Strange sound while driving.
 

I have a 2001 S with 38k miles on it that makes a sound I can only describe as "an empty tin can rolling on asphalt". It seems to only do it in 2nd or 3rd gear while cruising at speeds around 25-35mph. I live on a military base so this is a good portion of my daily driving. As soon as I let off the gas the sound goes away. It can happen 2 to 3 times in one driving session and then disappear for a week or more. I think I remember seeing a post somewhere else where someone with a similar problem diagnosed it as a valve in the engine compartment that needed replaced, but have no idea where I might have seen it. My last oil change revealed no FOD, metal or otherwise, in the oil and I'll be changing it again this weekend to see if that's changed.

Has anyone ever had this issue and/or know how serious it is, as well as what it takes to fix?

Thanks,

-Joe

Hi Joe,
Sorry to hear about your issue. I'm sure someone with more experience will jump in with better advice, but until they do...

It could be a loose heat shield or exhaust component.

Or...could be the water pump.

Are you USAF? Because we're the only people that know what FOD means....:)

Foreign Object Debris ?
yeah I watched a documentary about jet fighters... ^^

Can be a loose heat shield on the exhaust or underneath the trunk area.

The water pump would make noise all the time.

Ben

Thanks for the input, I'll be sure to check out the shielding and exhaust while I've got it on the lift this weekend.

Yes, I've been stationed at Barksdale AFB for almost 3 years now. Are you still in or have you retired?

Lovely Barksdale! Good for you and thanks for your service!
I am retired. Former Buff navigator and B-1B WSO.
Welcome to the board! Hope we can get your issue sorted out. Lots of brains and experience here.

Hit the muffler hard with a rubber mallet. If an internal baffle is loose, it will rattle. Tends to happen at a specific driving speed, like what you reported.