Cold Start Rattle on my 2012 Camry 4 Cyl - Feedback needed

2002Camry · Apr 25, 2023

I have a 2012 Camry LE 4 Cyl with 230,000 KM on it (143,000 miles), and find that when you start the car, there is a rattle for a few seconds before it goes away.

From what I have found, this appears to be a common issue with the 2AR-FE and some info can be found here:

Toyota TSB: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/MC-10132100-9999.pdf

I was just watching this video and from what this person was saying, it seemed like I should consider getting this fixed:

I wanted to keep driving this car for another 2 years until the supply of vehicles improves.

Can someone comment on who in the Toronto or Greater Toronto Area can fix this? My local dealership wanted $1000+ taxes for this which seems high. Does anyone have a TSB from Toyota Canada that shows the repair times?

Thanks

dddd · Apr 26, 2023

I typically use 5W30 which is one of the two oil grades that the 2ARFE engine was designed to use (the other is 10W30).

My 2015 Camry is low mileage, but the 5W30 definitely quieted my occasional cold-start rattle.
The first number, 5(W), is the only number that matters in cold-start situations.

Note that many non-US market owner's manuals show no lower temperature limit for use of 5W30 in the 2ARFE.
--The 10W30 is I believe good down to zero degrees-F.
--20W50 can be used down to 30F.

What is(are) the oil viscosity recommendation(s) in your Canadian owner's manual???

2AR-FE 2.5L Engine - In-Depth Look at Design and Reliability

What is the 2AR-FE 2.5L Engine ? Is it good or bad? Read about Toyota 2AR-FE 2.5L Engine design and features, its the most common problems and relaibility.

www.motorreviewer.com

Julio-R · May 6, 2023

My Camry had this same cold rattling problem.

You solve it with: Super kote 2000

Now I apply it at every oil change 0w20

Cold Start Rattle on my 2012 Camry 4 Cyl - Feedback needed

2AR-FE 2.5L Engine - In-Depth Look at Design and Reliability

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