[junebug50]

I have been hearing a grinding noise in the engine on start-up after parking overnight and recently after only sitting parked for 2 to 2 and 1/2 hours. I heard it only once in a while initially (once a week or so) and for only a second or two. Now, it's everyday, more than once a day, lasts a few seconds longer, and occurs more often than just at the initial start-up of the day.

The dealership had it overnight and didn't hear it. They kept it for a few hours more, started it, and didn't hear it. What gives? Anyone else experiencing this issue? I've had one person correspond with me saying that I need to persist, take it back until the issue is resolved. He even sent me some technical info to pass on to the technician. He has been very helpful.

 

[Terrain]

Hey, any luck with figuring out the problem so far? I never heard of this problem with the Terrain but I did find a service bulletin that you will want to take a look at. Here it is:


#PIP4716A: Sharp Engine Rattle Noise At Start Up - (Feb 10, 2011)

Subject: Sharp Engine Rattle Noise At Start Up

Models: 2011 Buick Regal
2010-2011 Buick LaCrosse
2009-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
2010-2011 Chevrolet Equinox
2009-2011 Chevrolet HHR
2009-2011 Chevrolet Malibu
2010-2011 GMC Terrain
2009-2010 Pontiac G5
2009-2010 Pontiac G6
2009-2010 Pontiac Solstice
2009-2010 Saturn Aura
2009-2010 Saturn Sky
2009-2010 Saturn Vue Equipped with the following engines
2009-2010 2.0L (RPO LNF)
2009-2011 2.2L (RPO LAP/LE8)
2009-2011 2.4L (RPO LE5/LE9/LAT/LAF)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This PI was superseded to update models, years. Please discard PIP4716.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
In rare instances a technician may comment they hear a short, sharp rattle noise from the front of the engine on start up.

Recommendation/Instructions:
If the noise is from the front accessory drive area, inspect the engine belt. We have seen concerns with engine belts causing a loud ticking type noise. If found, verify power steering pulley outer edge is aligned flush with shaft and repair as needed. If pulley alignment is correct replace the engine belt.

If the noise is still present and is very short and sharp in duration (2-5 seconds). This may be an issue with the cam phasers not parking properly. Once the noise is verified as the phasers, they must be replaced. If the cam phasers are replaced, remove the CMP actuator solenoids to inspect for debris. If debris is found clean and inspect for torn or loose screens and replace if necessary.

Note: If debris is found in the solenoids and phasers change the oil and filter before returning to service, in some instances it may be necessary to change the oil/filter multiple times with a test drivein between each. The filter and solenoids can be inspected afterwards to ensure no additional debris is present.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information. WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION


© 2011 General Motors. All rights reserved

 

[dbe]

Same issue

I have the same issue as you. My Terrain is just about two weeks old so the noise was disturbing. It has occurred three times so far. I took it in today and of course it didn't happen for the tech. I am keeping a log of the days and times it happens. I love my Terrain but after driving my last car for 11 years, I can't afford problems with this new one.

 

[hotflashjr]

We were just told by our dealer that there is a recall for this issue. We are taking our 2011 in on Wednesday to get it fixed. I cannot find a listing for the recall anywhere, just the service bulletin. The dealer clearly said recall though and had a VIN number listing for the cars involved. We have about 3,600 miles and it is getting more frequent but only on cold start up. Sounds like no oil in the engine for the first 5-10 seconds. The mechanic in me says an engine will not stay together like this. I had a Chevy Colorado that did this that had an engine recall on it.

 

[Terrain]

We were just told by our dealer that there is a recall for this issue. We are taking our 2011 in on Wednesday to get it fixed. I cannot find a listing for the recall anywhere, just the service bulletin. The dealer clearly said recall though and had a VIN number listing for the cars involved. We have about 3,600 miles and it is getting more frequent but only on cold start up. Sounds like no oil in the engine for the first 5-10 seconds. The mechanic in me says an engine will not stay together like this. I had a Chevy Colorado that did this that had an engine recall on it.

I'm sure by now you had your car taken in for the recall and it's all probably sorted out by now.

Are you able to give us details on this GMC Terrain recall, it could help other Terrain owners on this forum.

 

[bman]

My 2011 4 cyl. Terrain is 3 months old and for the first 3500 miles I had no engine noise on start up, but then it started, first only when cold. I took it in to the dealer, first they couldn't find anything, then they found the bulletin to replace some parts and put some type of insulator on the engine so I wouldn't hear the noise. What a joke, looks to me like they are trying to mask a real problem. It's worse than ever and now I hear it on every start up, sounds just like a diesel engine. I have since talked to the Regional GMC Rep. and he is basically saying it's not broke and thats just the way the engine start up is. The dealership owner has called me and said he would make some follow up inquires but I'm not sure what can be done. I'll post again once I learn more, for now I am a very unhappy Terrain owner.

 

[nichols]

Same Thing! Now Recall Issued!

I had that same rattling noise problem. Our Terrain has been in the shop twice with under 3500 miles. Both times they did work to the cam shaft. Yesterday I received a recall notice in the mail. They want to update a computer module and replace the camshaft actuator solenoid valves (I think that's what it was). We noticed once they worked on our Terrain, the gas mileage was instantly better and we've had no trouble since our repair. Hopefully you get a recall notice soon! Our's goes in next week to make sure all recall items have been fixed.

 

[raytrain1]

I had a brand new 2011 terrain and has the same noise problem. It happens with 300 MILES ONLY!!!!!. I think made a mistake to get into GMC. I had a Saturn for 4 years and never visit the dealer. What a shame from GM to discontinue this line.

