Pontiac Grand Prix 3.8L ticking knocking noise when cold

GUMBY21NE

MEMBER
2005 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
3.8L
V6
FWD
AUTOMATIC
144,000 MILES

I have a 2005 pontiac grand prix with 144,000 miles on it. After the first freeze this year, it started making a loud tapping/ticking/slapping noise from the bottom of the engine compartment just like in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfw08eFUWZk

The video is of someone else's 2006 Grand Prix but it is the exact same noise and situation. It only happens when the vehicle is cold and the sound gradually fades as the vehicle warms up until it is completely gone.

The is no check engine light on or pending codes. The vehicle drives fine.

I got the oil changed shortly after the noise started but no change. I had the transmission rebuilt/replaced 3 months ago.

3 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

He a local guy look at it but from what you describe it may be piston slap as it goes away when warm. It doesn't do any harm just sounds bad. Btw your link didn't work.

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Friday, November 14th, 2014 AT 4:14 PM

GUMBY21NE

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I am sorry about the link. For some reason extra spaces got added when I pasted it. The guy in the video thinks it might be something else. I am starting to think it might be the flex plate rubbing against the torque converter cover which may have been improperly installed. Just don't know why it would start making noise as soon as it got cold.

The video does really help explain the sound I am hearing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfw08eFUWZk