Sucess! It was the belt tensioner. Dealer wanted $230+, Autozone had one , made by Dayco, that looks identical to the original for $50. A new belt and I'm back to a normal sounding car.

got word from eigensz sayin his similar noise was caused by the serpentine belt and it hydraulic tensioner going south. $120 Canadian and he was under way. Makes sense to me I'm going out to check it now.

Thanks for the postings. The growl is like a guy gurgling in the back of his throat. The level of the fluid is just right and I had the tranny flushed last summer at 42M now at 47M. Did they clean the screen-no-even more did they use Toyota type IV -yes their product is Max Life by Valvoline and sup...

can you tell me the final result on this noise-did it get worse or what was it that fixed it. My base "03 auto does the same now at 47000 miles. thanks

Newest guy on the site-what an awesome tool to get to know my Vibe. Saw a posting from eigensz on 10/14/05 with this exact problem-a growling from the engine on initial start-up when the AT is put into DR or R, not evident in park. Is this a problem or the norm? Base engine, 45.000 miles. I'd apprec...