Cold Startup Rattle - Is Anyone Just Ignoring It?

[cjw]

So we know this happens and there's been some threads on it. Some have had the fix, some have had dealers say it's normal.

The TSB info is below, but it says "The noises do not lead to damage". I'm recently out of warranty, but I'm guessing we have a lot of people with this issue and no real failures.

So who has done nothing and for how long?



http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ighlight=start

Technical Service Bulletin
15 Engine rattling noises at cold start - V6 3.0 TFSI
15 15 26 2039995/1 March 3, 2015.
Model(s) Year VIN Range Vehicle-Specific Equipment
All 2011 - 2014 All V6 3.0 TFSI

Condition
Rattling noises are heard from the timing chain drive for about 1-3 seconds after the first engine start of theday.

Technical Background
The noises are caused by one of the upper chain tensioners. The noises do not lead to damage.

Production Solution
Improved chain tensioner.

Service
1. Verify condition by observing engine sound during cold start.
2. If the rattling noise comes from the area of the timing chains (back of the engine) for 1-3 seconds after the first start of the day, replace both upper chain tensioners of bank 1 and bank 2 with the optimized chain tensioners.

[k9lovr]

I have this when I let my car sit for a few days....dunno if I am going to get it fixed since it supposedly doesnt damage anything. I have had it for at least the last 8-10K miles

[rtmeikle]

So we know this happens and there's been some threads on it. Some have had the fix, some have had dealers say it's normal.

The TSB info is below, but it says "The noises do not lead to damage". I'm recently out of warranty, but I'm guessing we have a lot of people with this issue and no real failures.

So who has done nothing and for how long?

I noticed the rattling after reading about it on here, and luckily while still under warranty. My dealership had me drop the car off overnight, so they could start it after sitting overnight, and had no problem at all in recreating the issue. They fixed it under warranty.

If you're out of warranty, I think I'd just live with it. But for anyone who's covered, you might as well get it fixed. I know Audi says it doesn't lead to damage, but anytime I hear about an issue with a chain tensioner, it makes me nervous. I'd rather get it fixed.

Good luck!

[ShelbyM3]

Yes.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Works2shoot]

If it won't cause any damage, I'll go ahead and leave it. Don't need anyone tearing apart my engine needlessly.

[04Moroblue]

I'm ignoring it, it's intermittent for me sometimes it'll do it sometimes not. Not entirely concerned at this time, perhaps if I get a lot of money and time out of nowhere I will install updated tensioners ( out of warranty obv).

[Joker S4]

I'm still under warranty and will likely have it looked at. Although, I can't really say that I've noticed this noise all that often.

[theweebabyseamus]

Mines a 2010 and does it. I just ignore it.

[00passat]

If your under warranty and it's making noise upon startup, I'd recommend getting the tensioniers replaced. I see the same problem on nissans and ford , eventually a guide or tensioning rail breaks. From the play in the chain upon startup. Mine has yet to make the noise. 2014 s4 with 42k

[SForePlayin']

Mine is a 2014 and has done it as long as I can remember. I didn't pay much attention to it until I saw posts about it. Some members have reported horror stories from bringing it in to get fixed. I'm fine with it for now, but might bring it up to the dealership before my warranty expires at the end of February.

[rtmeikle]

Mine is a 2014 and has done it as long as I can remember. I didn't pay much attention to it until I saw posts about it. Some members have reported horror stories from bringing it in to get fixed. I'm fine with it for now, but might bring it up to the dealership before my warranty expires at the end of February.

I guess it depends on the dealer. I really don't have any horror stories about my local dealer, they've always been fair with me and done good work. They fixed mine on the first try with no adverse effects, FWIW.

[levigarrett]

I had it fixed because my car is still under warranty. That being said, the dealership fugged up the repair and it took a long time to get right. I trust my SA. He's solid and he told me it wouldn't be a problem to leave it alone. Since my car was under warranty I said no dice, fix it. If I had the same issue out of warranty knowing what I know now, I'd leave it alone and just live with it.

[TheAsset]

If there's a revised part and your car is still under warranty I don't see any reason not to have it done.

[scottycs]

I had it done in the last month of warranty with no issues afterwards. No more rattle and i am glad I did it.

[butch_launch]

Mine is booked in for the repair come August. They currently have another S4 in for the same job and the Audi dealer said they have to remove the motor to complete the job. Not to happy about that seeing as the car has 60k kms on it, 2013 model and that I've owned the car for less than a month only. I get that its not damaging having the sound, but I'd have it fixed while the car is still under motorplan.

[pdqgp]

If it won't cause any damage, I'll go ahead and leave it. Don't need anyone tearing apart my engine needlessly.

This. The techs at our local dealer said it's not an issue and common. No long term issues unless the rattle continues past the few seconds of start up. Mine only does it upon cold starts and even then it's occasional not always.

I'm not interested in risking anyone pulling my entire motor apart to fix a sound. I'm likely going to keep my car another 2-3 years so unless it gives me a problem then I'm leaving it for the next owner/dealer to worry about.

[badazzstang]

I am having this issue as well. I am needing to take mine in to see if I can get it fixed before warranty is gone. It only happens on the first start up of the day. It's noticeable to me because that start up is always in the garage. Also need to take mine in for the 100-160 glitching/flashing. The fuel does it to but not as often as the MPH.

[fitzydude]

Mine does this occasionally and been ignoring for about 30k

[DankFX]

Have any of you replaced your timeing chain yet? Im at 75k miles and Ive heard of it failing at some point for people. Just thought if Im going to replace the cain, might as well get this fixed also?

[romanrnd]

I've been living with the sound for a while and I'm almost at 100k miles.

Definitely has gotten louder over time but fixing it out of warranty just isn't an option.

Can't justify throwing $3k into it and then have the noise come back in a couple months...