I have a 3.5 02 altima. It just started to make a rattle at startup, and it is very faint. I read that there is a tsb (#03-060 for 02 altimas).

My car has 56k. 4k shy of the powertrain warranty from being void. Will my power train warranty cover this tsb? The hard part is convincing them it is a problem. If they dont want to cover it, what are my options? I am only 19 and from my past experiences they seem like they might brush me off.

Has anyone else experienced this rattle? should i even worry?

 

I think it comes from the timing chain. This seems to be a common problem with VQ35's. You'll probably have to live with it but take it to the dealer soon. The only way these guys take you seriously is if you seem like you know what you're talking about.

 

Yeah, it’s probably the timing chain; more specifically, one of the sprockets. I sometimes hear it upon start-up in cold weather, but only for a second or two. It can be hard to replicate and isolate. And it is a lot of trouble for little benefit. Knowing that it probably isn't hurting anything may give you peace of mind, but getting it checked out isn’t a bad idea either. Better safe than sorry I guess. Your best bet is to just find a good dealer. Check out the regional forums for recommendations. Good luck.

 

I doubt the power train will cover a rattle. It's unfortunate, but timing chain is something that will be hard to demonstrate. The TSB reminds me of the monkey with the hands over his eyes, ears, and mouth. It's only meant to be a way for the dealership to respond if, and only if a customer complains about an issue.

If you have the time and patience, you may want to visit the dealership(s) several times before the warranty is up. You may waste hours of your time, but it's your car so ultimately you should do what makes you feel comfortable.

 

What i am worried about is that actual damage is happening. If nothing is really being damaged, I dont have too much of a problem.

I guess I have to go to the dealer sometime this upcoming week, argh.

 

yes ots covered under warranty. the nosie is comming from the vtc chains. there is a tsb for them. basically on the first version of the vq35 which was in 2k2, when you shut off the ngine, the oil drains from the vtc so when you start it up, they are dry until oil gets to them. then on 2k3, nissan redesigned the system so that the oil doesnt drain from the vtc.

 

A squeaky wheel gets the grease. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Etc. etc. Certainly you should go into the dealership ASAP and get anything wrong with your car covered under warranty while it is still in force. And if you're worried about them brushing you off because you're only 19, bring your dad and/or older brother, or uncle along with you. The best approach is to be firm with them and hold your ground.

 

Should I go in there with a copy of the tsb? Or say I just keep hearing noise? Hopefully they mess more things up fixing it... if they do.

 

Go to dealer, since you have warrenty, FORCE them to fix it for free.

 

I deal with dealerships all day at work, go in there prepared know what your talking about, bring some papers or notes too, you'll seem even more prepared, start off being nice and knowledgeable and just take it from there, and if it does get to the point where they say its not going to be covered or whatever you start to get a little more agressive and tell them you'lll call corporate office and you'll file complaints and everything, the last thing these dealerships want is their potential customers inside hearing someone very upset with them and what is going on with their car. So just press the issue and pretty much try not to take no for an answer. Also see if you can talk to a tech directly.