Said It Here

Why does my car make a loud rattle when starting the engine?

An engine startup rattle indicates a mechanical noise occurring immediately upon ignition. This issue stops the engine from idling smoothly and can cause severe shaking throughout the vehicle cabin.

What people tried

Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.

  1. 1
    Changing oil and filters frequently
  2. 2
    Performing engine flushes
  3. 3
    took to shop
  4. 4
    Performing an idle relearn procedure
  5. 5
    Turning on the rear defroster to raise the idle speed
  6. 6
    Turning off electronics, pressing the clutch, pressing the brake, and toggling the A/C
  7. 7
    Clean the idle control valve
  8. 8
    Lift the gas pedal up from behind
  9. 9
    Suspecting the serpentine belt or checking for known motor issues.
  10. 10
    Searching online videos and consulting AI tools
  11. 11
    Replacing spark plugs and O2 sensors
  12. 12
    Checking engine mounts
  13. 13
    checking timing belt and cam bolts
  14. 14
    taking the rocker cover off to inspect cams
  15. 15
    Replacing lifters and rockers
  16. 16
    Inspecting cams
  17. 17
    Testing cylinder compression and oil flow
  18. 18
    Considering a smoke test for an exhaust leak
  19. 19
    guessing potential causes like lifters or valve seats
  20. 20
    checking for error codes
  21. 21
    inspecting oil for metal shavings
  22. 22
    Running the valves and doing an oil change
  23. 23
    removing the serpentine belt to test components
  24. 24
    Waiting for the noise to become more frequent or consistent
  25. 25
    Inspecting components like the timing chain tensioner
  26. 26
    Using a stethoscope or long screwdriver on pulleys to check for smooth sound
  27. 27
    Inspecting the turbo propeller and hoses manually
  28. 28
    Checking pulley play by hand
  29. 29
    Removing the accessory drive belt to isolate and eliminate belt-driven components.
  30. 30
    checking if the engine heat shield is loose
  31. 31
    checking engine oil level
  32. 32
    checking exhaust termic shields
  33. 33
    consulting online automotive forums for diagnosis
  34. 34
    Conducting high-RPM drives
  35. 35
    Replacing timing chain kits and VVTI sprockets
  36. 36
    Using specialized oil additives
  37. 37
    replacing chain kits and VVTI sprockets
  38. 38
    cleaning solenoids and oil meshes
  39. 39
    using specialized motor oils and anti-drain back filters
  40. 40
    Checking components like the muffler or brackets, or turning off the AC to see if the sound changes.
  41. 41
    Guessing whether the sound is a valve train tick or a block knock
  42. 42
    Assuming the engine is ruined and considering replacement
  43. 43
    letting the car dry out after driving through heavy rain
  44. 44
    using AI tools to guess the underlying cause
  45. 45
    Waiting for the car to warm up until the noise goes away
  46. 46
    Waiting for the engine to reach operating temperature where the noise disappears
  47. 47
    Checking components underneath the car and attempting to rule out various sources of engine noise
  48. 48
    making a wild guess based on symptoms
  49. 49
    asking for more information about the car's age, make, and mileage
  50. 50
    inspecting manifolds for missing bolts
  51. 51
    checking for an exhaust leak at the manifold
  52. 52
    check the tightness of the bolts and condition of your motor mounts
  53. 53
    Checking exhaust heat shields
  54. 54
    Revving the car while parked to see if the noise reproduces
  55. 55
    keeping oil levels topped up
  56. 56
    trying to find reference videos online
  57. 57
    riding at lower speeds and lower rpms
  58. 58
    Using an oil filter anti-drain adapter (such as the Baxter adapter)
  59. 59
    Sticking with black OEM filters
  60. 60
    Checking or changing oil viscosity
  61. 61
    Removing the spark plug on the affected cylinder to inspect it
  62. 62
    Isolating the source of the noise with a rubber hose or mechanic stethoscope
  63. 63
    Replacing the oil pan and running solvents through the engine

In their words

Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.

