Rattling sound at startup (2.5s)

[cyi106]

So GTCompscientist posted a link before for a Nissan bulletin that described the same problem that I have when i start my engine in the morning. I hear this pretty loud rattling noise. I searched and didn't find a thread dedicated to this, so I wanted to see if other people were experiencing this problem or if anyone has gotten it fixed yet.

I called the dealership and the lady searched for a while and said that the problem is not something that Nissan is aware of. She said to bring the car in, but I told her it only happens when the car has been sitting for a while. I may just take it in at night and leave it there...but I would rather not.

Here is the link to the bulletin

2007 ALTIMA; QR25 ENGINE RATTLE WHEN STARTING ENGINE

[Smoke3.5SE]

Are you sure its not normal valve chatter. I think every Nissan engine does this from time to time. Even my 3.5 did it every now and then if I hadnt driven it for a few days.

Get it checked out anyways considering its a brand new car.

[vfanz22]

You know, I just called in my dealer to look at this problem too...I've look all over the forum about noise on 2.5 but I can't find a straight answer or no one followed up if they brought it into service. People say is normal, but the sound my car makes just sounds nasty after the car has been sitting overnight lol... So every morning I would hear it, but once the car is warm and I restart it would sound like I expected to sound... so is that normal? If it is then I guess I'll just have to live with that annoyance every morning

[TyranT11429]

Get headphones j.k lol, I'd like to know too if its normal or not, cause if its not than nissan got themselve a big problem/recall etc.

[algor]

Hi

I already sent a post about this problem. Bulletin is actually help. Dealer applied update to ECM and right now everything is fine. Print this bulletin, bring with you when you will visit you dealer.

Good luck!

[vfanz22]

yeah I'm planning to do that... how long did it take you Algor? They want it over night Maybe I can convince them to do the ECM update and let me take it home

[algor]

It depends on how quick they confirm the issue. Update ECM takes 10min.
In my case I don’t know, because I had another issue with sunroof shade rattle, so I left my car for a whole day.

[pcsgrp35se]

If this is the rattle noise on the california emissions cars, I had the ecm reprogrammed today. I will see if it worked in a few hours when I do a cold soak start

[Sol2.5sl]

hey i have a 2.5 sl dark slate altima too... do the 2.5 sl's come with ABS . ive been trying to find out for almost two weeks

[LienCongTu]

I heard the same rattle from 2 other altima on the dealer lot while we were shopping for my mom car.

[UnitedBreaks]

I've gotten it. Car sitting over night.. starting in morning, going to work.

[vfanz22]

I had mine checked and firmware updated, its no longer rattles, so if yours does, and if you see a sticker that reads california spec or something to that effect, bring it in and have them update it its a known problem

[pcsgrp35se]

Here is part of the tsb. The service department I went to didn't have a copy of it and couldn't find it (same old story) so I had a copy printed out for them. If you want the entire pdf, send me a note and I will send it out to you

EC07-002 NTB07-021 March 15, 2007
2007 ALTIMA; QR25 ENGINE
RATTLE WHEN STARTING ENGINE
APPLIED VEHICLE: 2007 Altima (L32) with California spec QR25 engine
IF YOU CONFIRM
When the engine is started after a “cold soak” of more than 4 hours:
• There is a rattle for 1-2 seconds,
and
• The rattle is coming from the IVT (Intake Valve Timing) Sprocket at the front of the
engine,
ACTIONS
Step A: Confirm this bulletin applies:
• Check the Current ECM Part Number (see page 3).
• Compare your Current ECM Part Number to Chart A on page 4.
If that part number does not match one in Chart A, this bulletin does not apply.
Go back to ASIST for further diagnostic and repair information.
Step B: Use CONSULT-II to reprogram the ECM (see page 5).
IMPORTANT: The purpose of "ACTIONS" (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work
you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire Service Procedure (starting on
page 3) as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair.
Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
IMPORTANT:
Your CONSULT-II must have the following software versions installed to perform the
diagnostic and reprogramming procedures in this bulletin:
• Diagnostic Card (Red/White Card): Version UED06E
• Reprogramming Card (Orange Card): Version AER07A
CLAIMS INFORMATION
Submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following claims coding:
DESCRIPTION PFP OP CODE SYM DIA FRT
Reprogram ECM per TSB (1) DE98AA
(2)
ZL 32 0.6 hrs
(2)
(1) Reference the final CONSULT-II print-out and use the indicated new ECM P/N as the

[pcsgrp35se]

I still notice a little chatter but nothing like it was the first time I started the car. The salesman and service people kept telling me that was normal for the 2.5. Give me a break, they must think we are all stupid.

[Precision2.5S]

I have a 2.5S (no Cali emissions) and I've been hearing the rattle sound like the rest of you on startup, so I decided to take it to the dealership this past week. I left it overnight and they started it the next morning and they said they heard the sound and thought it was the heat shield. They said they moved it away from the exhaust or header (they weren't really clear) a little and I have to say that I don't hear the rattling sound anymore. Just thought I'd give everyone a heads-up.