‘Clunking’ sound when sitting and getting out of driver’s seat

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vanb
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Post by vanb »

When I first sit down into the driver’s seat in my ID.3 I hear a ‘clunking’ sound and then hear it again when I get off the seat to leave the car. Does anyone know what this sound is or is it just my car? I wondered whether it was just one of those sounds that electric cars make and it’s just the car turning itself on and off as I sit down and get up.Thank you.

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Daveion
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Post by Daveion »

Mine does the same and has done since day one.
I think it's the combination of the seat sensor and presence of keys that enables some kind of main electrical contactor. That has always been my guess. I'm surprised that there has not been more discussion about it on these threads.
I'm sure someone here will know exactly what makes the noise.
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G43FAN

Post by G43FAN »

Daveion wrote: Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:22 am Mine does the same and has done since day one.
I think it's the combination of the seat sensor and presence of keys that enables some kind of main electrical contactor. That has always been my guess. I'm surprised that there has not been more discussion about it on these threads.
I'm sure someone here will know exactly what makes the noise.
Yep, same here.
monkeyhanger
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Post by monkeyhanger »

No such noises in either or Life or Family ID3.
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Mikster
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Post by Mikster »

Think I might have the same. Is it the same sound as when charging begins. There is a kind of ‘thunk’ which I just assume is something to do with some kind of electrical switch engaging?
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Daveion
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Post by Daveion »

Mikster wrote: Sat Apr 23, 2022 9:50 am Think I might have the same. Is it the same sound as when charging begins. There is a kind of ‘thunk’ which I just assume is something to do with some kind of electrical switch engaging?
Yes. Also when plugging in to charge.
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Daveion
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Post by Daveion »

monkeyhanger wrote: Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:51 am No such noises in either or Life or Family ID3.
I wonder whether it's something they managed to attenuate on later models? It is an unusual noise.
At first it sounded to me as if it was a suspension spring mount seating as I got in or something of that nature.
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monkeyhanger
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Post by monkeyhanger »

Daveion wrote: Sat Apr 23, 2022 9:55 am
Mikster wrote: Sat Apr 23, 2022 9:50 am Think I might have the same. Is it the same sound as when charging begins. There is a kind of ‘thunk’ which I just assume is something to do with some kind of electrical switch engaging?
Yes. Also when plugging in to charge.
I hear that click when plugging in or unlocking after a charge - almost certain its a locking mechanism for the cable engaging or disengaging.
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monkeyhanger
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Post by monkeyhanger »

Daveion wrote: Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:02 am
monkeyhanger wrote: Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:51 am No such noises in either or Life or Family ID3.
I wonder whether it's something they managed to attenuate on later models? It is an unusual noise.
At first it sounded to me as if it was a suspension spring mount seating as I got in or something of that nature.
Ours were both built around Feb 21.
Cupra Born V2 e-boost 230ps Aurora Blue, replaced ID3 PP Family

Audi S3 - because I hate rapid charging for long distance driving.

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Daveion
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Post by Daveion »

monkeyhanger wrote: Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:08 am
Daveion wrote: Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:02 am
monkeyhanger wrote: Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:51 am No such noises in either or Life or Family ID3.
I wonder whether it's something they managed to attenuate on later models? It is an unusual noise.
At first it sounded to me as if it was a suspension spring mount seating as I got in or something of that nature.
Ours were both built around Feb 21.
I think mine was built around October 2020.
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sidehaas
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Post by sidehaas »

I hear a clunk occasionally but I don't remember ever hearing it upon sitting down/getting out when the car turns on/off.
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vanb
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Post by vanb »

Thank you for all your replies. I’ll monitor it to see if it happens every time-I can’t remember at the moment. I definitely heard it last night when I parked on the drive. The drive is on a slight slope so perhaps it has something to do with the ‘auto hold’ or the car switching everything off for me. Just strange that some cars seem to have it and some don’t. My car was ‘built’ in December 2021 and I picked it up end of March 2022. Loving the car though! Once again, thanks for your replies.
billybobb2019
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Post by billybobb2019 »

mine does it when i plug the charger cable in - think it’s a relay to the main battery maybe? never done it when i’ve sat down or left - sometimes when i lock it - never been bothered by it tbh assumed it was uploaded to do it?
billybobb2019
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Post by billybobb2019 »

uploaded=supposed ( stupid fingers)
baguette
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Post by baguette »

It's the main relay for the high voltage battery. Perfectly normal. It's just getting ready to go. :)
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