High-pitched chirp or cricket noise from the engine
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What causes "High-pitched chirp or cricket noise from the engine" on the Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S (ZN6/ZC6, 2013-2020), and how is it fixed?
Subaru traced the chirp to the direct-injection high-pressure fuel pump and calls it harmless. Fix: Under Subaru bulletin 09-54-12R, dealers replace the DI pump (16625JB022); older VIN ranges also get a new pump drive case and left rocker cover.
Symptoms
A high-pitched chirp, squeak or cricket sound from the engine bay. A steady clack or tick is normal.
Cause
Subaru traced the chirp to the direct-injection high-pressure fuel pump and calls it harmless. A revised pump went into production from VIN J9603681.
Fix (summary)
Under Subaru bulletin 09-54-12R, dealers replace the DI pump (16625JB022); older VIN ranges also get a new pump drive case and left rocker cover. Do not try to fix the normal ticking. The bulletin is written for the BRZ; the FR-S and 86 use the same engine but we did not find a Toyota bulletin.
Related build entries
Other ZN6/ZC6 problems
- Valve spring recall (2013 BRZ and FR-S)
- Low-pressure fuel pump recall (2018-19)
- Key can come out when not in Park (FR-S and 86 automatics)
- Rough idle or stalling on early cars (ECU software)
- Oil seepage from the cam plate, cam carriers or timing cover
- Creaking clutch pedal
More for this car
- All Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S (ZN6/ZC6, 2013-2020) fitment answers · ZN6/ZC6 common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- Subaru service bulletin 09-54-12R: High-Pitched Chirp, Squeak or Cricket Sound from the Engine (2013-19MY BRZ; rev. 11/16/18) — Subaru of America (bulletin hosted by NHTSA) (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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