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Quick rattling sound on startup

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by JP2022, Nov 17, 2022.

  1. Nov 17, 2022 at 2:51 PM
    #1
    JP2022

    JP2022 [OP] New Member

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    I've noticed a quick rattling/knocking noise on startup. It appears to happen on cold mornings and doesn't happen if I turn the engine off and back on. It also doesn't appear if I turn it on after work. At first I thought it was when I had the wipers on the night before and they did a sweep of the glass after starting the car. It doesn't sound like anything rattling in the cabin. (I have a hearing aid, so I pick up any high pitched sounds.)

    The video link is from this morning. I will do a video on startup the next several days in case it appears.

    https://youtu.be/KTbgWzxsJ4w

    2011 Tacoma, extended cab, 4 cyl. engine.

    The last oil change was a few weeks ago.

    I've seen some discussions about the wrong type of oil and piston slap, but don't know if those are relevant or if there are other reasons. Any suggestions would be great, especially if I have to take it back to the shop that did the oil change. Thanks!
     
    Truckoma11 likes this.
  2. Nov 17, 2022 at 2:52 PM
    #2
    b_r_o

    b_r_o Gnar doggy

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    At least check the oil level first
     
    TnShooter likes this.
  3. Nov 17, 2022 at 3:01 PM
    #3
    JP2022

    JP2022 [OP] New Member

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    Checked - the oil level looks like it's good.
     
  4. Nov 17, 2022 at 3:13 PM
    #4
    MurderedTacoV2

    MurderedTacoV2 Booty Admirer

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    That doesnt sound motor related to me. Have somebody lay under the vehicle while you keep starting it and shutting it off, pop the hood look under there and just listen.
     
  5. Nov 17, 2022 at 3:14 PM
    #5
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    It does not sound like cam phaser knock to to me.
    But the description you give is how the cam phaser acts when it fails to lock on startup.

    Again, your sound isn’t like the sound the phaser makes that I’ve heard.
    But the ones I’ve heard were on the 4.0.
     
  6. Nov 17, 2022 at 3:17 PM
    #6
    Bishop84

    Bishop84 Well-Known Member

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    Never heard that before, but it doesnt sound like piston slap or phaser noise to me.

    I would record under the hood next cold start.

    Doesn't sound too bad.
     
  7. Aug 19, 2025 at 2:08 PM
    #7
    Truckoma11

    Truckoma11 Member

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    Hi my 2011 Tacoma just started doing this, were you able to figure out what it was?
     

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