Low RPM rattle
 

Hello all,
I have a 2009 Sport with 89k, and it makes a rattling noise under light throttle up till about 2000 rpm. I haven’t noticed it getting any worse since I got it with 53k.
I don’t believe it’s valves, since it’s not louder when cold.
Clutch in or out doesn’t make a difference either.

Times like these, I wish there was an actual throttle cable.

Could be several things, but two things come to mind...

1. Loose spark plug(s)
2. Loose heat shield on exhaust system

A couple more things to look at.

1. The license plate can causes rattle at low rpm.
2. the Heat Shields can rattle even if tight. Some of them are very close to other metal surfaces and they are flimsy. I removed mine and covered them in dynomat. No rattle afterwards.

I have the same issue.

Am planning to tap around the engine bay area top and bottom to see if I can replicate the noise.

I am also guessing a heat shield is to blame as my noise is very metallic sounding...

+1 for license plates, had it on my car and my cousin's car.

I did a valve adjustment the other day, found that every single intake valve was loose, .010-.011 which is quite the gap. Brought all the valves back to factory specs, and now the noise is gone.
NICEEE!(Borat voice)

Very nice! Glad the noise is gone and glad your car received the needed service. Seems many of Fit's just go un-loved.

I have the same noise issue... slight rattle during low RPMs. I thought it might be the heat shield, but it sounds more like the intake valve. I also hear a metallic noise in the higher RPMs when I'm near redline. Fit is at ~45k miles.