I have this loud rattle as I turn engine on.source ↗

PuzzleheadedLog2726 · r/MechanicAdvice · 4 upvotes

Having this rattle like noise when first turn the on after not running for a while an then will startup just perfect but I can’t seem to pinpoint the noise cause it doesn’t happen all the time anybody ever had this noise ?source ↗

Maximum-Training-889 · r/MechanicAdvice · 4 upvotes

Start it up, has a rattling noise. Make the noise when idling and when moving. Got louder the past week. Gets louder when revving higher.source ↗

nothing obvious once i got in there which was a letdown as it sounds like something you’d see once you get inside.. so i’m not sure.source ↗

b37k · r/MechanicAdvice · 3 upvotes

Cold start tick that completely disappears after 2-5 minutes, 4 oil and filter changes last 3k miles, two engine flushes, Italian tune up over 100 miles, often at 5k rpm, didn’t fix itsource ↗

Zedra123 · r/MechanicAdvice · 3 upvotes

Sometimes my car does this when I start it. The gear selector rapidly clicks and the car drops in RPM.source ↗

At times my car will also not start even when shifting into neutral, unsure if this is related.source ↗

Ok_Description_8838 · r/AskMechanics · 2 upvotes

My concern is the deep tapping sound, is that rod knock, piston slap, chain tensioners, or what?source ↗

GoldenBones5 · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

The engine has this ticking that goes faster under load. Is the engine cooked?source ↗

Hardstare3 · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

It’s started making this noise when I first start it up from cold.source ↗

It goes away after about 5 minutes once the car warms up.source ↗

dyl__an1 · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

I've noticed a quiet ticking sound (sounds like when you spin a ratcheting wrench round) from my engine as it gets up to higher revs, it climbs with the engine sound 7k rpm + then decreases as it goes down.source ↗

I am probably going to take it to a mechanic just to make sure but i want to know what it probably is and if its safe to ride around at slower speeds/lower rpms.source ↗

stilliskinda5ad · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

I'm wondering if this means I need to replace my tensioner or anything else, TIAsource ↗

Dankiwi · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

So, I have a 2009 manual base and as title says, its got a rough idle.source ↗

Once driving, then at a stoplight the 600 to 800 cycle i described before begins again.source ↗

Until I turned on rear defrost. It still shakes but idles a little higher, but as soon as I turn rear defrost off, it begins violently shaking, most noticeable in passenger seat and by observing the passenger windshield wiper shake like crazy.source ↗

Curious-Nectarine429 · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

there’s no shavings in the oil and everything is connected from what i can tell it’s a 2021 dodge charger rt automatic i recently hydroplaned into a ditch and hit right in the middle of the bottom of the radiator replaced thatsource ↗

DenseHost9336 · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

Having a rattle noise when I don’t drive for a while but only on first startup after that you won’t hear noting sounds kike it coming from the front somewhere but can’t really tell anybody ever had this problem ?source ↗

Maximum-Training-889 · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

It sounds like it’s coming from the crank pulley area.source ↗

I removed the belt to eliminate all of the belt driven things.source ↗

I’m thinking it may be the timing chain tension, any ideas?source ↗

PezzyBezzy22 · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

Girlfriend sent me this video showing a new rattling like sound coming from her car.source ↗

shinrio · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

Starter went out a few months ago, I replaced it but now when cranking it sounds like this. Please identify this sound.source ↗

Mundane-Ad-7804 · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

2004 Forester EJ25 just started making noise today. Fluids good, recently serviced. Bad flywheel? Clutch?source ↗

aPsychedMountainGoat · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

Goes away with any gas, no check engine lights besides a lean fuel codesource ↗

How would I diagnose this and is it ok to continue driving on.source ↗

SndMetothegulag · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

I hear this ticking sound is this a sound i should be worried of?source ↗

DeliveryOdd3839 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

for the past like 6 months I’ve heard a rattling/ grinding noise that is especially loud on cold starts, but quiets up after about 2 minutes of driving.source ↗

