How are noises diagnosed?
Most experienced technicians have heard the same sounds repeatedly, and they know where to look. Most often, a technician will diagnose a noise within a few minutes, and test, if possible, to ensure they have found the issue. However, diagnosing a noise can prove to be difficult, especially if the vehicle only makes noise under specific conditions. Worse yet, if the vehicle makes the noise randomly, the technician would have to spend all day driving the vehicle until the sound is heard, or, being inspecting every component on the vehicle. Mechanical noises from the engine and transmission are normally easy to identify. Noises associated with the engine and transmission can be identified through connecting a computerized scanning tool, and monitoring the conditions in the engine and transmission during the noise. This may give a trained technician an understanding of why the drivetrain is making noise, to which they must apply classroom training and experience to identify the responsible component. If the noise only occurs as the vehicle is moving, the technician will conduct a test drive and visual inspection of the vehicle. The suspension and driveline are inspected for worn or broken components. When the noise is identified, the technician should know the problem, when it happens, why it happens, and how to repair it.