Noisy during cold start-up - Normal?

[jer1303]

We have a '14 Sonic with the 1.4T. It has roughly 8,500 miles on it. What I've noticed recently is during a cold start, after it idles down it's pretty noisy.

I wouldn't call it a knock exactly.. but it's pretty..ah, "clattery". I don't think it's normal. This noise continues for a few minutes until the engine warms up a little then it's gone. Revving does not make it go away, it follows engine speed, so to speak.

The service adviser at the local dealership said this is normal - "These cars have such a small engine, it does this to get itself up to operating temperature as fast as possible."
I said - "So this is nothing to worry about?"
SA - "No, come back when you have a check engine light."


I didn't push it yet but I drive most of my cars to 200k miles and they don't make these noises when cold. I'm tempted to go back and have them start up a stone cold 1.4T Cruze/Sonic and see if it does the same thing.

I don't like it.

Do any of you have a noisy cold engine?

 

[Beastlick]

Its normal. It only does it for a minute or so till warm fluids get to all the components then calms right down. Mine does it every day. Had my sonic over 2 years and no engine lights.

 

[TMac]

My car (1.8) is noise in the cold weather.

 

[Blue Moon Sonic]

Yeah i'd say it's pretty normal. I'm going on year 3 of owning mine and it does the exact same thing you describe, but also has the added popcorn start from the ECP tune.

 

[Kuntryboy865]

Yeah same for me too

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Hi jer1303,

I’m sorry to hear of the noise that you experience during a cold start up. I understand that you are seeking opinions from the other members on the forum. Please let us know if further assistance is needed with your concern. We’d be happy to contact your dealer and discuss this further with them. If our help is needed, please send us a private message with your full contact information, VIN, current mileage, and dealership name. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Kristen A.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[TopazRS6spd]

The 1.4t uses a chain for its timing instead of a rubber belt. The colder it gets outside, the more you will notice an increase in engine noise. Chain engines are notorious for being loud when cold. As long as your fluids are ok, and no lights are being thrown don't worry. My last chain engine vehicle had be feeling uneasy a lot, but you will get used to it and know when its a normal sound, and when it's something you should worry about.

 

[kevjam79]

Kristen- I am experiencing a similar condition and have sent you a PM. Thanks, Kevin


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

We'll be responding to your message shortly, kevjam79.

Amber N. (assisting)
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[CheapFuneral]

The 1.4t uses a chain for its timing instead of a rubber belt. The colder it gets outside, the more you will notice an increase in engine noise. Chain engines are notorious for being loud when cold. As long as your fluids are ok, and no lights are being thrown don't worry. My last chain engine vehicle had be feeling uneasy a lot, but you will get used to it and know when its a normal sound, and when it's something you should worry about.

They are a bit louder but I much prefer a chain over a belt.


If I die, bury me in my truck, because it's never been in a hole it can't get out of!

 

[Tango71]

When I first start my sonic in the cold it sounds like a homeless guy pushing a shopping cart full of scrap metal down the street. Completely normal, it all goes away when it warms up.

I used to have an old 22R toyota engine that was twice as loud from timing chain slap.