My engine is making a loud knocking noise
I have a 2005 ford escape hybrid. I noticed day before yesterday that there was a slight ticking noise in my engine so i stopped at a gas station to check the oil. I was surpised thatI had to put in 4 quarts of oil. I do have to say that i was just under 2K of being over due for an oil change. I didn't think this would be a huge deal bc i change the oil every 3K and i've been told that with hybrids you don't need to change it till 5K. At first i only heard the ticking noise when i hit the gas pedel. You couldnt hear it at all when it was idling. Mostly when i was taking off or if i was going up hill and the RPM's were high. The noise would get louder and faster when the RPM's are high. This morning i was easing up a hill and it starting making an even louder knocking noise… Almost like something it loose or ratteling inside and its constant, even when idling. I'm really stuck between a rock and a hard place right now and do not have the money to get a new car or fix a huge problem. Please, someone give me some good news and tell me its a minor fix… Please.