Short banging noise from engine on startup

[Monstarz]

Proud owner of a new-to-me 2009 Vibe.



When it sits for four hours or so it will make the most terrible noise when I go to start it. I swear it sounds like a piston smacking into a valve or something. Today it did it so bad the engine almost stalled. It seems to be the same issue described in these threads:

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viewtopic.php?f=12&t=40263" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But I'm not sure. If I take the valve cover off, will there be a way to tell if this is indeed the issue? Missing teeth on the cam shaft gear or something?

[gtv237]

You clearly have a 1.8 haha. The noise you are hearing is from the intake VVT controller. The sound goes away once oil gets pumped back to it (usually less than 2 seconds after start up).

If you are comfortable doing the repair yourself here are the parts you'll need.

13050-0t050 - VVT Controller
11213-37020 - Valve Cover Gasket
11213-37010 - Cam Bearing Gasket
13552-0t020 - Timing Chain Tensioner Gasket

If you choose not to do it right away that's fine. Mines been doing it for a while. Having a noisy controller doesn't hurt the engine in any way. I even had lab tests done on the oil to make sure.

[vibenvy]

Just wanted to say welcome to GenVibe! That's a very sharp looking Vibe you've got there and a cute dog too !

[triz]

Inspect your motor mounts as well.

[deville42]

In June 2014, my daughter's 2009 1.8 Vibe developed the " cold start engine rattle" at 50K, we bought it new. We were lucky it was covered under the 5yr powertrain warranty. The dealer replaced the camshaft timing gear actuator, but have had the car for 2 weeks because after driving about 25 miles the check eng, VSC, and stabilizer lites all come on and stay on. This happened twice and they feel its a timing issue, but haven't yet been able to fix it, but the starting noise disappeared anyway. GM came out with a TSB ( technical service bulletin) June 1 , 2013 #09-06-01-015A . I think that Toyota also has one out.

[deville42]

Turned out that camshaft actuator was shipped to the the dealer locked. Nothing said for the technician to unlock actuator before installing. Dealer had to install new unlocked part and the car runs great now. GM was great in standing behind the warranty.

[triz]

Turned out that camshaft actuator was shipped to the the dealer locked. Nothing said for the technician to unlock actuator before installing. Dealer had to install new unlocked part and the car runs great now. GM was great in standing behind the warranty.

He should have known. It's in the manual. He was being lazy.

[deville42]

I can't say for sure if the technician had that info or not, I can only take his word, but I sure was impressed how they handled the whole thing.