Q: When I start up my car, it makes a rattling noise that continues as I drive.
I bought a used 2005 Nissan Altima 6 months ago, and just recently (2-3 weeks), it has started to make a rattling noise when I start it up that continues as I drive. It is sometimes loud and sometimes soft, and when I accelerate, the noise seems to get louder. The engine temperature does not increase, and the oil has been checked and is fine. What is the problem?
My car has 178000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Hi there. This is a common problem with your car. It is a timing chain problem. The timing chain wears out and stretches causing this. It requires that the front timing cover be removed and all of the timing components need to be replaced to repair this. Have a professional mechanic assist you in making this repair.
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
What others are asking
Bad gas mileage and always runs in 4WD - 1979 Chevrolet K20 350 V8
Hi there, thanks for your question. Yes, these older Chevys do have full time four-wheel drive. There are kits available that will disengage the differential from the transfer case, but I've heard mixed reviews on how well they work. You...
Engine shakes when I turn on the car for the first time in the day
This is somewhat normal for this car upon start up unless it is excessive. As to the check engine light, I would suggest not clearing the codes, but rather having the computer scanned by a qualified mechanic from Your Mechanic...
When I push on the gas it backfires and shakes engine. Just started out of nowhere.
Misfiring (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-can-problems-with-the-ignition-system-cause-misfiring_2) on one or more cylinders can cause a rough running or backfiring condition. Misfires can be caused by lack of spark or lack of fuel to any cylinder. Lack of spark can be due to a bad spark...
My car is making a whining/chirping noise.
Hi there: Sometimes this chirping sound when the defrost is on is caused by leafs or other debris that gets stuck underneath the dashboard or the vents near the front windshield. In some cases, it's the blower motor or vent...
Car vibrates after cv joint replacement.
It would be best to have a new part installed rather than using second hand one. The old one my have had problems they tried to fix by adding grease and using the cable ties, but the part is now...
Courtesy light fuse drains battery 2000 Chevrolet Silverado
Hi there - great diagnostic work! At this point, having identified which circuit is causing the drain, you will need a wiring diagram that identifies what other devices are on this circuit (clock, underhood light maybe?), and could be drawing...
What would cause a popping noise and shaking when turning in my 2006 Honda Civic.
Hello. Most of the time if you get a popping noise when turning it is because you have worn out cv axles. When the joints in the axles where out this noise will occur. They would need to be inspected....
I have a 2010 chevrolet malibu the service traction light is on and a cruise control code mean
The traction control system maximizes traction while accelerating on loose or slippery road surfaces. The reason you are seeing the warning light continuously is there is a fault somewhere in the complex sensor system that makes the system work by...
My 2001 lexus is300 stalling when accelerating for a second and then pushes itself to go
An issue such as this would very likely be associated with a check engine light being illuminated on the dash. In this case I would recommend having a check engine light inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) performed by a qualified professional to determine...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan Juke
The The 2012 Nissan Juke is part crossover, part sports car, and part radical looking car. It has five doors, folding rear seats, and a rear hatch for easy access to the cargo area. The seats fold flat offering extra...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan Altima Hybrid
The The Nissan Altima is already a favorite among mid-sized sedans, but it gained even more points with a lot of car buyers with the option to buy a 2012 Nissan Altima Hybrid. Though the four-cylinder Nissan Altima was already...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Alabama in 2012
2012 2012 was a great year in Alabama for auto manufacturing, but that wasn’t the only bright spot. Vehicle sales in Alabama were also robust in 2012. Nothing much changed in terms of the vehicle types that were most popular...
Browse other content
Cities
Maintenance
Services