Clunk when first pulling out

turbo2ltr · Feb 23, 2011

Anyone hear some noises from the front right when first pulling away after starting?

It's not quite a full "clunk", its sort of muted. Sounds like a heavy solenoidal or something of than nature. It happens after you start rolling. Like I usually hear it at the end of my rather short driveway. And it doesn't matter how long the car has been turned on. But it only happens right after a start. I never hear it again the rest of the trip.

It's pretty consistent.

IBELEAF · Feb 23, 2011

Probably ABS startup. I have it in my ICE too.

evnow · Feb 23, 2011

turbo2ltr said:
It happens after you start rolling. Like I usually hear it at the end of my rather short driveway.

Not hitting something in your driveway ?

turbo2ltr · Feb 23, 2011

no it happens when I pull out of the my parking spot at work as well.

Herm · Feb 23, 2011

brake calipher sticking?

sproqitman · Feb 23, 2011

turbo2ltr said:
Anyone hear some noises from the front right when first pulling away after starting? It's not quite a full "clunk", its sort of muted. Sounds like a heavy solenoidal or something of than nature. It happens after you start rolling. Like I usually hear it at the end of my rather short driveway. And it doesn't matter how long the car has been turned on. But it only happens right after a start. I never hear it again the rest of the trip.

I hear the same thing. I just assume it's part of the startup: chime from the dash, whir from the electric parking brake releasing, disclaimer on the nav system, and clunk from the whatsis.

Devin · Feb 23, 2011

I sometimes get that on the Prius when it's really cold (and maybe wet?) out. I think it's the emergency brake getting stuck/releasing upon slight motion. I religiously set the e-brake every time I turn a car off. Only happens a couple times a year but it's done that for as long as I recall.

TomT · Feb 23, 2011

It's not likely on a new car, but the front Constant Velocity Joints can make a sound like that too. It's always possible that one of them is not up to snuff...

turbo2ltr said:
Anyone hear some noises from the front right when first pulling away after starting?

It's not quite a full "clunk", its sort of muted. Sounds like a heavy solenoidal or something of than nature. It happens after you start rolling. Like I usually hear it at the end of my rather short driveway. And it doesn't matter how long the car has been turned on. But it only happens right after a start. I never hear it again the rest of the trip.

It's pretty consistent.

LeafTalk · Feb 23, 2011

I always get that on my ICE car which I have been driving from new since 2.5 years ago. When I asked the dealer I was told it was normal, just the ABS self test or something. It's never caused a problem.

TomT · Feb 23, 2011

If it is an abs self-test, you can usually feel it lightly through the brake pedal if you depress it just a fraction...

LeafTalk said:
I always get that on my ICE car which I have been driving from new since 2.5 years ago. When I asked the dealer I was told it was normal, just the ABS self test or something. It's never caused a problem.

kolmstead · Feb 23, 2011

Automatic door locks? They engage at about 15 mph.

-karl

garygid · Feb 23, 2011

Is it door locks auto-locking at some low speed?
(oops, too slow

)

turbo2ltr · Feb 23, 2011

kolmstead said:
Automatic door locks? They engage at about 15 mph.

-karl

Thats almost insulting. lol.

No, it's not the door locks. The sound is similar to the parking pawl...but not the same. I'll see if I can take a video of it.

sproqitman · Feb 23, 2011

turbo2ltr said:
kolmstead said:

Automatic door locks? They engage at about 15 mph.

-karl

Click to expand...

Thats almost insulting. lol.
No, it's not the door locks. The sound is similar to the parking pawl...but not the same. I'll see if I can take a video of it.

I should have added that to my startup sequence: chime, parking brake, disclaimer, clunk, door locks. Clunk happens just after shifting into "D", but we always back out of the driveway so that may be a red herring.

[UPDATED] The other reason I haven't paid attention to the clunk is I owned a 1999 Dodge Durango that did exactly the same thing, even when brand-new.

EVDRIVER · Feb 23, 2011

Parking pawl noise?

LakeLeaf · Feb 23, 2011

Garbage can?

garygid · Feb 23, 2011

An internal power relay, perhaps one to activate the DC-to-DC (12v) converter?

If you sit still in "R" (or "D") for an extra minute before backing out (moving forward), does the "clunk" happen before actually moving the car?

prberg · Feb 23, 2011

I get the exact same clunk. Wondered what it was. I get it when I am am backing out of my driveway. It's pretty subtle and quiet... but pretty consistent. I thought it was more from the rear or the car.. but I will have to listen more carefully next time.

-Peter

derkraut · Feb 23, 2011

Is it a "clunk"? Or does it sound more like a "clink" or a "clank"? :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

EVDRIVER · Feb 23, 2011

garygid said:
An internal power relay, perhaps one to activate the DC-to-DC (12v) converter?

If you sit still in "R" (or "D") for an extra minute before backing out (moving forward), does the "clunk" happen before actually moving the car?

It's not a contactor, the DC/DC is on when the car is on.

Clunk when first pulling out

Help Support My Nissan Leaf Forum:

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Similar threads

Join the conversation!

Join today and get all the highlights of this community direct to your inbox. It's FREE!