Crackling Sound When Accelerating

Hi All,

I'm hoping someone can help me out...

Recently, I've noticed a crackling sound coming from the engine area when accelerating between 40-50mph. It normally occurs after I've been driving for a short while and accelerating from a stop. I often hear it when accelerating onto freeways. If I put the truck into neutral and rev the engine, I don't hear the noise. It's progressively been getting more noticeable and occurs more often the last few weeks. Anybody have any ideas what this could be? I'm about ready to take my truck to the dealership but thought I would ask first.

Thanks!

 

Only at that speed?
When was the last oil change done on it?

 

In my experience, something that occurs under such specific circumstances is RPM related and tied to a loose part, or something cracked/broken that can cause sounds when it vibrates or rubs something else. For example, a cracked exhaust heat shield. To be described as a "crackling sound"is not one you hear often.

Me personally, just to see if it' RPM related I would get to the same RPM in another gear, hold it steady and see if I could recreate it. I'd also start looking for loose/cracked parts.

I guess another possibility is exhaust related, such as catalytic converter. They can make popping, crackling sounds, but I don't know why it would be limited to those circumstances. Does it do this consistently, or just as the vehicle is coming up to normal temp range? No CEL codes I assume.

 

Sound like it's coming from behind the glove box?

 

Pinging? Maybe the timing is a bit advanced.

 

Did you ever figure out what is causing this? I am experiencing these same symptoms.