Are you able to record the noise and upload it to YouTube via a video, then share the link here?

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I'd have to wait till end of day after work or tomorrow morning. Also not sure how well that will pick up the sound from my phone. I guess I could put the phone near the engine before I crank it.

There is an older thread on here with the Gen7 saying it's the VVT-i? It sounds similar to this, but maybe not quite as loud. There's a TSB but for the Gen 6.5?

Some say it's the hydraulic lifters and that it's normal?

Another user here suggested this
Here is a simple Q&A sequence that you can use to diagnose if you have a problem.

1) Does your car make a valve rattle noise upon start-up?
YES, but only after being parked for several hours (cold start-up) --> go to Q2
YES, always --> PROBLEM, have it checked

2) Does your car have hydraulic valve lifters?
NO --> PROBLEM, have it checked
YES --> go to Q3

3) Does the noise last for approx. 1 second or less?
NO, it lasts several second --> PROBLEM, have it checked
YES --> this is normal valve rattle with hydraulic valve lifters, nothing to worry about if it does not get worse with age

Are you able to record the noise and upload it to YouTube via a video, then share the link here?


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If it sounds like the above, it's a cam gear rattle that has been relatively common with Toyota VVTi systems on the 2.5 and less so on the 1.8 and 3.5's. It can change sound a little bit with different oil viscosities when cold. You can have it repaired under a TSB, but unless it lasts longer than that, I wouldn't bother. Ours never went away even after 2 (3?) repair attempts.

 

So it's just noise issue? Shouldn't be any functional issues or excessive wear? When I Google the TSB in question in only covers Camry years up to 2012 or 13. The fix should have been applied to newer builds? Or was the TSB just case by case for the technician to follow should a customer bring it in for this specific issue? Until major design change to those engines?

 

Since we're talking about weird noises, my 17 SE with about 6k miles on it makes this weird loud wine after I first start it and it continues until the engine wanna up for about 1 and a half minutes. Been doing it since it was new (19 miles).

Ideas or sound I get a video of it making the noise too?

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Always post a video of engine noises.

Some oil brands, filters, and grades can change engine noise.

So, during the next oil/filter change, change one variable and see what happens.

And, as always, make sure oil level is full and that you are not overdue on an oil change interval for your driving style. You have a time or mileage, whichever comes 1st requirement interval, along with severe or regular service intervals. Read the manual and use your dipstick.

 

That's partly why I was asking about the oil filter difference in a different thread. I was reading in some threads that said this seemed to affect the cold start noise. And wondering if I should just stick with OEM filter or Try the TRD filter. But looking at the TRD one vs the Amsoil they look identical. And the anti-drain back thing. That's the tube in the center of the cartridge correct? Why would one type of filter create cold start noise vs the other? Is the oil flow affected by the design? Does this affect the drain back?

 

If your engine sounds like the one in the video (a 1 second rattle) then it's completely normal - I know because I rent Camry's all the time at airports while on business trips plus I have my own 2015 4 cyl. The 2016's and 2017's are just as loud during the first second of start up as my 2015. If you want you can soften overall engine noise a tad by using a 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil. Oil filter makes no difference (the toyota oil and air filters have enabled some 2AR-FE owners to get over 300,000 miles of troublefree service).

Australian owners manuals say the 2AR-FE 4 cyl can use a wide range of viscosities ranging from 0W-20 to 15W-40. In the USA Toyota is forced to recommend 0W-20 for a political reason; i.e. the 2AR-FE's EPA certified fuel economy ratings were obtained with test cars running 0W-20 oil and 0W-20 is the viscosity that enables the engines to get a tad better fuel economy.

 

So followup question about this. I've read some threads here talking oil weight with regards to cold start noise and engine wear. Is the difference between 0W-20 and 0W-30 dramatic in terms of cold start noise? What about MPG difference?

