clicking type noise at start-up

[absolutamente]

A new issue has popped up with my 90k mile ms3. Every time I start the car now it hesitates and takes a few turns to start and once started makes a very disheartening clicking noise for a second or a few seconds. It sounds horrible. The first time I heard it I thought I threw a rod but after it's started it runs just fine. Any thoughts? Man am I sick of this cars problems.

 

[matsuda]

A new issue has popped up with my 90k mile ms3. Every time I start the car now it hesitates and takes a few turns to start and once started makes a very disheartening clicking noise for a second or a few seconds. It sounds horrible. The first time I heard it I thought I threw a rod but after it's started it runs just fine. Any thoughts? Man am I sick of this cars problems.

It is the VVT actuator.
There is a TSB for this.

 

[MikeHTally]

Hesitation and reluctance to start is likely the battery. Start there. Take the battery to Advance, O'Reilly's, etc., and have it tested.

 

[absolutamente]

It is the VVT actuator.
There is a TSB for this.

So if this is the VVT actuator is it going to hurt the car if I drive it for a couple days before getting it fixed? Any idea on how much this costs? I'm not under warranty any more. 90k.

 

[spdjnke]

Best bet is to call the dealer and see what they say about the VVT actuator, if you get your ride serviced at the dealer and they "know" you are a "regular" they will most likly help you because there is a TSB on it. Good luck nevertheless.