Hi Scotty, I recently purchased a used 2012 Scion tC manual 6 speed transmission for $7k to return my Infiniti QX30 lease. Every morning when I start the car it rattles for a second or two. Did an oil change using synthetic oil. It has the 2.5L 2AR-FE Vvti engine. Could this be the timing chain or solenoid actuator. I want to make sure I didn't buy a lemon with a bad engine. Been watching your videos since 2014! Thanks from NY
You need to have the timing chain kit replaced.
I’ll give you my insight: I have a 2011 Scion tC that started developing the startup rattle for a second, then goes away on COLD STARTS only. If the engine is warm, no issues. This started happening sometime around November 2018.
I poked around to try to figure it out, and it looks like it has to do something with the intake or exhaust cam sprocket. The locking pin lock the cam when it starts and it becomes pressurized by the oil during start. There is a Toyota TSB (T-SB-0041-13, to be exact) regarding the issue with the 2.5 L engine model 2AR-FE, but with the Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Sienna and Venza. I started changing the oil every 5k instead of 10k like it says in the manual approximately 2 years ago. It shortened the rattle noise a little after that, but it’s still there.
I actually tried what Scotty mentioned in a video and used ATS oil cleaner and it just made the engine overall quieter during operation, but didn’t really get rid of the rattle. (Was hoping it was a stuck chain tensioner).
It’s annoying, but I haven’t had issues with the car yet, and I currently have 180k miles on it as the original owner. Praying I get to 300k…
