Hi all,

New to the board but been lurking for a while. Just purchased a 2008 LX with about 40k miles. When I start the car for the first time each day, there is a rattle sound after the engine is engaged. Once the car warms up, then the rattle sound goes away. This happens almost each time but every once in a while it won't happen.

It kind of sounds like if you turn the key in the ignition for too long or if the car is running and you absent mindedly turn the ignition. You get that grrrr sound. The car starts every single time. Someone said it might be the starter but I don't think that's the case.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

If it rattles for a bit, open the hood and try to locate the sound.

A section of an old garden hose, or any old hose laying around, can substitute for a mechanic's stethoscope to help pinpoint the source of the noise.

 

Is it like a "tin metal on metal sound"? There are shields around sections of the exhaust, if one has come loose then they will make that kind of sound. Do as PA suggested but also whent the car is cold, see if you can move any of the shields around the exhaust....if one is loose then its up to you to decide if the cost of replacment is worth getting rid of the noise..my 95 has been doing that for about 4 years, until the exhaust pipe actually needs to be replaced I just deal with it.

 

Thanks for the advice. It does sound like metal on metal for a brief moment and then go. Makes sense. I'll check it out and report back. I've tried to listen and locate where exactly the sound is coming from and exhaust makes sense now that I think about it. Will check in the upcoming days and report back.