Car rattle during ignition?

Question

Hey all,

Driving an '05 Xterra with 58K miles. For the past couple of months, there is a loud RATATAT from under the hood when I start the car. This happens more than half the time upon ignition, with increasing frequency during cold weather it seems. Now that the weather is warming, the sound is infrequent, but I don't want to develop a false sense of security. Any thoughts as to what to ask my mechanic about? Valve? Belt? Loose-fitting shielding? The car has been otherwise pretty well maintained through the years.

Many thanks for your help!

Answer 1

thats hard to say, Is the heater on? there could be any number of things, I would open the hood and see if when the vehicle is started you can get some idea of what the problem is. Otherwise its off to the mechanics. I typed " 05 xterra problems, complaints, and recalls?" in my web search box, and I suggest you do too, and eventually was referred to this site. Apparently there have been major problems with the 05 xterra around the 75 to 100,000 mile mark (which explains why you have had few issues so far) that model is known for blowing transmissions due to a radiator malfunction in which coolant ends up in the transmission, and visa versa. I suggest you check carcomplaints.com in click search complaints, type 95 nissan xterra problems, complaints and recalls?" click search, in the results page, scroll down past the google ads, and start reading., there are other forums as well that discuss other issues. off hand my guess is the noise you are hearing, is not good, and this may be a good time to trade in your nissan. I did not check to see if there is a recall for this. A trip to the nissan dealer, with a copy of some of the complaints to let the dealer know you are aware of the issue, may be a good idea, best of luck, and for what its worth good call on the rattle. I think its the beginning of a problem.

Answer 2

could be many things.. could be more of a engine tap sound from a lifter. could be bearings becoming loose. but why does it matter? take it back to the dealer ur under 100,000 miles itsunder waranty. free fix. dealer will have to fix for free and u dont gotta tell them anything other than drive it to them and start it. let them hear it. but sounds like a light tap to me... sum cars do that for few seconds... depending how ur driving this vehicle or people before you . if its a tap in engine it would be worse in winter weather cause oil is thicker and colder. in summer its warmer gonna flow thru more and bettter

Answer 3

It can be the fan hitting the shroud due to worn out bearings on the water pump or maybe even the timing belt.

It is time to replace a timing belt at 60,000 if your vehicle is equipped with a belt and not a chain.

Answer 4

several things come to mind

1 starter solonoid,,usually poart of starter itselfmmcheck battery cable connections

2 a heater blend door solonoid,,,vacuum goes to solonoid to open/close doors that send heat/cool to dash/floor or windshield

3 belt...advice,,open hood,,,look listen while someone startes it...get free battery and starter test any auto parts..[nothing has to be removed...

Answer 5

Maybe so