[Sammie]

I've noticed when I have the windows down and start my engine I hear a noise which sounds like fluttering....like someone shuffling a deck of cards Anyone know what that is?? Is it normal??

 

[jcwit]

Its the ghost of a previous owner.

Seriously I have no idea.

 

[aidan80]

I've noticed when I have the windows down and start my engine I hear a noise which sounds like fluttering....like someone shuffling a deck of cards Anyone know what that is?? Is it normal??

Someone is playing a poker game in the boot and didn't tell you about it? Sorry lol.. I've an issue with my tracer which brought me to this thread.. mine is whistling lol and sputtering at times.

 

[cs350]

How long does the flutter last? Cold start or hot? Does it ever show up at any other time? Check your fan for interference with the shroud or foreign bodies (leaves) in the shroud. Check your belt for frays or loose bits and watch the tensioner to see if it chatters(shakes) on start up.

 

[Sammie]

Interesting and entertaining suggestions....

An older couple owned my car before me. He died, she still lives. Perhaps he is haunting the car....maybe he was a gambler....

The engine flutters on a cold start....never particularly paid attention or noticed it on warm starts. It reminds me of a valve opening and closing repeatedly. Perhaps this is better than the card analogy.....I doubt it's the fan....belt.....etc....it seems specific to the engine.....It's probably fine....I just never noticed it on the '98 Escort. This car, a '99 SE, starts much rougher....and some of it may be IAC related since it seems to have failed for good...

 

[cs350]

Hard to guess without hearing it. Maybe a lifter bleeding down?