rattling sound from drivers side engine compartment

[corollaFORwork03]

My 2003 has a Corolla has a rattle/grinding sound when in park and in gear coming from the drivers side under the engine compartment. Attempts to isolate the sound have eluded as it doesnt seem to make the sound when my head is under the hood.

The sound is intermmitent at times and does not increase at speed (above 55mph) and seems to diminish when the vehicle is warmed up. Maybe not completely. It also seems to come from the tranny side moreso than the flywheel side. It could be around the output shaft but I kinda ruled that out as the noise occurs when stationary as well as in motion. It sounds alot like a heat shield that vibrates when loose. But there is a hint of a grind...

I had the tranny fluid changed last weekend and the sound remains. The technician did not mention any issues...

Anyone had similar problems they resolved and if so, what was the problem?

[MasterTecInSTL]

It's probably just a bad motor mount.

[invader]

Does the noise change when you push the clutch pedal to the floor?

[corollaFORwork03]

ill be sure to inspect the mount.

[corollaFORwork03]

its an automatic (4spd)

[MasterTecInSTL]

These are also known for the belt tensioners making squealing and/or rattling noises, although I'd think you'd hear this with the hood open.

I just know that sometimes when a motor mount gets weak it can allow vibration to transfer from the engine to the frame which can make a heck of a noise inside the car but can be impossible to hear from outside the car, even with the hood open.

[corollaFORwork03]

In your experience with toyota, does the 9th gen engine (1.8lVVTi DOHC) make a little more noise in the cylinder head area than its predecessors like the 99 corolla? I heard a 99 model and I dont remember hearing any noise. This 03 makes more noise.

I had another thing I wanted to post initially and overlooked it. The 03LE has many features but it has no fog lights. There is a knock out on the left side inst panel that might accomodate a rocker switch...
I was wondering if all new wiring would have to be run or if by some chance toyota included the wires at the factory in the main bundle.

I was looking at these --> http://www.ebay.com/itm/290588567880...84.m1423.l2649

Im looking at OEM looks and style without the high price of oem.

[infuzeyou]

two things to note - there is a TSB regarding the belt tensioner, the hydraulic shock on the tensioner leaks and makes noise. I'll try to find the TSB for it. Also, I have noticed a small solenoid valve mounted onto the intake air box that makes an intermittent ticking sound, which gets louder occasionally.