Toyota Tick.. only while accelerating

Hey guys I recently passed 45k miles with my 2011 Taco, and last week I've noticed this often talked about "Tacoma Tick" engine sound.

Basically a ticking or clicking sound coming from the engine. Thing is, this sound only just started on mine, and I only hear it while I'm accelerating at a green light, or between 1500-3000 RMPs driving or passing cars. Higher speeds I don't hear it.

This engine tick can't be heard while idle, and I've even tried revving the engine while parked and I don't notice it. Seems I only hear the tick while I'm actually accelerating and moving. Either I didn't notice it before, or its a new sound I'm hearing. I'm a bit concerned, and was looking for some thoughts, comments, or suggestions.

Thanks!

 

keep changing your oil and filter regularly like you should and dont worry about it... the thing will go 300k before you even have to start worrying about it.

 

I feel like it started after the last oil change.

 

There is a lot of threads on this ..... You could change gas stations and or go to a higher fuel octane just to rule out ping.

 

Try changing the brand of gas, as this may result in a decrease in the claimed ethanol % and increase in overall gas quality.. thats what I did and most if not all the load pinging from the engine has gone away. Also, I don't hear nearly as much ticking sound reflecting off concrete separating walls as I drive by them or off the gas pump upon startup. Unfortunately, the gas company I switched to just got aquired by another company and will be changing names over to that company, just hoping the gas quality itself doesn't change.

 

I drove to Utah and back this weekend. So I tried gas from Maverick, Chevron, and I think one stop at a Shell station. I usually go middle grade, but I'll try 91 next time I get gas and see if anything changes.

I can't imagine gas type would randomly make the engine tick or make a clicking noise while I accelerate, but I'll give it a try.

 

I also have it, more noticeable if I am beside a jersey barrier or large truck. It pisses me off. Run mid grade shell fuel. Sounds like a tick from an exhaust leak, but I doubt it is that.

 

Reviving an old thread. I have a 2013 Sport double cab and mine just started doing the EXACT SAME noise a few weeks! I'm around 34k miles so mine will fall under warranty. I'm bringing it in Thursday for them to try and fix it or diagnose it. But the noise is sort of a tick/flutter only when accelerating while moving. Doesn't do it at idle or at constant speed.

 

Keep us posted on what they say. I have a tick but went away with higher octane.

 

I had that tick on my 87 Toyota pickup that started around 350k. But my 05 started at around 190k. The higher octane helps up to a certain degree. Thicker oil helped, making sure the oil was topped up definitely helped. Actually, overfilling the oil by a bit made it nearly go away. Don't lug the gear too much, downshift to accelerate too. Could be the chain and tensioner most likely. I could be wrong. But just my experience.

 

I have the same thing. Scares me. Using Mobil1 and Toyota filter. Costco gas. Happens with both premium and 87.

Toyota says it is normal and noise is resonating through the Al block (lifter slap). Others have said it is knocking and 2012/up had something flashed to eliminate/minimize predetnating.

Either way sounds like crap!

 

Same here...

 

have had mine in my 2011 sport double cab and 2012 sport double cab….I just play my music loud enough to not hear it

 

After my truck warms up its fine... But even now on colder nights (30-40) it sounds like shit

 

And the funny thing is... all our trucks are still running.

 

There is a TSB out for reflash the eprom to fix ping. This might not be for your year - but I'd look it up just in case.

 

Yes, there are lots of threads about the Tacoma tick. But there are a couple of things I noticed about it on my truck:

I didn't notice if it ticked when I first bought it, but I changed the oil almost immediately. I've used Shell Rotella-T synthetic 5W-40 in many engines for many years. Yes, I know Toyota recommends 5W-30, but I tow frequently and feel more comfortable using the 5W-40 under heavier duty conditions in hot weather and it's low temperature rating is the same as a 5W-30. The engine does NOT tick (now or ever) using the Shell Rotella 5W-40.

In an effort to simplify my life and use the same oil I was using in my RAV4 (4 Cylinder), I tried Mobile 1 in 0W-20, 0W-30 and 5W-30 (but not the new 0W-40). Using any of the Mobile 1 xW-30's, my Tacoma V6 ticked noticeably when warmed up. I gave up on the Mobile 1 in the Tacoma (though I still use it in the RAV4) and went back to the Shell Rotella 5W-40 in the V6. (The Shell Rotella is diesel rated and only available in 5W-40.) This is not scientific and Mobile 1 in 5W-40 may work the same in the V6 as the Shell. I just haven't tried it. The point I'm making is that my V6 ticks on the lower viscosity oils.

When I first got the Tacoma, I installed an oil catch can or oil separator. (There are several threads about these too.) I noticed that when running any of the xW-30 oils, I got WAY more (nearly double) accumulation in the catch can than with the 5W-40 over similar conditions and mileage intervals.

In any case, I'm sure there's no damage or danger in using the 5W-30 in any brand as Toyota recommends it and I'm sure the ticking isn't harmful. But, my V6 doesn't tick on the 5W-40 I use so I'm going to stick with it. As always your method may vary, so enjoy and use whatever you like.

 

i have a '12, run Mobil1, Toyota filter, Costco premuim, and tick tick tick.

 

Mobil 1 and OEM filter every 5k since I've had mine ('09). No change with premium or 85 (equivalent to 87 at sea level). I got used to it. I do notice it sometimes more under acceleration, but my engine hasn't grenaded yet.

 

I have yet to take mine in, but let us know what they tell you. I'd love to hear.