Grinding on ICE startup?

[AML]

I've noticed in the extreme cold weather we've had lately that upon the first startup of the day that it's usually very rough and there is a grinding noise during it. It's not a metallic grinding, but sort of like a hard plastic on hard plastic flapping/grinding. It's sort of disconcerting at first and only started recently in the past couple of weeks.

It's going in for a scheduled oil change next week, so I figured I'd try and gather some ideas before I have them take a look at it.

[ukrkoz]

you should still have your 60K warranty. let them have it.

no noises on cold start ups here. wasn't that cold, maybe 20 at the worst, but no, no noises of this nature.

[razol]

I have never heard funny noises on cold starts on my car. You may want to have someone look into this.

[AML]

Dropping the car off overnight so they can see if they can replicate the cold morning start up problem.

[andym1978]

My 2007 does that to periodically when the temperature dips below 20 F. I just figured some servo or something was sluggish due to the cold... Kind of like a starter actuator being slow to disengage, causing a screeching sound in the cold (My 2002 Camry and 2004 Corolla both do this). I'm not too concerned, but would also like to get some input from the experts.

[AML]

Originally Posted by andym1978

My 2007 does that to periodically when the temperature dips below 20 F. I just figured some servo or something was sluggish due to the cold... Kind of like a starter actuator being slow to disengage, causing a screeching sound in the cold (My 2002 Camry and 2004 Corolla both do this). I'm not too concerned, but would also like to get some input from the experts.

Yeah, it was just a very harsh ICE startup, not the usual soft refined engagement it usually is. I've read some similar things with the way the Highlander Hybrid engages the ICE and it seems like its normal for them.

The dealer checked out the mechanicals and the usual culprits for such a noise (water pump, etc.) were all found to be in perfect working condition. I'm not too worried now since it seldom happens. Most important thing to me though is that it was at least noted of its possible occurrence.

If it ever dips that cold again I've made a note to myself to record the entire startup process with my phone so if it does happen I can email the file to my SA. Because you know how it is, the car always fixes itself automatically as soon as you drive into the service bay!

[WhiteSands]

I have heard that the anti drain-back valve in some oil filters can cause this. Could be the oil being a little thicker is not getting up into the engine quick enough.

I use mobil one 0W-20 synthetic oil and a toyota filter from the dealer to help eliminate any of these type problems.

Your toyota tech should be familiar with the engine-start noise.

[ukrkoz]

Originally Posted by AML

I've noticed in the extreme cold weather we've had lately that upon the first startup of the day that it's usually very rough and there is a grinding noise during it. It's not a metallic grinding, but sort of like a hard plastic on hard plastic flapping/grinding. It's sort of disconcerting at first and only started recently in the past couple of weeks.

It's going in for a scheduled oil change next week, so I figured I'd try and gather some ideas before I have them take a look at it.

how is your Jag doing under same conditions?
or other cars you had before?
grinding noise that started recently? so it was not there? you appear to be a wise person, you know it will only get worse and eventually will screw you, and it will happen right at 60009 miles? and somewhere out in sticks?

there should be no noises of this nature. dealerships are oil and belt changes, not major troubleshooting. it's not their beef. find a good independent, specialty Toyota, and let him scope it from the bottom up. it sounds like something is loose and does not show on their scanners. it's "grab/shake/shine light/look for it" job, not plug in computer scanner and look on the screen.

[Joe B]

Originally Posted by ukrkoz

how is your Jag doing under same conditions?
or other cars you had before?
grinding noise that started recently? so it was not there? you appear to be a wise person, you know it will only get worse and eventually will screw you, and it will happen right at 60009 miles? and somewhere out in sticks?

there should be no noises of this nature. dealerships are oil and belt changes, not major troubleshooting. it's not their beef. find a good independent, specialty Toyota, and let him scope it from the bottom up. it sounds like something is loose and does not show on their scanners. it's "grab/shake/shine light/look for it" job, not plug in computer scanner and look on the screen.

I haven't had any noise issues and it's been a cold winter.Sounds like there's a problem.
Hybrid parts are covered past the drive train 60K miles.
Without the traditional starter,the noise on start up would be a hybrid component.

Hybrid-Related Component Coverage: Hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years/100,000 mile

[AML]

Originally Posted by ukrkoz

how is your Jag doing under same conditions?
or other cars you had before?
grinding noise that started recently? so it was not there? you appear to be a wise person, you know it will only get worse and eventually will screw you, and it will happen right at 60009 miles? and somewhere out in sticks?

there should be no noises of this nature. dealerships are oil and belt changes, not major troubleshooting. it's not their beef. find a good independent, specialty Toyota, and let him scope it from the bottom up. it sounds like something is loose and does not show on their scanners. it's "grab/shake/shine light/look for it" job, not plug in computer scanner and look on the screen.

The Jag and other vehicles I've had in the past have all started fine and without worry. I initially suspected water pump and other normal powertrain issues however they all checked out. At this point, as Joe B stated, I'm suspecting any issues related would be a Hybrid component in which case I would be covered.

I agree many dealers can be incompetent, however I have a very good solid relationship with the entire dealer that I use (sales, techs, service advisors, and management) since I actually used to work there.

Like I said, I've noticed the same with many of the Highlander Hybrids I've driven so I'm not too worried. If it comes up again and I catch it, I'll let you all know what the dealer finds.

[ukrkoz]

yes, let us know. i learn mighty lot from end users feedback.
to my unprofessional ear, sounds like you have loose peices flapping somewhere.
i wouldn't let it go and wait until life bites you in the ars. if you know this wisdom:
Because you know how it is, the car always fixes itself automatically as soon as you drive into the service bay!

you'll agree with this one:

you know it will only get worse and eventually will screw you, and it will happen right at 60009 miles? and somewhere out in sticks? does not matter if it's 60 or 100K miles. it's evil spirit of inanimate objects.