It's not normal.
If you have the noise your cam gears are worn out. Go and check out a few brand new cars, I went through 5-6 2012 2.5 Camrys and all of them were quiet. It doesn't mean your VVT-i will fail, but over time, especially if engine is neglected, the noise and rattle might/will get worse. I followed this issue on a few different forums and while some reported no changes over time, others had to replace cam gears and some done it under the factory warranty.
2AR-FE engines for different markets built on different factories and to different specs. Running 10-30 in the US spec engine is going to wear out dual VVT-i and oil pump much quicker than the specified 0-20 oil.
I had a 2012 2.5 Camry and it was quiet and then all of sudden one winter started making grinding noise on cold start ups. I've switched to M1 0-30 and it quietened the noise to some degree. My other 2014 2.5 Camry never seen a dealer and I replaced the factory 0-20 with M1 0-30 at 2 or 3K and was running the same M1 till the moment I sold it at 22K or so miles. The engine was absolutely quiet and never rattled at cold start ups. 0-30 is just a bit less runny and leaves a bit thicker film and I guess it's enough to make the difference at cold start ups.
Also not all 0-20 or 0-30 oils have the identical specs and 0-30 has noticeably higher cold and work T viscosity.

Toyota (Eneos/Idemitsu) OEM 0-w20 vs (Mobil 1 Advanced fuel economy 0-w30)

Viscosity @ 40C 42.4 (63.1) cST
Viscosity @ 100C 8.4 (11) cST
Pour Point C -42-51 (-50)
Viscosity Index - 179 (166)
HTHS Viscosity @ 150ºC -2.6 (2.99)
TBN - 6.27-7.9 (8.5)
API SN/ILSAC GF-5 (GF-5)

The MPG difference was never important to me, but I could've easily get close to 40 MPG on HWY on 0-30.
You might save a cup or two of fuel over a year or two, thought you can save even more by not carrying 10lb of junk in your trunk.

 

Cold Start video/audio

Here is the recording of the cold start. Don't mind the reversed video, I had to rotate it in the youtube editor. So it looks like Right hand drive haha.

 

Here is the recording of the cold start.
https://youtu.be/WFcMBkF3gu4

Normal. Millions of 2AR-FE's are in service around the world. They all make that start up noise and no one has identified any problems it causes down the road.

 

Sounds normal.

I would skip the Amsoil oil filter next time and try OE or Fram Ultra.

On a canister filter, ADBV is the orange or black seal you see blocking the multiple oil holes. It prevents oil filter from draining empty. On a cartridge filter, if equipped, it's built into the filter mount/cover/housing/pump or engine block... I have replaced cartridge filter covers because of missing or bent pieces or filter cover noises. Plastic covers can also crack.

If the OE or Fram Ultra filter makes no difference, I would try a synth 5w30 to see if the oil film thickness masks it some.

 

Yeah like most said, its normal. Im using Amsoil as well with purolator filter.

 

Thanks for all the replies. It does surprise me that it's that loud and normal.

 

Okay so in a different thread a member posted info on oil filters which helped me recall the anti-drainback valve or ADBV in the canister type filter. I assume the 2AR-FE has the paper filter and most likely does not have the ADBV, but that is what I look for in oil filters in canister form. Do some research to see if you can find a solution. I'm not of fan of valvetrain noise at startup so I work to eliminate on my cars

 

So followup question about this. I've read some threads here talking oil weight with regards to cold start noise and engine wear. Is the difference between 0W-20 and 0W-30 dramatic in terms of cold start noise? What about MPG difference?

 

Is the difference between 0W-20 and 0W-30 dramatic in terms of cold start noise? What about MPG difference?

I use 10W-30 most of the year (California climate) in my '15 2AR-FE and the 1/2 second start up noise is the same as in all the near new rental car 2AR-FE's I have driven that have the factory fill 0W-20 in them. The 2AR-FE has been used around the world since about 2010 and some have already accumlated 325,000+ miles without any internally lubricated parts wearing out. So I'm not worried about the momentary noise. I get around 32 MPG in highway driving regardless of the weight of oil I use.

 

It's normal. Every 2.5L Toyota I've ever heard does it when cold.

Ours did it a bit excessively and had the gear replaced 3x before I gave up trying to have it fixed. Yours is 100% acceptable; ours did it for ~2 seconds.

 

UPDATE**

If anyone cares to know I switched to Mobil 1 EP 0W20 and Mobil 1 EP Oil Filter on my last oil change. I hear the same start up noise. I guess I'll chalk it up to that's normal.

 

In highway service the 2AR-FE can easily go 500,000 miles: https://mobiloil.com/en/article/why...ticle/why-the-mobil-advantage/mobil-1-high-mileage-guide/high-mileage-challenge