Cold weather rattles and groans

[the surfer]

Started my Passat this morning to a very unhealthy sounding rattle.... It was -4 at the time (coldest start since I've owned it).

The noise lasted for around 3 seconds or so. As soon as I released the clutch pedal it went away. Any ideas what this could be....?

Fingers crossed the DMF isn't dying :(

[martin1810]

DMF rattle doesn't usually go away. It just rattles. Also you can feel it through the clutch pedal.

[the surfer]

Thanks for the reply.

I don't think my Passat likes the cold. The same happened this evening, although not as bad, when I started it to drive home from the office.

It seems to be clutch related as it sounds normal when the clutch pedal isn't down. I could be wrong... Not sure what else it could be though. Doesn't sound too good...

[martin1810]

I hope I'm wrong but it could be the clutch friction plate breaking up. This has more freedom to rattle when your foot is on the clutch.

[the surfer]

All good in the hood now... I hope!

Noise hasn't reappeared and car feels, drives and sounds fine.

I think it may have just been normal diesel clatter. As I said, -4 is the coldest start it's had since I've owned it. It was fine this morning at -1.

[dunkley201]

I think it may have just been normal diesel clatter.
Come to think of it - the other morning (-4 deg), I opened mine up, leaned in and started it (you can with a DSG, no clutch to press ;)), then set heating, fan etc prior to clearing the ice from windows. The moment I switched the heated rear screen to "on" the motor clattered like a good 'un as the extra load came on the alternator.

[Willber88]

My car was slow to turn over when it was -4c yesterday but i sprang to life pretty easily to be honest. It had a slight clutch rattle when the pedal is depressed but nothing too sinister i don't think.

Seems to drive ok anyway?