Good afternoon, I am a huge fan Scotty! Way to share your 52 years of automotive experience.
I need some guidance, just bought a 2015 Camry with 180,000 miles for 12K. Everything looks good. When I test drove the car it runs fine on a straight road no shaking on the transmission stick, but when I turn there is a rattling sound. I asked him if he was aware of it and he said yes "that is why I am selling it at a low price". The car makes that rattling sound when I turn and press the gas, but just a simple turn without pressing the gas, no rattling. I thought it was engine knock but the Coolant looks clean so I dont think its a Head Gasket leak. He told me it has something to with the suspension and instead of getting it fixed, he'd rather just sell it at a low price and have the next owner fix it. The rattling sound doesnt happen when at idle only when it turns.
Ran my OBDII Scanner and it doesnt have any permanent codes as the CEL is not on but it did have some "Engine Codes":
P1603 = Engine Stall history
P1604 = Startability Malfunction
P1605 = Knock Control CPU
P3209 = Throttle Pedal Position Minimum Stop performance
Any info here would help.
Can you make a YouTube video of the noise & post the link here?
Well not control means the engine is knocking that's not a good sign. I personally wouldn't have bought it but pray that it's the catalytic converter rattling see my video finding the source of car noises. I will find the noise pray it's a rattling converter which means very little if it runs okay
Hi Scotty thanks for the response. If it was an engine knock does it not trigger the CEL? I will get it checked out externally by a mechanic this week and will advise them to check the Cats. Did the OBDII Smog test and they all passed (or appeared green with a check mark).
Hopefully that rattling is indeed suspension as those ones are at least common wear items.
Sounds like it could be one or more axle cv joints going bad.
Scheduling a mechanic inspection, will update the post. Thank you Doc.
@Doc is right the axles were the shot! Regards the engine knock code, I was told that it could be a dirty throttle plate, any recommendations for a reliable cleaner that wouldnt cause issues in case it got sprayed into parts that it shouldnt get sprayed on (like rubber and plastic parts, emissions related parts, etc.)
Usually, throttle bodies can be cleaned with carb cleaner if use judiciously.