Q: Engine sounds loud when first started then quiets down. Should I be concerned? 2012 Dodge Ram

asked by on February 11, 2017

Sounds loud when first started. Then quiet's down.

My car has 74000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Engine is running louder than normal Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there - your symptoms suggest an oil supply or oil deliver issue when the engine is first started. Check the oil level first, then check to see what "weight" oil (i.e. 10W30) was used for the last oil change. In the current winter weather, oil that is too "heavy" is thicker in winter conditions (think molasses vs water as an example), and is harder for the oil pump to push into the tiny clearances in a modern engines. This leaves moving metal surfaces of the engine without oil pressure for a few seconds until pressurized oil can reach them. It also causes accelerated engine wear. If the proper oil level and weight oil is present, you might next look for oil sludging from "short trips, stop and go driving" present. I recommend a engine noise inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How does the ventilation system work?
Sometimes you don’t want the heat or the air on in the car. The ventilation system is designed to circulate fresh air from outside the car into the cabin. To use this system, follow these steps: Turn the temperature control...
Opinion about the mid '80s BMW E30
They were great cars at the time, but most of them are worn out by now. If you can find a good one, they are like collectors' items now, and they are worth a serious amount of money. Just realize...
Engine unable to run as it should
This is most likely from the fuel filter is clogged (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuel-filter) or the fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-can-you-tell-that-your-fuel-pump-isn-t-working) needs to be replaced. The fuel pump may loose pressure from a clogged fuel filter which causes the pump to not build up enough...
Lightning bolt warning on
Hello. Thank you for writing in about your 2010 Volkswagen Routan. This light is an indication that there is a problem with the electronic throttle control. The electronic throttle control is what controls how much gas the van gets when...
Seat belt sensors malfunction when car sits in heat
Hello. This is caused by the female part of the seat belt failing. The sensor in the receiver fails internally and will usually be susceptible to changes in temperature when it fails. It will need to be tested and replaced...
The passenger door is stuck shut. It won't open from the inside or the outside.
You are probably correct that it is not fully unlatching. The Mini door lock actuators (part electric, part mechanical) have what is essentially a two-stage lock, and can become "double-locked". Sometimes, exercising the "unlock/lock/unlock" cycle multiple times will yield just...
How to tighten a serpentine belt ?
Hello, thank you for writing in. You cannot tighten a serpentine belt. There are two considerations to make. One, is that the belt stretches out over time, and will end up being too long to function correctly. In this case,...
Dodge Journey 2010 won't start had diagnostic check they said everything was good
Intermittent problems with no codes are the hardest to identify the cause. You may have a problem with the fuel pump intermittently sticking off or a relay that is not coming on intermittently in the (TIPM) Totally Integrated Power Module...
very loud squealing sound about 15 minutes after driving
Well, if you've removed the belt and still get the noise, that eliminates most of the normal causes like alternators and idler pulleys. I doubt it has anything to do with the water in the cooling system although you absolutely...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford Focus
The The 2012 Ford Focus brings a lot to the world of compact cars. Available as either a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback, the Focus has great fuel efficiency and European styling that sets it apart from other cars...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Though Though the Jeep Grand Cherokee is not a new model, it got a complete redesign in 2011, and the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee saw even more improvements. While other SUV manufacturers have sat on their laurels, Jeep has done...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Subaru Tribeca
This This 7-passenger SUV may have trouble keeping its head above water in the sea of competition, but its standard AWD, clean exterior lines and style-forward cockpit design make it an attractive choice in an increasingly crowded segment. Aside from...