Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Hi. I just got a 2005 A4 Avant, 3.0 liter V6, and noticed the above sound - kind of as if a flywheel or something were slowing down and stopping - when I shut off the engine. Sorry for the non-technical description, but I'm an oaf technically.

Anyway, I'm wondering if this is a normal condition. I don't think I've heard it with other cars I've driven, so am obviously curious. The car seems in exquisite shape so I find this sound a tad weird.

Thanks in advance for your wisdom!

Cheers,
Jim

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Normal!

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

That's what I was hoping! Thanks for the info.
cheers
Jim

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

It's definitely normal. It's just the fans winding down (in case you are wondering what it is..)

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

I'd always assumed it was the fans winding down but it's good to hear that from someone else.

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Thanks for responding. Glad to hear my new car isn't going to blow up or something after having it less than two weeks!
Cheers,
Jim

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Wait a minute... What fans??? The rad fans don't come on unless the engine is overheating or the AC is on. A 3.0L V6 doesn't have a turbo... I have a 1.8T and my winding down noise always happens when I cut the engine and this is because the turbo is spooling down.... But on a 6 cylinder????

I'm sorry, I don't mean to alarm anyone but EXACTLY where would a winding down noise come from in a 3.0L V6?

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Turbo spooling down?

It could be the radiator fan, the AC fan, the compressor, the heating fans inside the vehicle and so on. All of our cars do it, you cant even hear the turbo spool down (and you are using the wrong term) nor does it spool anywhere near idle, so you my friend are mistaken.

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Well I may be mistaken but I'm aware of the sounds my car makes and so is my mechanic. To boot I'm no stranger to auto repair so I know my cars pretty well and the sound I'm hearing is definitely my turbo spooling down (yes that's the proper term).

Now since I don't have a 6 cyl I'd recommend the OP try getting the car to running temp and them have someone shut off the car while he's under the hood so that maybe he'll be able to tell where the noise is coming from.

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

First time I heard that term, but hey english is my 5th language :) Either way I know my cars well and I think its the radiator fan. I think its just a coincidence that the OP has noticed it when he shuts the car off. Also some of them tend to stay on until the car is cooled off even when the engine is off. I am sure the issue was resolved as the origianl question was posted 5 months ago.

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

I guess we'd have to hear this sound.... To me winding down is the sound I hear the turbo make for about 10 seconds after the car has been shut off. Fans don't usually make this noise because they are single turbine and plastic so very light and VERY quick to spool down. You really should not hear this noise. The rad fans on the other hand have virtually no sound suppression at all so yes I've heard them and they do spool down after shut off but this only happens under certain circumstances and you won't hear it after every shut down. A turbo on an engine is just like a turbine in a jet engine. It actually has 2 turbines. One is driven by the exhaust and the other drives the air from the breather to ram it into the engine (Pretty sure the air goes through the intercooler first though)

On the B6 1.8T's the turbines are all metal which explains the spooling or winding down noise you will hear and since it's an all metal design and carries a lot of weight behind it, it takes a while for the turbines to come to a full stop so this sound is very distinctive.

All the OP is saying right now is that he hears a winding down noise. It would be helpfull if he added where he thinks it is coming from, wether or not he hears is every single time he cuts the ignition and for how long he hears this sound.

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Hi. I'm the OP. I don't hear it every time but I hear it fairly often and it sounds like it's coming from the front of the car.

Thanks.
cheers,
Jim

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Left or right side?

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

I've only heard it from the driver's seat, and can't tell if it's left or right. Sounds as if it's just toward the front of the car. I assumed it was the radiator fan, but wasn't sure.
cheers
Jim

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Sounds like the rad fans to me. Check your temp gauge. If its not at 90 then it's a sign something is wrong

Also, if the rad fans are kicking in durin the winter time *warning* something's amiss.

I only hear my rad fans when the car is overheating in the summer. The last time my rad fans kicked in during winter, the engine was overcooling. Did a scan and found the the Electronic Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS) was faulty. This happens all the time on the B6's. No biggie, it's a 60 dollar part. If this is replaced and you're still having problems the next culprit could be the thermostat.

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Thanks for that; I'll keep my eyes peeled. The car seems fine. I just thought it was a bit of a strange sound when I first noticed it after I bought the car in September, but not necessarily alarming, just new. The Audi's our second car and we don't drive it nearly as much as I'd like to, so my seat time is more limited than I want.

cheers
Jim

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Take it all with a grain of salt but at the same time find someone local who has a vag com cable and get your codes scanned! It's one of the first steps you should take as a new Audi owner so that you know what's going on with the car and can take action before it gets worst.

Audi makes great cars and admittedly they are not perfect (no car manufacturer is) but for the money, the prestige and build quality is second to none in my opinion.

Good luck and enjoy your ride and might I suggest..... Take it to an empty parking lot on a snowy slippery day, turn off traction control and do some doughnuts. HAVE FUN WITH IT ;)

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

I don't think you have a problem but if you want a VCDS scan I'm willing to help.

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Hey guys/girls, I really need help on this one.
I have a 05 A8L the battery is completely dead and the key is locked in the ignition. I cannot get to the battery because my trunk will not open. I have bags in my trunk so I cannot get to the trunk release. If there is anyone that can help I wouls be very appreciative. Thanks

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Flip the rear seats down, get the bags out and open the trunk

2005 Audi 8 dead battery trunk wont open
 

My rear seats don't flip down, I have bags in the boot. I heard something about using a 9volt battery and my fuse box. Have you or know anyone that have heard anything like this?

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

In essence you're hijacking this thread. You should post your question in a different thread so that you'll get more answers. Post it in another thread and I'll answer your question as I'm sure many others here will.

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

I apologize wasn't my intent, new to the forum. I will take your advice and post to a different thread. Thank you.

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Thanks! We may get snow this weekend. I look forward to learning doughnuts with quattro.
cheers,
Jim

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Looks like we have nearly the same car! Thanks for the offer. Do you attend the local Audi club meetings? I've never been, but meant to go last month. Alas, something came up.
cheers
Jim

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

No, I haven't been to a club meeting before which is fairly sad considering I live less than 5min away from where they meet. Like you say, seems like something always comes up.

Re: Is it normal to hear a "winding down" noise?
 

Maybe we'll catch up this month.
cheers,
Jim