Noise on my Matrix on cold start (FIXED)

Just started noticing a noise on my Toyota Matrix. I know this is a Tacoma forum but I figured you guys could point me in the right direction.

It only happens on cold starts and it goes away after warming up. Also stops when I press in clutch pedal (even while its still cold). Kind of sounds like a dry grinding or "static" type sound... Any ideas?

 

Alternator decoupler, maybe.

 

Sounds like a possibility... Same alternator since I bought the car in 2007. Just did the starter/battery last winter.

I'll try to research ways of diagnosing if its coming from the alternator.

Thanks for suggestion!

 

Anyone know how I can test if its the alternator? The lights aren't dimming

 

Remove the serpentine belt and start it (when cold of course). If you still hear the noise, then you have eliminated the alternator, A/C clutch, power steering pump, etc. Don't run it too long, or you will drain the battery.

 

Thank you! Will do this over the weekend

 

Be sure to draw a picture of the belt routing over the idlers and pulleys, for re-installing. You'll be glad you did.

 

Sounds like a pooched water pump to me but impossible to tell. Could be the tensioner pulley

I use a long metal stethoscope first to find the noise, then confirm by removing the belt and feeling the pulleys by hand.

 

So... I changed the transmission fluid last weekend and the noise is completely gone. Until the last year or 2 I was never any good about maintaining my vehicles besides oil changes... luckily with this forum and others like it I have started to learn to do this stuff. I bought that car with 40k miles on it and there had been no transmission oil change in last 100k miles that I'm aware of. The old stuff smelled like burnt rubber/clutch.

Wanted to report back that this was solved in case anyone stumbles upon my noise video with a similar issue. Took 20 minutes to change the transmission oil and may have saved it just in time. Got the 2qts of oil on sale at Napa for $12 total. Very pleased