Chatter noise when starting

Tiny
JAREBEAR94
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 162,000 MILES
Hey, when I start it there's a rattle/chatter for not even a second. Is that normal? No engine code and runs perfectly. Just thought it was weird. If I could get answers quick that be great.
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020 AT 6:36 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
From what you are saying this sounds like lifter noise which is normal. What happens is the oil bleeds out of the lifters and when it does they have to be pumped back up when the engine starts. This takes about a second on normal engines. When it is winter it may take a little longer because the oil is cold and thick. However, if you want to get a video of this for us to confirm it that would be best.

Thanks
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Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020 AT 6:53 PM
Tiny
JAREBEAR94
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Okay, I will get one. Because I was getting concerned. I Googled and everyone was saying its the chain or something to do with it. But I had it serviced at Toyota and had everything checked out and they never said anything about, but I do not know. I just get concerned when I hear the slightest things.
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Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,573 POSTS
On the 3.5 start up rattle can be the timing chain tensioner however the more common item is a worn VVT cam sprocket lock pin that doesn't latch, then the oil leaks down overnight and lets extra clearance develop between the parts inside the VVT housing. That gives you a start up rattle because of the metal slapping metal.

Sounds like this: www. Youtube. Com/watch?V=mMp7LELtNb4

Look up Toyota T-SB-0094-09 for information on it. Easiest one to read is on Toyota Nations site. Next you might want to see if yours ever was recalled and repaired, if not you might want to ask about it as it is not a fun repair.
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Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
JAREBEAR94
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Honestly, I think was because my wife held the key down too long causing the starter to grind because it has never done it to me when I start it and when I went to Toyota to get a check up on it they didn't say anything. So I do not know. Just freaked me out ig. As I said funny noises always bother me.
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Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020 AT 11:11 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,573 POSTS
That would be a good thing if that's the issue. The rattle above is usually something that happens after the vehicle sets a few hours after it was run. If you don't hear it at least every other start it likely isn't the problem. However that issue won't usually set a code until it fails to reset once it has oil pressure.
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Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020 AT 11:49 PM
Tiny
JAREBEAR94
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Can't recreate the noise. Yesterday morning after sitting all night I started it and nothing. During the day yesterday I let it sit for awhile and still nothing. Then this morning still nothing.
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Thursday, June 25th, 2020 AT 6:06 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,573 POSTS
Maybe have the wife try it? See if she does anything different. Other than that I would say you don't need to worry.
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Thursday, June 25th, 2020 AT 9:19 AM
Tiny
JAREBEAR94
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Yeah, she drove it again, but I told not to hold the key down so long like she did when I heard the sound and didn't happen.
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Thursday, June 25th, 2020 AT 11:43 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,573 POSTS
Good to hear. Please return anytime if you have other questions. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Thursday, June 25th, 2020 AT 11:45 AM

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