Question on a couple of 'noises'

[Rushn]

Noob here. Be gentle

Firstly...

After starting and driving off, at about 5 to 10 km/h, a whir-thunk noise from low down towards the front of the vehicle (not loud). I'm assuming ABS test, but haven't heard a noise similar to this since my MY01 WRX many moons ago. Only happens after start-up and moving off. All good?

Secondly...

After the vehicle has sat for a while (can't be specific, but say first thing in the morning), I open driver's door and hear a 1 second mechanical whirring noise from the rear of the vehicle. Is this the fuel pump priming? I don't lock the car at home in the garage, so not sure if this has anything to do with the sound.

Cheers

[gavs]

Question on a couple of 'noises'

Yes, the first noise is normal however I am personally not entirely sure as to the source of it.

Yes the second noise is normal and you are correct, it is the fuel pump priming.

[Rushn]

Cheers Gavs. I wasn't too concerned, but needed to ask anyway

[nomadx38]

Yep gavs has pretty much got it.

The first noise is the self diagnostics on the braking system (I think it has more to do with the ESP system than the ABS which is why it could be absent on cars without ESP). You can hear 2 sounds one with a slightly different tone (very slightly) and this is the pressurisation of both the rear and front braking circuits. (if you have your foot slightly on the brake pedal while it's doing it you can peel it pulsing)

And yep second noise is the fuel pump (that is located under the rear passenger seat, behind the driver) priming. If the locking actuator / switch for the door doesn't work it can make starting the car difficult because opening the door will never prime the fuel. Only the driver side door will prime the fuel and only if the door is opened, unlocking alone won't prime it

[Rushn]

Thanks for the excellent explanation.

Cheers

[lukeoly]

Rushn, I actually wondered about the same two things when I got my Polo. It's funny how some people are just so oblivious to sounds and things (my wife) haha.