Weird engine noise from 2.0L I4?

[West Mesa JL]

Hi all,

First post here, curious to see if anyone has had a similar experience to me re: some weird sounds coming from my engine during cold starts. I've got a 2019 Wrangler JL with the 2.0L turbo. Love the engine, by the way - Plenty of torque, and I still get 20(+) mpg with a 2.5" lift on 35s. People can't believe it when I tell them it's a 4 cylinder.

As the weather has gotten a bit colder here in Albuquerque, I've noticed a weird sputtering sound coming from the exhaust while the engine is warming up, accompanied by a subtle knocking sound from the engine bay (hard to explain the sound so I attached a video). Anyone else having this or similar issues with their
2.0L? I've only got about 50k miles on it and consistently change my oil every 5k miles.

My initial thoughts are bad fuel injectors, but I'm no mechanic.

Thanks!
Eric

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[oldcjguy]

Misfires during cold start are normal. These things fire 20 AFTER top dead center at cold start to get the cats lit and happy as quickly as possible. The knocking noise I don't know about, your video would not play for me. But, direct injected motors are noisy and have a diesel like sound to them. Especially when cold, that's totally normal. These motors rattle a lot on startup. Some hate it, some don't care. I fall into the latter group. If the noise is different than what it normally sounds like, then have it checked. It's still under warranty.

 

[West Mesa JL]

Misfires during cold start are normal. These things fire 20 AFTER top dead center at cold start to get the cats lit and happy as quickly as possible. The knocking noise I don't know about, your video would not play for me. But, direct injected motors are noisy and have a diesel like sound to them. Especially when cold, that's totally normal. These motors rattle a lot on startup. Some hate it, some don't care. I fall into the latter group. If the noise is different than what it normally sounds like, then have it checked. It's still under warranty.

Thanks for the reply! Good to know the sputtering is normal. I tried re-attaching the video, not sure if it's a format issue or if I just didn't attach it correctly the first time. Hopefully it will play now. The knocking can only be heard when I'm near the engine bay, it should be audible in the video.

I was thinking the noises were probably related, now I'm not sure.

 

[Wabujitsu]

I listened to your video, sir. I too have a 2.0T - my second. The noises are normal. The engine noise is due to it being a direct injection engine.

 

[West Mesa JL]

I listened to your video, sir. I too have a 2.0T - my second. The noises are normal. The engine noise is due to it being a direct injection engine.

Copy that, thanks Jeff. Sounds like I need to educate myself a bit on common direct injection engine sounds. I appreciate the reply.

 

[Jeepn’]

I know a few have commented on it being normal (it might be) but if it hasn't sputtered like that in 50k miles, I would be concerned. The Tacoma in my profile pic used to have a ticking sound which is normal for those trucks, but it got progressively louder over time. Turns out it had some issues, so a trip to the dealer wouldn't hurt for peace of mind.

 

[JO DYRT]

Engine sound is normal, never stuck my head by exhaust so not sure on that one.

 

[Heimkehr]

Mm. I don't know.

I'm familiar with the agricultural noises that occur during the 2.0T's cold starts. That said, I did hear a distinct thumping sound, beginning at 0:08 and plainly emanating from the engine bay, that got my attention. I'll listen for the same on my engine during the next cold start, and report back, but I think I'd have noticed by now if the same thing was occurring.

Eric -- my gut is telling me to get that thump checked out by a dealer, doubly so if your powertrain warranty is still active.

 

[Beachcomber72]

Mm. I don't know.

I'm familiar with the agricultural noises that occur during the 2.0T's cold starts. That said, I did hear a distinct thumping sound, beginning at 0:08 and plainly emanating from the engine bay, that got my attention. I'll listen for the same on my engine during the next cold start, and report back, but I think I'd have noticed by now if the same thing was occurring.

Eric -- my gut is telling me to get that thump checked out by a dealer, doubly so if your powertrain warranty is still active.

In the four years of owning my past 2018 JL 2.0 it never sounded that way ever. Engine side or exhaust side.

 

[Heimkehr]

In the four years of owning my past 2018 JL 2.0 it never sounded that way ever. Engine side or exhaust side.

Nor has mine, so far as I've observed.

Possibly there's a bad injector or a bad coil in the OP's engine. A thorough exam is probably best at this point.

 

[lalalofsky]

At 50k my timing chain failed, the tapping sound the engine has normally was progressively getting louder, and as the chain developed slack it was slapping the guide that sits just above the driver side Cam sprocket. It was evident I lost tension when I was driving. I don’t think that is the sound you quite have but if that sound gets louder especially around 1,800 rpm (light throttle) I’d get it checked out.

 

[gd3mats]

We just crossed 12k on our 2.0L JLU Willys sport. Just for me, that startup would make me uncomfortable. But then again, I'm hypersensitive to all rattles/clunks/squeaks that are new.

I agree with getting it checked before the warranty expires. If it gets diagnosed as nothing now and documented that way, at least you will have proof that whatever the issue that may arise after warranty expires was addressed prior to expiration of coverage. Just a little firepower. Hopefully, it is something minor/easily resolved quickly.

Luckily, our 2.0L has been sounding pretty much the same as when we drove it home the lot.

I have been waiting patiently for the dealer to receive a rear brake kit to resolve a "supposedly" faulty retaining clip on the driver's side rear brake assembly. Stupid little rattle is bugging the S**t out of me. Took some nudging to get them to agree to fully replace/repair under warranty. They initially quoted a ballpark figure of $600 parts & labor.

Wishing you some prompt & proper treatment in resolving that issue.

 

[West Mesa JL]

Nor has mine, so far as I've observed.

Possibly there's a bad injector or a bad coil in the OP's engine. A thorough exam is probably best at this point.

Thanks all for the replies, I brought her by the dealer this morning. They are going to check the sound out tomorrow morning I will post any updated I get. Appreciate all of the thoughts!

 

[2005LJR]

Mine is pretty loud in the morning (2024 2.0) but after driving LJR, Tj Yj Cj I just thought it was a Jeep thing..

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