engine clunks when turned on for the first time of the day

my tacoma (2011 trd sport dc sb) only has about 3000 miles on it and it makes a strange sound when I start it up for the first time each day. the vehicle remains in park but after about 5 seconds of being turned on it makes a sound that I would liken to that of a bad transmission shift...

has anyone noticed this kind of thing before?

 

Air conditioner?

 

no, but im right around the same mileage.. ill be sure to look out for it.

i mean with 3k on the clock.. what could possibly be wrong??


subbed for the outcome..

 

I'm assuming it does this at idle when you're not trying to put it gear? If so, I'd guess it's the automatic choke.

 

yes it makes the sound after idleing for about 5 seconds. it doesn't sound healthy but I only hear it once per day...

 

I have a 2011 with 17000 miles i have noticed a slight knocking nosie in the morning on the intitail start up, nose last for a short time until the motor is warmed up.

 

Automatic choke? There aren't any carburetors on this vehicle...

 

My vote is on the A/C compressor as well. They can sound a little rough on the first startup after sitting for a while.

 

Liquid refrigerant that has migrated to the evaporator because inside the dash is going to be cooler than behind the grille will slug the compressor on start-up. That is possible.

 

Check the trans fluid level. Make sure electrical connections are secured on the trans.

If you wear big boots, look under the steering column/dash above where your toe would hit any electrical connectors and make sure they are secure (I have heard of boots disconnecting the Trans interlock relay)

Steve

 

guess I'm a little out-dated...

 

yes, but fuel injected vehicles still do this. after your engine reaches normal operating temperature your rpms drop and the valve in the throttle body sits normal. until then there is an automatic choke... albeit totally computer controlled.

 

Was there ever a resolution to this issue? I'm experiencing the same problem now.

 

I run my A/C very frequently... I wonder if it could be caused by slightly low freon?

 

Yeah mine does it too. I drive very little - about 5000 miles a year - and my truck often sits unused for days at a time. It is more pronounced when it's been a few days since driven.

 

Dealership would be my first stop, if it is still under warranty.

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