When my 2k3 sits for several days and I start it up, as the engine fires I hear kind of a grinding or vibrating noise for 1-2 seconds and it goes away. This is only when the car is cold and it has been sitting for several days. Anyone else heard of this?

 

No... and why haven't you run it up to the dealer yet?

!!

 

You may be hearing the timing chain tensioner before it gets oiled up. I know I often hear something right after the engine is started cold and I remember someone here saying it was just that and considered normal.

 

Yeah mine does this too as it is not a daily driver but rather a weekend toy so it doesnt get run much during the week i find that it only does it if i leave it sitting for more than a day. also it is worse if i forget to slip it into neutral before i crank it.
WHEELMAN

 

Glad I'm not the only one this happens to. I never took it to the dealer since I'd probably have to leave it overnight for them to hear it in the morning. Besides, once the temps warmed up it hasn't done it so..

 

Its your starter and it seems to be a Nissan thing! Something about dried grease and bearings??? I've never seen a starter with either but thats what I've heard... Mine does it to, esp when its cold out..

 

You're correct. Your Maxima has a timing chain instead of a belt for durability reasons. On inital startup you'll hear that "grinding" noise which is a "normal" occurance on our Maximas. Not exactly sure why it does, but I wouldn't worry about it.

 

It's about time I found out what the situation was. I'm glad that I'm not the only one.

 

bump

 

same thing here if my car sits for a while

 

Does anyone know what to do to fix the problem? It can't be a good thing if it keeps making the noise everytime you start the car first thing in the day. No Nissan mechanics out there?

 

If you want to leave it over night for them to tell you "checks out ok" and get it back with dings and scratches then by all means take it to the dealer. I would avoid the dealer if you can!