Hi guys I own a Ford fiesta s1600 white with blue decals, very nice car and am very happy with it.  However...

I was out earlier and all was fine, parked up with no problems to take a walk into town, I park near a children's park opposite houses but legally no yellow lines etc never had any issues parking there... this time when I parked I spotted 2 guys on a driveway not directly opposite where I parked but a few car lengths behind...they were doing some paving.. 

I went to town done what needed doing then cameback to the park with my children before jumping back in my car off home...  now the problem.. on my way home I heard a popping sound coming from somewhere on the car at first I thought I had gone over a crisp packet but the popping happened again about 300 meters down the road, getting louder each time... the popping wasn't while revving so don't think it's exhaust sounds from the front somewhere... the last pop before getting on my drive was really loud... I've checked over the car and cannot see anything wrong or out of place... im lost and have no idea what it is.. the weird thing is it didn't make any noises before the park but afterwards it did.. I dunno what tampering if any... could have been done I looked inside the exhaust for the obvious... it could be a coincidence and may not have been tampered with but putting the full story to you guys in case it could be relevant or give any ideas...

 

Sorry for the long post hope someone can help

 

Cheers guys

 

Jon

Checked there's nothing in your exhaust pipe? 

Yes mate I can't see anything or any signs of tampering around the exhaust.. the popping noise is like a crisp packet exploding only louder and it sounds like it's from the front of the car.

Hi Jonatham

Maybe worth a visit back to where you parked and have a good look around the area for anything out of the ordinary.

 Have you tried driving the car since? Does the problem still exist?

Hi Welcome

Hi Joss thanks for the reply. no I've left it on the drive didn't want to drive it without knowing the issue... didn't want to possibly make whatever it is worse.... I'll take it out again tomorrow and see if it persists. 

Hi & welcome   

Cheap way for pops and bangs :D

6 hours ago, Jonfiestas said:

I'll take it out again tomorrow and see if it persists

I think you should start it with the bonnet open. Best way to tell if it is exhaust, engine, or some other bit of kit under there.

If it is backfiring in the exhaust, then turn it off, and call a garage for advice. It would damage the cat if it persisted.

If it only happened when moving, then it could be a partly seized suspension joint, banging as it was forced to move.

 

 

Ignition spark jumping a gap makes a sound such as you describe. You may have a loose or broken spark plug wire.