Disastrous-Paper-927 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

pretty much every time i start it (warm or cold), before it drops to the final idle position around 650rpm it shakes.source ↗

The car has no issues driving normally or under load otherwise.source ↗

Tall_Scholar8061 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

I have an issue and I just can't figure out what exactly happened.source ↗

When they get it all back together still made the tick.source ↗

It's bizarre that now when you start it up no ticking noise but only an acceleration.source ↗

Myself mechanic is scratching our heads.source ↗

mitch27274 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Super loud knocking that showed up today.source ↗

foot_cramp · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Just shoot me straight I think I know what’s coming for mesource ↗

foot_cramp · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

this is well beyond the normal volume range.source ↗

foot_cramp · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Sounds like it has no oil in itsource ↗

foot_cramp · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

I bought this car last week and found out it makes quite terrible noise when cold. After ten minutes of draiving, its silent.source ↗

JT8- · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

i started having this noise every time I start the car from 1 to 10 Miles I don't know what it is.source ↗

Brave-Audience1078 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

I wasn't sure if it was the turbo the ac compressor is out doesn't work.source ↗

Brave-Audience1078 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Trying to diagnose this noise on my 2013 Rav4. I only hear it when I'm in Drive, idling (ex: at a red light). I did check to see if the engine heat shield was loose, it seems secure.source ↗

ersant · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Loud scary underhood noise that is RPM dependantsource ↗

PrestonSpinsTires · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

I’m trying to diagnose a metallic clacking/rattling noise coming from the bottom of my Honda Fit 2007 LX 1.4 i-DSI engine.source ↗

this noise is driving me crazy and making me paranoid about rod knock.source ↗

TomilloHermetico · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

it has developed what sounds like a lifter tick from the rear drivers side. Cold start, warm start, doesn’t matter. The thing is, it goes away almost immediately after shifting into gear.source ↗

Cum_at_me_stepbro · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Car vibrates bad, bangs on the plastic underneath i think. Goes away after it warms up. If you push down on the motor it gets louder and if you pull on it it goes away.source ↗

Historical_Plant_747 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

I could use help from some professionals, because I am stumped!source ↗

In this video, you can hear a rattling noise start suddenly around 2500rpm... It happens in every gear, around that RPM range, and only when I give it some throttle.source ↗

At first I thought it was a heat shield rattling but nothing seems loose.source ↗

derSchwamm11 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

It uses spin on filters already, it's just making a muffled knock sound for a second or two after a cold start while using a micro guard select filter.source ↗

SinceGoogleDsntKnow · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Makes this knocking noise at idle.source ↗

Goes away once throttle is applied.source ↗

Engine codes show cylinder misfire P0302.source ↗

Is this the end of the trusty old Nav for me?source ↗

keedikster · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

it’s hard to explain it just sounds like it doesn’t wanna start like it makes that noise when you try to start a car with a dead batterysource ↗

OriginalParsley908 · r/autorepair · 1 upvotes

Cold start tick that completely disappears after 2-5 minutes, 4 oil and filter changes last 3k miles, two engine flushes, Italian tune up over 100 miles, often at 5k rpm, didn’t fix it, chain kit + VVTI sprockets replaced, VVTI solenoid & oil mesh next to it cleaned, they weren’t dirty, no glitter in oil, camshaft lobes are OK according to two mechanics who inspected them, car runs absolutely fine minus the cold start tick, doesn’t burn oil, currently running valvoline restore and protect 0w20 along with Oem anti drain back oil filtesource ↗

Zedra123 · r/AskMechanics

after about 20 minutes the car started surging- giving gas, cutting out for a few seconds, giving gas again, repeatedly - while holding the pedal steadily.source ↗

today it stuttered the entire drive to work.source ↗

anything would be useful- I’m not great with cars and still learning.source ↗

Holiday-Character-18 · r/MechanicAdvice

I noticed this about a week ago it would make that weird noise and basically it takes a extra few seconds to start and sounds like it doesn’t wanna start every time I start the car not sure what it issource ↗

OriginalParsley908 · r/autorepair

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