I only have 5455 kms on my 02 P5 and haven't noticed a rattle yet. It was -37 C here the other day and -30 C all week no problems starting although I had it plugged in 3 hours in advance but didn't notice any rattling and will keep an ear out for it now that so many have it.

 

Has anyone recorded this rattle on audio or video? I would like to see this on video, and where this sound is coming from exactly. Is this 'rattle' like a nut in a can rattle, or is it more like a vibrating sound? The only time my engine sounds odd is when we have very cold weather, and cold weather is in the 50s in New Orleans. The engine sounds like a deisel engine warming up. The noise goes away after a minute or so.

Like I said, a video would be great.

 

Someone did a sound recording a long time ago. Do a search and you should be able to find it.

 

Happy Birthday To Me~

 

Apologies if there is a different thread that has already been started for this specific issue, but ...

I noticed in the FAQ with the TSBs for the 3rd Generations that there is now an Official Repair (replacement of the VTCS delay valve) for the infamous cold engine rattle. It's fully detailed this time, unlike the previous TSB that said they recognized the problem but to not make any repairs.

The TSB says that it is a "counter-measure to help reduce the noise in order to improve customer satisfaction."

So, for those who have had the VCTS replaced ...

- just how well does this fix "reduce the noise" ??

- has it made you a more satisfied customer ??

That is, is this repair worth the hassle of messing around with the dealership??

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

I had the PCM reprogrammed about a month ago and although it doesn't completely get rid of the noise it GREATLY reduces it to a level where it's really not bad at all. I'm really happy with the fix. I have a late model 2002 LX and all late models already have the new delay valve installed so that's why I only got the new PCM codes. Definetly get the fix, it's great! It only took the dealership about 20 minutes to reprogramm it

 

Hey Customs222,

Do you have a number for the fix or any info on it? Up here in Ottawa the dealership play pretty dumb about it and say that they haven't heard anything about it yet. I don'y know if there is a difference between Canada and the US but it would be cool if I could have some proof that the fix is ready.

Thanks,

P5Ottawa

 

Yeah I know exactly what you mean. The dealers play dumb here too, I had to print off the TSB and bring it in to them. Even then they looked dumbfounded!! You can get the TSB in the FAQ. The newest one is towrds the bottom of the list. Just bring it into them and tell them to fix you car!!!...LOL!

 

If you read my earlier posts, you'll see that there is indeed a fix that works (includes a valve replacement and an ECU reprogram) and that's it's available in Canada since I live in Montreal.

Cheers,

Eric

 

According to the TSB, the rattle has no negative effect on the engine. Is this true? I barely notice the rattle, is it really worth fixing?

"The noise is the result of the intentional swirl effect that is generated when the Variable Tumble Control System (VTCS) plates in the intake manifold are closed. Swirl accelerates the burn of the air/fuel mixture which reduces emissions when the engine is cold. The noise does not have a negative effect on the engine, and disappears as soon as coolant temperature reaches 65 C (149 F). There is a counter-measure to help reduce the noise in order to improve customer satisfaction."

 

Thanks Eric,

What is the name of that dealership? Do you have their phone number. I would really like to talk to them to se if they have a reference number or something to prove that it exists. My dealer just keeps saying that they're supposed to be contacted when something comes out...yeah right, sorry for the inconvenience of making them call technical service...

P5Ottawa

 

I had mine fixed. But I didn't really notice a very big difference. It is still annoying in the morning. They put a new solenoid in and supposedly flashed the PCM, but no good.

 

If it ain't broke... don't waste your time

 

I had my PCM reflashed and the solenoid replaced. The sound did get much better (but not gone) but has since deteriorated to the same or worse than before. I'm quickly approaching the end of my warranty (42k mi on my '01), so I'm going to take it in again. The dealership that did the fix first told me it was rod-knock. When I showed them the TSB, they said it was that. When I dinged them on the survey for a mis-diagnosis, they said they still thought I had a rod-knock problem. Funny, they didn't mention it again during the several days they had my car. I'm going to a different dealership for a second opinion.

 

PCM reprogrammed and Delay Valve replaced (the thing in the hose between solonoid and control arm)

Noise is greatly reduced.

The little noise there is for a much shorter warm-up time.

Cold running is much smoother, and better idle etc.

I am very happy