Notifications
Clear all
1
02/12/2021 10:22 pm
Topic starter
My Mom drives a 2010 Toyota Camry, automatic transmission, with about 120K miles on it. On a cold start - not dependent on outdoor temperature, but after sitting overnight I mean - it makes a chattering/grinding noise for a second or two. My parents' family mechanic, an old farmer who they've known for over 30 years, thought it was the alternator. I told my Mom she should at least have it tested at an auto parts store first, but she had him replace it anyway.
Well, the alternator wasn't the problem. (Although their mechanic friend is honest, IMO, he's kind of a dinosaur when it comes to modern scan tools, computers, etc.) After the new alternator didn't solve the issue, he said he thought it might be the "oil distributor" inside the engine. (Is he talking about the oil pump? I dunno...) It feels like he's just guessing now, to me, though.
The car's SES warning light is not lit, so I assume there will be no OBD-II codes. (My Mom hasn't had it scanned.) I have heard the noise twice and, to me, it kind of sounds almost like a starter motor when it's just starting to fail. It's never failed to start, though, so what do I know? Any ideas or advice? Thanks!
Can you please make a YouTube video of the noise & post the link here?
Sorry, can't make a video of it right now, my parents live about 80 miles from me.
2 Answers
2
02/12/2021 10:36 pm
I would check the starter and the starter gears. If it's worn, then it's going to have to be replaced.
2
02/12/2021 11:05 pm
The timing chain probably needs to be replaced.
