I've noticed as it's getting colder just after starting I'll get a very noticeable rattle. It only lasts a few seconds and nothing seems out of the ordinary. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this? Any ideas or experiences are appreciated. BTW, it's a 2002 GLE.

 

http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/NTB03-060.pdf

 

Very typical of our cars. Mines been doing it as long as I've had it. Engine now has 140,165 miles on it and seems to run fine despite the cold start rattle. I haven't heard of anyone having any serious problems due to the rattling, although I guess if the sprockets get bad enough they'd affect your valve timing.

 

make sure you are using the correct viscosity oil (5w30) or maybe try some synthetic if you aren't already. I know the sound probably drives you crazy but from everything i have read on the subject it isn't a major issue.

 

i have the same problem and it only does it on cold mornings. bought the car new and its been doing it for about 3 yrs now. my father is a mechanic and he rebuilds engines, trannies...everything. he says its nothing major and all cars no matter how much they cost will make noises.

 

Mine has rattle similar to what you're describing. I've heard of claims for it being the VTC sprockets and that it does no harm. Only difference is some of us have the 3.5L and the Thread starter is talking 'bout a 3.0L

 

 

As others have said it's normal. If i let my car sit for more than 2 days that dammed chain rattle scares the **** out of me but it's a common thing with the VQ motor. Sorry to say just get used to it.

 

throwing some good oil in the engine will make the rattling a little better

 

ouch, my bad. I guess I read it wrong or browsed over it too quickly when making that comment.

Indeed. I've noticed adding oil helps.. as i burn oil.

what is your idea of a "good oil"?
Mobil1 is what i've been using

 

yep ive had the same problems for 2 years now i havnt had any probs

 

I have an 02 max with 53K and I believe this is what I hear.

will the dealership honor this repair under warranty?

 

No it's just a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) as it has not been proven to take the life out of the engine, just scare/annoy the owner.

 

Since when is a 2002 not a 3.5L?

 

k cool stuff.
I was concerned because it sounds like dry lifter startup or valve train startup for this matter. I may post vids of mine when I can as reference.

 

is this the sound you were describing?
at 10s of this vid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzwiMWC_9EQ

 

I believe on my car it sounds more ratchety and I believe it is almost right away. In this video it sounds like there is a delay in the sound.

 

Hi, Just looking for updates on this valve chatter noise. Anybody eventually have problems with this or is it still nothing to be concerned about? I have a 03 SE and it makes all kinds of chatter/clacking when I drive off until it warms up, but even after that I can still hear it when driving at highway speeds when I accelerate.
thanks,

 

I still get the noise but only when it's very cold outside. Last year we had an ice storm and I didn't start the car for maybe 4 days (it was very cold) and when I did start it, it made the noise described really bad but went away after the car warmed up. I don't believe it's something to get worried about.

 

OK, thanks. I have another thread where I asked this question too. Seems to be common in the 3.5 L engines. Just sounds like lifters sticking or not getting any oil. I hope it will be ok. I am original owner and I want to get at least 150K miles out of it.

 

If you can get your car on a lift I can guarantee there is all kinds of loose welds and missing nuts mainly the heat shield if you ran bad motor mounts it usually loosens things up around your pre cats just take it to a shop and get a standing up look at the bottom of your car

 

If the passenger side engine mount is going out, the engine will be noticeably noisy until it fully warms up.

 

Hey OP I was having sorta the same issue,I jacked up my car & started tapping around & found out it was my catalytic converter shield,I removed it & the noise has stopped...it might not be the issue your having but it's worth a shot to check it out since the noise only happened on cold starts like you stated.