Rich L.

I have started to notice a rattling sound right when I turn off the engine. This is on my very new 1.8T with 2300 miles. The first 1000 miles were gentle, but I've been pretty hard on it since then. As I get home, I drive the last mile gently. Then roll around the apartment complex in first at 2500 rpm to my parking spot and let it idle with the driver door open until the chime stops. Finally, I turn off the car and hear TACK, Tack, tack as the engine comes to a stop. Is this normal?<p>I remember a similar sound on a Toyota pickup I had. It was a 93 22RE and felt as loose as a goose. The valves rattled and the shift lever shook back and fourth. But my last car, a 95 Passat GLX, was tight as a drum. No valve noise ever and shutdown was smooth as silk. I was hoping for such tightness from the 1.8T.<p>Any thoughts would be appreciated.<p>Rich<br>99 1.8TQAMS<br>

Ray Calvo

1) have you ever experienced pre-ignition in any caers you've ownerd? this is whree when you shut off the engine, it seems like it still wants to drun. Causesd by deposits left over in cylinders (esp. on plugs) still gloweing red-hot and igniting leftover fuel. Form prev. discussions, the 1.8 and 2.8 5-valve engines seem to have a tendency to have deposits collect fairly easily, such as due to quick on-off starts. Might try running a fuel-line clean compound such as "Techron" in the gasoline.<p>2) I doubt if it is valves or valve lifters; I would think this would occur more on startup than shutdown. Wonder if you ahve someething loose that is rattling on engine shutoff.<p>Bottom line; visit the dealer and bitch - that's what a warranty is for.