Heeeeeelp! What is this noise?

[mazdaprofour]

Hello, just got a 2008 matrix automatic. Has 200 miles on it now. When I put the car into reverse, I sometimes hear a slight rattle/metal pinging coming from the center area of the car. Perhaps in the muffler area. It will only happen when the car is in reverse, e break down, with the break pressed and rpms drop 3 bars below 1000 ( i guess it would be like 600 or 700). Is this just me? It will not happen all they time and hard to duplicate.

[Smar969905]

my suggestion would be to take it to the dealer and describe the problem to them, and have them fix it. i will call myself inexperienced, but i have learned a few things here and there. my guess would be that there is a bolt or screw somewhere under there, likely on the tranny that is loose.

if anybody else who does know what they are talking about, please offer better advice.

[matrixdude06]

ya id take it back to the dealer since its still under warrenty

[mazdaprofour]

Thanks all so far but I would like to hear from some people that have had this same issue. I would rather not have them mess with it if anyone else has a better solution. Anyone?

[mazdaprofour]

So am I the only one?

[camryvibe]

Haven't heard that kind of noise on our Vibes (Matrix clones), but did hear something very similar in a VW I had before. It was caused by the heat shield near the catalytic converter being positioned a bit off. When the engine was running slowly the exhaust system vibrated a bit more and rattled against the heat shield. But I agree with the other comments to have the dealer look at it and fix it for you.

[edbso]

Heat shield.

The dealer will fix it with a wack from a big hammer. That will change or eliminate the resonance frequency