On every cold start something sounds like a small exhaust leak/rattle but after maybe 10 seconds it goes away. This noise has gotten louder over the past few weeks. Could this be the notorious timing chain guide problem?

 

I'm sure others will chime in with more knowledge.

Question - are you able to have someone else start the vehicle when cold? You mention both exhaust and timing chain - being able to be at the engine with hood open during cold start might help you pinpoint which area the noise is coming from, same from being closer to the exhaust.

-Eric

 

The noise is most heard from right under the driver side door. It goes away after maybe 10sec to 1min

 

NORMAL. It's the cold start procedure to get the cats up to Temp for emissions purposes. Sounds exactly like an exhaust leak.

 

That's good then. Thanks for the help!!

 

No problem.

 

Right - when I read this I assumed the OP had owned the vehicle for a while and this was a new noise.

It is somewhat annoying but I got used to it. I never realized it was to get the cats up to temp - great insight!

-Eric