Rattling noise when cold

Hi folks! First time user on this site. Have already found some amazing advice in previous posts. Here is my situation:

Live in Maryland, '04 Tacoma Double Cab with 40K miles sits in the driveway, facing the winter cold. For the past month or so, I have noticed a rattling noise coming from under the hood whenever I cold start the engine. It lasts a good 20-30 minutes, goes away when I accelerate (probably suppressed noise), then goes away for good once vehicle is good and warm.

Consulted my local dealer who recommended replacing all 3 drive belts. Parts and labor were about $200.00. When they called to tell me what they wanted to do, they also wanted to clean the mass air flow sensor cause they said the diagnostic said I was loosing power and fuel efficiency. I agreed, with some reservation, to allow this work to be done as well. Parts and labor were about $230.00.

The rattling has gone away, and the vehicle feels like it has additional power. Just wanted to know from the community if you all think I did the right thing. $430.00 is alot to me, as for most people. I'm thinking I could have lived with the rattling noise and the decreased power, and had $430.00 in my pocket. What do you all think?

Thanks!

Hi folks! First time user on this site. Have already found some amazing advice in previous posts. Here is my situation:

Live in Maryland, '04 Tacoma Double Cab with 40K miles sits in the driveway, facing the winter cold. For the past month or so, I have noticed a rattling noise coming from under the hood whenever I cold start the engine. It lasts a good 20-30 minutes, goes away when I accelerate (probably suppressed noise), then goes away for good once vehicle is good and warm.

Consulted my local dealer who recommended replacing all 3 drive belts. Parts and labor were about $200.00. When they called to tell me what they wanted to do, they also wanted to clean the mass air flow sensor cause they said the diagnostic said I was loosing power and fuel efficiency. I agreed, with some reservation, to allow this work to be done as well. Parts and labor were about $230.00.

The rattling has gone away, and the vehicle feels like it has additional power. Just wanted to know from the community if you all think I did the right thing. $430.00 is alot to me, as for most people. I'm thinking I could have lived with the rattling noise and the decreased power, and had $430.00 in my pocket. What do you all think?

Thanks!





Hey bro, I think you did the right thing by keeping your truck running in tip top shape, but next time come here first and ask around. People can tell you how to do these things yourself and then you would have a great running truck and an extra $400 in your pocket. In my opinion, the belt job was not too bad, but the fee to clean the MAF was excessive. I think you could have done that yourself, really easily.

Hey bro, I think you did the right thing by keeping your truck running in tip top shape, but next time come here first and ask around. People can tell you how to do these things yourself and then you would have a great running truck and an extra $400 in your pocket. In my opinion, the belt job was not too bad, but the fee to clean the MAF was excessive. I think you could have done that yourself, really easily.

AUXBAR...thanks man! I will do that next time. Hopefully I won't have too many next times!

AUXBAR...thanks man! I will do that next time. Hopefully I won't have too many next times!

Hey AUXBAR...how do I clean the MAF anyway?

You can find instructions for cleaning the MAF here.
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/tacoma_4runner_30k/maintenancep4.html
Click on;
Also see SUPPLEMENTAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Scroll down to;
Cleaning the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor.

Clifton

You can find instructions for cleaning the MAF here.
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/tacoma_4runner_30k/maintenancep4.html
Click on;
Also see SUPPLEMENTAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Scroll down to;
Cleaning the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor.

Clifton

Thanks!