My 90k mile 08 MT has recently developed that cold starting sound that has been described on youtube videos as either starter related, or vtc actuator related. It is only there on the first cold start of the day, and was once there on a second start right after the first, after I stalled on the first start. The car is starting up fine, and running fine, no other sounds. The sound is less high pitched than the kind of whine you get when you turn the key in an already running engine. Some of the comments say that if its vtc actuator related it is harmless, and other comments say it will ruin a timing chain and or valves. Others say there should have been a recall on this. Some say they have had several, sometimes up to three repairs on the vtc actuator, and it keeps coming back.

Is there any definitive verdict on this? If it's vtc actuator related does it pose a risk? Is there any definitive recommendation on what to do?

 

Not sure what videos you are watching but the l15a1 motor you have doesn't have a vtc. Those come on the k20 motors.

 

oh wow, thanks.

 

I had these rattle noises come up on my 2015 before my very first oil change. I am at 47k miles now and rattles/noises are still there, as noisy as ever. Engine works very well and this issue does not seem to cause any problems. So I simply don't worry about it. I've heard these noises on my buddy's Matrix and he has no issues with it either.

 

(OP: if you are still around): It is the bendix gear inside your starter failing. It is a VERY common issue with the Denso starters in the Vibe/Matrix/Corolla. Mine tended to only do it when it started getting cold out. Once the summer came, it stopped grinding or did so only occasionally. Once the following winter came (a year later), it began to get worse, so I replaced the starter. I now live in a warm weather climate, and my new (refurbished) starter began to make the noise 3 years after it was installed. I know it won't become critical for some time to come. Nonetheless, yes, the noise you hear is as if you turned your key to start the car, not knowing the car was already running. The grind sounds just about the same.

 

thanks CommanderSlug and BurntZ. BurntZ, that sounds right. I wonder if I'll get through the winter with it. I live in Toronto, and it gets real cold. I'm going to keep it until it fails, I think. thanks very much.