Buy a Toyota or a Nissan! Seriously though, you describe a rattle while stopped with engine under strain. Some places to look: catalytic converter shield. Thin sheet metal that's over converter as a heat shield. Notorious for rusting and rattling. ALSO- check other parts of the exhuast...clamps, hangers... If you decide to stick your head under the car to find out, make sure each wheel has a chock, front and back, and the emergency brake is on! Good Luck! <<<ADR>>>
The 2001 Ford Focus has front wheel drive.
King of the Rattling Spirits was created in 2001.
They are ALL FWD.
Noise is common from any engine, the TYPE of noise is what you should worry about. Is it a knocking noise? hum? squeak? rattle?
The 2001 Chevy Cavalier may need a valve adjustment. Loud valves tend to create a clacking noise which could mimic popcorn popping.
Check the fuse.
See the answer for "How do you replace the drive belt in a 2000 Ford Focus?". The procedure is the same.
Check your tensioner
I have a 2001 I had the same problem when driven through rough roads and railroad tracks, I replaced the front struts and that solved the problem. I have a 2000 that rattles too. Looking for the answer.
Something's rattling around inside your door. You'll need to pull the door panel off and remove/repair whatever it is.
My 2001 Tahoe did the same thing. Everytime I hit rough road, speed bumps, or even a tight turn, I would hear a rattle in front and a vibration in the steering wheel. I asked a mechanic at Tires Plus to look at it and he said the steering column shaft was the culprit. $125 later (which included labor), problem was solved.
You need to buy spark plug leads with a surpresser built in to them