i should begin by saying i have a 2001 jetta wolfsburg 1.8 turbo. So here goes:
firstly, i turn key and about half a second after the car starts, i hear a bit of a deepish squeak coming from what i assume is the starter. however, wouldn't it make that sound in the beginning of the key turn process, and not after?
secondly, car shakes a bit (diesels) after shut off sometimes.
Thirdly, when i use AC, car gets very noisy and vibrates noticably. however, AC seems to blow cold.
Fourthly, check engine lamp has been steadily on. diagnostic (not at VW) suggests it is a "small" gas fume leak coming from emissions system. Two different people suggested it is probably a bad gas cap, so i changed it. light is still on after a few drives around though, and so i wonder if it is related to some of the other stuff above. this leads me to...
Fifthly, the engine itself seems to be a bit puttery sounding.
and last but certainly not least, the area under the car near catalytic seems to also be a tad puttery sounding. perhaps even a slight pop here or there. i should add that the diagnostic revealed only the small leak and nothing else. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
ben