisation → Remark10)

F - Noise level → Remark 11) → Remark12)

G - Pitch → Remark 13) → Remark14)

H - Duration → Remark15) → Remark16)

I - How often does the noise occur → Remark17)

J - Types of noises according to designations → Remark 18) → Remark19)

K - Nuance of the noise → Remark20)

1) Item no.: chronological list of cases which were processed in the workshop.

2) Retrofitted components: if components were retrofitted after production.

3) Dynamic or static test during which the noise could be perceived.

4) Can the customer complaint be confirmed?

5) The mechanic confirms that the noise reported by the customer could be perceived and clearly identified and that it is currently regarded as suspicious.

6) At which mileage did the noise occur, if this information is available.

7) Did the noise become gradually more intense, develop recently, or has it always been there?

8) Did the noise occur after an accident or a certain event such as mechanical repair work, body repairs, installation of devices, modifications (tuning) etc.?

9) Potential noise-related damage or impairment, even though the customer is not aware of them. Inspection of vehicle for identifying such damage or impairment since this might be a helpful lead during diagnosis.

10) This diagram is used for marking the area or areas in which the noise is perceived. It is permissible to mark several areas.

11) Decibel value, if a sound level meter is available.

12) Check the options for high, medium or low sound level which is to be assessed in the vehicle interior with doors and windows closed.

13) Depending on the respective pitch, check the options "High", "Medium" or "Low".

14) If the sound is between two options, it is permissible to check several fields.

15) Check the respective field in accordance with the duration.

16) If the sound is between two options, it is permissible to check several fields.

17) Intermittent, if there are several noises, or isolated if there is only one noise.

18) Check the designation which resembles the respective noise the most.

19) If the noise resembles several sounds, it is permissible to check several fields.

20) Check at least one nuance, which is characteristic for the primary noise or only the secondary noise.

Description of the checklist (guideline), part II

L - Under which circumstances does the noise occur (scenario)? → Remark 21) → Remark22)

M - Vehicle speed when the noise occurs and gearbox type → Remark 23) → Remark24)

N - Vehicle speed → Remark25)

O - Engine speed → Remark26)

P - Operating conditions of engine → Remark27)

Q - Environmental conditions → Remark28)

R - Ambient temperature → Remark29)

S - Nature of the road surface → Remark30)

T - On which seat can the noise be perceived most intensely? → Remark31)

U - Can the cause of the noise be localised? → Remark 32) → Remark33)

V - Remarks → Remark 34) → Remark 35) → Remark 36) → Remark 37) → Remark38)

21) First, specify whether the noise can be heard continuously, often, rarely or very rarely.

22) Then, specify the respective circumstances under which the noise occurs. If the relevant circumstance is not listed, note and describe it in the “Other Circumstances” field.

23) Specify whether an automatic gearbox or a manual gearbox is installed.

24) Check the gear or gears in which the noise occurs.

25) The vehicle speed range within which the noise occurs. Check the respective fields for the lower and upper limits of the vehicle speed range.

26) The engine speed range within which the noise occurs. Check the respective fields for the lower and upper limits of the engine speed range.

27) Check the operating condition or operating conditions of the engine in which the noise occurs.

28) Check the climatic condition or conditions in which the noise occurs.

29) Check the ambient temperature or temperatures in which the noise occurs.

30) Check the condition or conditions of the road surface under which the noise occurs.

31) Check the seat on which the noise is the most intense.

32) After the list has been completed, the mechanic is to specify a preliminary diagnosis.

33) If none of the fields is applicable, check “Other” and describe it under “Which?”.

34) To ensure efficient data acquisition it is essential that the regular driver of the vehicle is present when the first part of the checklist is completed.

35) The data acquisition together with the driver can be performed by the mechanic or by a service advisor. The mechanic who is in charge of the work on the vehicle must complete the remaining sections of the checklist.

36) To acquire as much specific information as possible, the mechanic must ask suitable open-ended questions to allow for a flawless diagnosis of the noise.

37) In addition, the mechanic must explain the reasons for asking the questions and must inform the customer about the required measures so that the customer can approve the measures accordingly.

38) If the checklist is used correctly, it facilitates the identification of the operating conditions of the vehicle under which the noise in question occurs. When identifying the area or component which generates the noise, consider the history of the vehicle, analyse the acoustic characteristics of the noise and adhere to the specified order.