Strange metallic squeal/grind sound when vehicle is started

Hi,

I stumbled across this site when searching for information on my Tacoma, this site has an amazing amount of information, so glad I found it.

Two months ago my husband brought our 2010 Tacoma (which only had 38,000 miles on it in for an oil change, and came home with a brand spanking new 2014 Tacoma..... LOL Salesman saw him ogling a nice new shiny dark blue one on the lot while waiting for our truck....

I absolutely adored our 2010 Tacoma so I was okay with the new purchase at first.... Unfortunately now when we start the truck, after about a two to three second delay we hear an extremely loud metallic squeal/grind sound from the engine compartment that lasts a few seconds and then stops. It only does it intermittently not at every start up.

Since the truck only has 3,580 miles on it we brought it back to our dealership and they said there is nothing wrong with the vehicle... That sound is horrendous and only started doing it this week, so I know it isn't normal.

Our 2010 never made a sound like that and we never had any issues with it... I'm now nervous about the quality of our new one, has anyone else experienced this kind of noise at start up of their Tacoma? Any ideas what it might be?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

If the dealer says normal ... have them show you another one on the lot that does the same thing.

Maybe even try another dealer for their opinion if there's one convenient to your location.

I'm not sure what the noise might be. With that in mind, can the dealer explain what exactly this "normal" noise is.

Something's not right here IMHO.

Good luck.

 

Was the dealer able to duplicate the noise? I work at a dealership and have not heard any complaints of a noise like that, imho a metalic noise like that is not normal.

 

When they started the truck it didn't make the noise so they said there is nothing wrong with it. I tried explaining it to them, and that it is only an intermittent issue so far but they weren't very interested in listening to me... It really is a shame because we have purchased multiple vehicles from this dealership.

I may try bringing it to another dealership for a second opinion, but the closest one is about an hour away...

My neighbor had been outside when it happened once and he heard it, he said it sounded like my starter was bad....

 

I have a 2011 and there should only be one sound coming from the engine compartment on start-up , that's a light clicking or ticking…that's the valves. But a metallic squeal or grind? That’s not normal.

 

Unfortenetly they will need to duplicate the noise, however they should not just dismiss it all together. Have you noticed if it happens more at a cold start or after it sits for awhile?

 

It has happened on both cold start and when the engine is still warm. One day it happened as I started it in the driveway to go to the store. Drove to the store engine was warm, ran in got milk came back out, started it and it did it again.

I may try recording every start up to see if I can get an audio recording of the noise, maybe then they'll take me seriously...

 

was your ac on? My compressor makes some weird noises that are normal when the air is on and I start my truck.

My kids were all making funny faces as I pulled out of the garage one day, then I figured out I had the air on and I usually don't in the morning.

 

We've only used the ac once, so it's been off since. Dial for air temp is in the mid cool range.

 

Like you said, I would film it on startup to try and get the noise to show the dealer. I have had things happen to my previous vehicles that the dealer could not duplicate and as soon as I get it back, the problem begins again..almost like the vehicle has a mind of its own! haha but, I have been successful in proving malfunctions with video. Also, as big of a pain it is, talk to them about leaving it overnight or all day to do a legit cold start and see if the duplicate the problem...hope this helps!

 

From your explanation , it sure sounds like the bendix on the starter when the starter gear comes into mesh with the engine flywheel .
Does the noise also happen for your husband ?
Reason I ask, some people have been known to hold the key in the crank position after the engine begins to run

 

We will start recording our start ups today to see if we can catch it. Yeah, it has happened to both my husband and myself.

If I catch it on audio I will try to upload it so you can hear it as well. Just want to say thank you again to everyone trying to troubleshoot this with me. I truly appreciate it!

 

probly something in your cooling fan.

 

Could be fan belt tension.

 

This.^^^^^^^^

Let them have it for a day or two.
They go out and start it every so often.
Need to hear it before they can do anything.
Record it if you can.
I have diag many vehicles starting with a vid.
Per say the only thing major I can think of right now that's different is the air pump. They keep changing software on timing etc but, have never heard a metallic type noise.
Help them out with more info or vids.

 

First - OP, Welcome to TW !!

Second - I concur with gearcruncher. You could ask the dealer to pull the starter and inspect it. Could be the Spring as stated, a burr in the starter gear, flywheel gear nick, loose starter, not installed straight, not mating the gears correct, etc. Since it is new and you are a repeat buyer I think they should be glad to do this. This Should not take an hour ...

If you Can't record the noise ... that's what I'd suggest.

 

^I think pulling the starter takes more than an hour.

 

If they cannot see or hear the problem, they cannot troubleshoot it.

I would Guess one of two things.

1.) The serpentine belt squealing due to humidity or moisture.

2.) Holding the Starter on after the engine is running or the starter bendix sticking in the extended position. Due to your description of the metalic noise I would say it is more likely this.

 

I have had three trucks (of different brands including Toyota) that did this. Nothing to do about it, I guess as it never led to any kind of problem. I was told once that the AC system might be overcharged and it affects the how the compressor comes on.

 

I have the same problem with 2014 tacoma. The dealership here in Seattle says it "normal". I'll take it to another dealership and see it they can fix it. Mine doses this on every cold start.