 

[fredsterrain]

Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 2

Recall fix today
I took my Terrain in today and had the recall work performed. My initial impression.....it worked. However, I need to wait until tomorrow morning to hear it at start-up. Hopefully, no grinding sounds. The service adviser was very good at explaining the why's and what's of the service.
When I left the dealership and pulled into traffic I noticed an immediate improvement in pickup and smoothness. I then switched to "econ" and the results were good. Shortly after, I got on interstate and performance was still better than before.

 

[jimmy]

Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 2

Recall fix today
I took my Terrain in today and had the recall work performed. My initial impression.....it worked. However, I need to wait until tomorrow morning to hear it at start-up. Hopefully, no grinding sounds. The service adviser was very good at explaining the why's and what's of the service.
When I left the dealership and pulled into traffic I noticed an immediate improvement in pickup and smoothness. I then switched to "econ" and the results were good. Shortly after, I got on interstate and performance was still better than before.

that's good to hear, far better than hearing dealership horror stories lol.

how is it holding up till now? is it still performing as well as when you left the dealer?

 

[jpetersonrt]

I have the same issue. I bought my 2011 in February and it started about a month later. I had to take it in for routine service this weekend, so I mentioned it to the dealer. His response was that "GM Knows about it". He then put my information into a folder that had a few others with the same complaint and said he would contact me when there is a fix to the problem. It is such an awful noise and I really hope that they can figure it out soon!
@fredsterrain, is the fix they performed still working, and do you know the recall # or a way I could tell my dealer to look it up?

 

[jpetersonrt]

did they fix the noise? this noise is driving me crazy... I now stay in the house and start the car before going out so I dont have to hear it....

 

[wrusprod]

The latest recall has to be done correctly, or the issue will come back..My Terrain has been in the shop about 6 times and several repairs..but still startup rattle..My vehicle was not under the recall list, though it has the issue.

Ive decided to trade in the 2011 for a 2012 with the V6..

Search the internet or other forums..you will see this issue is happening to alot of people and GM really doesnt have an answer yet.

 

[Canadian-Terrain]

The latest recall has to be done correctly, or the issue will come back..My Terrain has been in the shop about 6 times and several repairs..but still startup rattle..My vehicle was not under the recall list, though it has the issue.

Ive decided to trade in the 2011 for a 2012 with the V6..

Search the internet or other forums..you will see this issue is happening to alot of people and GM really doesnt have an answer yet.

Not on the recall list but you have the issue? Thats weird.
So maybe there are more vehicles with the problem like yours.

The trade in was a smart call, might as well let the dealership deal with the issue

 

[NGehrman]

I am having this issue as well. Started having it a few months ago and was initially when I started it from overnight; however, now it rattles when it has been parked for 2 or so hours. I have taken my 2011 Terrain to the Dealer 3 times now and each time I hear "It's normal" or that they cannot duplicate. Tonight I saw online that there is now a recall for affected vehicles, #11195A....anyone heard anything?

 

[yzrider58]

I had a brand new 2011 terrain and has the same noise problem. It happens with 300 MILES ONLY!!!!!. I think made a mistake to get into GMC. I had a Saturn for 4 years and never visit the dealer. What a shame from GM to discontinue this line.

Yes Saturns were great as well. However, I'm sure some folks out there had problems with a Saturn and went back to something else. It all depends on which one you pull off the lot. Now that the recall is out, the problem will hopefully be fixed.

 

[copyguyz]

cam actuators

I have owned my Terrain for 1.5 years and have complained on a number of occasions about 2 pressing issues. The 1st being the engine knock and 2nd issue, the crappy 6 speed transmission. I have constantly been rebuffed by the dealership from where I purchased the vehicle but finally found another GM dealer who identified one of the two issues and was advised about a recall regarding cam actuators. So today I had the chains, guides, tensioner, actuators and solenoid valves replaced and the engine is purring like a kitten now. However the crappy 6 speed transmission still heavily clunks down during a d-acceleration on the gas petal. Apparently, there is no fix to this issue. Has anyone else gone through this experience? Frustrated as heck!!!

 

[GMC Customer Service]

I have owned my Terrain for 1.5 years and have complained on a number of occasions about 2 pressing issues. The 1st being the engine knock and 2nd issue, the crappy 6 speed transmission. I have constantly been rebuffed by the dealership from where I purchased the vehicle but finally found another GM dealer who identified one of the two issues and was advised about a recall regarding cam actuators. So today I had the chains, guides, tensioner, actuators and solenoid valves replaced and the engine is purring like a kitten now. However the crappy 6 speed transmission still heavily clunks down during a d-acceleration on the gas petal. Apparently, there is no fix to this issue. Has anyone else gone through this experience? Frustrated as heck!!!

I am glad to hear that the dealer was willing to assist you. I would be happy to look into your additional concerns as well. Feel free to contact me privately for more assistance. Thank you.

Tricia, GMC Customer Service.

 

[Rough Terrain]

I'm coming off of a lease on a 2011 Ford Fiesta. I purchased my Terrain. I do think the 6-speed transmissions take some getting used to, but the Terrain is smooth as ice compared to the Fiesta. Ford's dual clutch design functions as normal, but you'll lose teeth as your jaw smacks together while driving through a parking lot when it decides to downshift suddenly.

 

[RanBurVette]

I had the cold start problem in a 2011. After many trips for repairs to the dealership including recall PIP4716A and 22,000 miles, GMC bought the car back and I replaced it with
a 2013 Terrain. I was very happy with the way GMC handled the buy back as I came out
the winner. Hope GMC has the problem solved, as I only have 2,000 miles on the 2013.
I will keep the Forum posted as time and mileage progress!