I have a 03 TLS w/ 8k mi. and wondering if any of you experienced a popping sound when starting the engine cold? I've taken it to the dealer twice and told me its normal the first time and couldn't duplicate it the second.
Also, can you recommend a dealer/independent dealer for good servicing in the San Fernando Valley/LA area?
thanks.

 

I find I have to hold the key in the crank position for an extra second or two to get a good start in the cold...

 

The popping sound is most likely the motor mounts. They are gas filled. I don't know the details but they have been known to do that during startup and is considered normal.

 

Do you hear this 'pop' when starting your car? Thanks for the updates.

 

yep, happens every time. I hear a quick pop (sounds like it came from the dash) just before it starts. I think its normal because its like that since the first time i drove off the dealer.

 

Yeah that is a normal noise. Just like DOOPSTR said its the motor mounts.

Mr
03 ABP TL-S
New Jersey
Mr_@yahoo.com

 

Same with the buzzing you hear when you drive off...that is the mounts coming to pressure (I believe)

 

That's the ABS motor self-diagnostic.

 

Funny, I don't hear no popping noise when I start the car. I believe it did it only twice during break-in period.

 

Mine only does the pop if I leave the car sit for a while (like overnight).

 

Your engine mounts are vacuum controlled. They will emit a "popping" sound when you start you engine (similar to you putting you hand in front of a vacuum cleaner hose). Once an engine is off, depending on how efficient the seal is, it might not release instantly. That is why some of you do not hear the popping noise when you re-start your car warm (It will only happen again the next day when the engine has a chance to get cold)

 

More like a thump. Like the others I get it when its been sitting cold for awhile.

 

I noticed that this only happened to me when the weather started getting colder. The colder it is outside (or in my garage) the better the chances of hearing the noise. Additionally, I found if you put the car in the "On" position (running off of battery, engine is still off) and let it "warm up" up (wait until maybe after the fuel gauge goes up and the stereo / navi turns on) ... then crank the car to start the engine, you almost never get that popping noise.

I have started to make it a habit to just have the car sit in the on position for a few seconds before actually starting the engine. I forget the explanation I was told on why it works this way... but it has been pretty consistent for me!

 

Thanks for the inputs. Its normal/safe to hear the thump/pop at start up. Will try what 'LiQice' submitted. Thanks.

 

WAIT !!!!!!
You WANT to hear the thump.
(Just depends on whether it is a loud or soft noise)
No thump....NO vacuum seal.
Considering your engine block is sitting on vacuum seal mounts...
you go figure.

 

I don't think you "want" to hear the thump. The thump is the engine mount hitting one or the other of the hard stops, inside the vacuum/hydraulic mechanism.
I'm going to get to the bottom of how they REALLY work. Then, we'll know.
I think Liqice might be onto something, though.

Todd

 

Yeah.. more like a thump. I always think it's a small boom.



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