Rattling Sound During Start-Up

[thrasher]

Can someone please explain WHY the VTCS makes that noise?

Isn't it just a set of butterfly's on a solenoid? How exactly would they rattle on startup and never any other time?

 

[aMaff]

because they're only active at startup and while the engine starts up. Once that's done, they go to full open and stay there.

 

[P5inder]

Mine does exactly the same thing.

Funny enough, it sounds like the exact same thing that my 2000 Neon did. On the Neon though, it was the sound the out-of-round pistons made before they warmed up and allowed the rings to seal properly.

I noticed that on the P5 the sound becomes apparent more frequently when the oil level is low.

Although it might be the VTCS, you might want to check your oil level too.

 

[MTV]

Mine does exactly the same thing.

Funny enough, it sounds like the exact same thing that my 2000 Neon did. On the Neon though, it was the sound the out-of-round pistons made before they warmed up and allowed the rings to seal properly.

I noticed that on the P5 the sound becomes apparent more frequently when the oil level is low.

Although it might be the VTCS, you might want to check your oil level too.

I check my oil everytime I wash the car (twice a week) and top it off once per week.

Yesterday afternoon I topped it off and this morning I didn't hear the rattling. I'll make sure I pay attention to it whenever I top my oil off.

Matt