Tapping noise on a cold start
- Symptoms
- Loud knock or tick for a short time after a cold start, gone when warm
- Likely cause
- Valve train (tappet) noise while oil reaches the top of the engine. Thick oil makes it worse.
- Fix
- Use the oil grade in the manual (API SL, 0W-20 best, or 5W-30). If the noise stays when warm, see a mechanic.
- Applies to
- All
- Confidence
- low
Sources
Related problems on this car
- AGS: engine cuts out and the key is not recognised
- Reverse gear hard to engage on the first try
- Vibration at idle or with the A/C on
- Front wheel bearings wearing out again and again
Similar problems on other cars
- Ticking noise on a cold start (1.3) · Toyota Corolla (11th gen, E170)
- Noise on a cold start that goes away when warm · Honda Civic (10th gen, FC)
- Timing chain rattle on cold start (1KR/K3) · Toyota Passo (1st gen)
Where the parts are · Warning lights · Fault codes · Maintenance
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Guidance only – confirm with a mechanic before repairs. All common problems