Does anyone know if the TL has to have its valves adjusted at a specific time or is there auto-adjusters on it?

When cold, the engine is quite noisy until warmed up then it is much better. I am thinking the valves need adjusting. Any thoughts?

 

A car with about 4 yrs??? Our cars don't need a tune up for at least 100k miles. Maybe you need to use a better oil because if you said that the noise goes away as it warms up then I don't think you need one.

 

You could also be hearing your injectors working. They will get quite after a little while.

 

The engine runs and sounds great after its warmed up. It maybe the injectors but Im not sure. I will ask when I bring it in for an oil change. The oil thats in there is from the dealer 1000 miles ago and is topped off.

If you read the owners manual, it does have a maintenance schedule for valve adjustment but for the period it says "adjust if noisy". ??????

 

Take a piece of tubing, like a rubber hose and stick one end on the location of the engine that the sounds are coming from, with the other up to your ear and move it around, this will give you a better idea as to whether it is the valves or injectors.
Just look at the location that got the loudest clicking sound. Had the same issue with my Taco and found it just to be cold injectors that needed warming up. Hope this helps.

 

I'd say the ticking is the worst if you shut off your engine after you've been driving a while, and then start it a few minutes later. The ticking is quite intense then.

Does everyone else hear this, or is it just mine?

 

I only hear the noise when it is cold (after a nights rest). After it warms and for the rest of the day, it is quiet.

Ill try the hose to the ear trick and let you know....

 

Engines make funny noises till they get warmed up, especially when in a cold climate. Our TL's are known to be less than civil when you first start them in the morning and the emissions controls are trying to keep the engine running clean.

I'd start to look closer when noises happen when driving up hills and your pushing the gas, like pinging and knocking problems.