[andyfest0719]

Ever since my first oil change using full synthetic DEXOL grade oil, I have had an intermittent rattle at startup when the engine is cold. I did not experience this on my 2011 Regal 2.4L before the oil change. It seems that it is more likely to happen if the car is started with either the air conditioner or the defog on. Any ideas as to what is causing the rattle? It usually lasts 2 - 3 seconds and then disappears.

 

[JMregal]

I have the same issue (although haven't had first oil change yet.) I will be curious to see what the possible cause may be.

 

[andyfest0719]

I finally found this on the internet. looks like it may be a widespread, but fixable problem with the 2.4L engine & others. I am kind of ticked off that GM has not sent out a formal letter to all of the owners of the vehicles involved. Bulletin reads as follows:
#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This PI was superseded to update models, years.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.

 

[thestepchild]

nice find.

better keep proof of proper oil change handy.

 

[andyfest0719]

Yes I keep all of my receipts. I generally change the oil every 5500 km using DEXOS-compliant full synthetic. Just passed 20,000 km (12,000 miles). Dropped in to my dealer last night to show service the bulletin so I could reinforce that what I am experiencing is not normal. I also complained about the hard-shifting transmission and the passenger side rear tail-light (already replaced once) that is fogging up with condensation on the inside again. I love the look, fit and finish on my car, but am losing enthusiasm due to the possible mechanical issues I seem to be experiencing.

 

[andyfest0719]

An update: I took my Regal in for all of the complaints I related in previous posts eg: sharp rattle on start-up, delayed transmission engagement, rough idle and fogging taillight lens on passenger side. There is a service campaign in Canada (Campaign 1195) to address the engine/transmission concerns. It appears that they installed new solenoids and reprogrammed the ECN. Of note, they are not going to replace my taillight lens again until they figure out what is causing the issue. I am going to ask for a replacement lens (my third one) before the basic warranty runs out at 80,000 km (50,000 miles).

 

[STUD_901]

I was just about to start a thread on this very same thing until I saw this one. Has anyone else had this problem. I have a 2011 non turbo with 12K miles and this has been happening on and off since I got it last year.

Has anyone actually had this fixed by the dealership?

 

[Buick Customer Service]

Your concerns have been documented. I would be happy to look into this more for you if these are ongoing problems that have not been yet properly resolved. Please respond by private message with your name, VIN#, name of dealership you've been working with, and the specific concerns. I hope everyone's week is going well.


Matt
Buick Customer Service

 

[jed992]

I have the same issue. I'm bringing my car in on Tuesday for an oil change, as well as to have this issue checked out.

I found this (long) thread posted by an Equinox owner with the same issue. There's info about a recall (Recall 11195A) on Page 4 of the thread:

2011 Equinox Cold start engine noise

 

[andyfest0719]

An update: I had the bulletin service done (Campaign 1195 in Canada) last spring and have not had any issues with the "cold start rattle" since. I have now just passed the 50,000 km (30,000 mile) mark. The dealership also just replaced my passenger side taillight lens assembly (3rd one) for condensation issues on the inside of the lens. So far, no more issues.

 

[jed992]

Back in September, the dealership kept my car for 3 days but could not reproduce the rattle, so they didn't do anything except change the oil. Oddly enough, I have not had the problem since.

 

[DefianceRegal]

I think I have had this problem and not realized its severity. Now with 80,000 miles on my 2011 2.4L my check engine light is on and the entire car rattles at an idle (intermittently). I plan on taking my car in tomorrow, but does anyone think what is happening with my car related to this thread?

 

[jed992]

I think I have had this problem and not realized its severity. Now with 80,000 miles on my 2011 2.4L my check engine light is on and the entire car rattles at an idle (intermittently). I plan on taking my car in tomorrow, but does anyone think what is happening with my car related to this thread?

Not sure -- with 80k and a check engine light, it could be any number of things, hopefully nothing major. Please let us know the diagnosis.

 

[DefianceRegal]

Sorry for the delay on the update. Here's what we found out.
The Code that was stored was P0172. Basically, The high pressure fuel pump failed, and contaminated the crank case. They replaced the fuel pump, and changed the oil. This is a known problem from what I understand, and it was covered under the powertrain warranty. From what the shop told me, the fuel pump's circumference bores out, and puts out too much pressure to the point that fuel passes through into the oil.
Hope this helps out other Regal owners out there.
Also, the same problem is know to happen with the following:
2011 Regal
2010-2011 LaCrosse
2010-2011 Equinox
2010-2011 GMC Terrain
all with the 2.4L engine (RPO LAF)

 

[Bella]

Does anyone know if there has been a recall on GM vehicles for camshaft solenoi issues? My 2011 Regal just spent 5days at the dealer, getting that taken care of after it shutoff on me while I was dropping off my son at school. Restarted it four times, each time I would put it in drive and it would shutoff again. Had it towed to dealer, and the girl at the counter says and I quote "Oh, yeah it's an easy fix we have many cars in here right now for the same reason, it's the camshaft actuator solenoi, and we have the part in stock" Really?? If the car had shutoff on the highway(which is my daily work route) I probably would had caused a major accident given it literally just went dead as I was driving it, no prior notice of anything being wrong. I have experienced the sharp rattling noise before several times but since they weren't constant just a couple times I did not think anything of it. Buick should send a recall notice so that people can have those camshaft actuator solenoi replaced before someone gets seriously hurt.

 

[andyfest0719]

I believe that was involved in the bulletin I posted last year. Solenoid replacement was part of the fix.

 

[Buick Customer Service]

Does anyone know if there has been a recall on GM vehicles for camshaft solenoi issues? My 2011 Regal just spent 5days at the dealer, getting that taken care of after it shutoff on me while I was dropping off my son at school. Restarted it four times, each time I would put it in drive and it would shutoff again. Had it towed to dealer, and the girl at the counter says and I quote "Oh, yeah it's an easy fix we have many cars in here right now for the same reason, it's the camshaft actuator solenoi, and we have the part in stock" Really?? If the car had shutoff on the highway(which is my daily work route) I probably would had caused a major accident given it literally just went dead as I was driving it, no prior notice of anything being wrong. I have experienced the sharp rattling noise before several times but since they weren't constant just a couple times I did not think anything of it. Buick should send a recall notice so that people can have those camshaft actuator solenoi replaced before someone gets seriously hurt.

Sorry about the issues you're having with your vehicle. Please have the dealership examine the vehicle to see what could be the cause of the issue and repair it. They can also check the VIN#, to see if anything specific is listed as a known cause with the issues you described. Below is also a tool for Buick owners to register their vehicles. You will be able to access manuals, check for recalls, etc. I can also run the VIN#. Please let us know the outcome of the dealership appointment if you take it in. Please send a PM with the VIN#, your name, contact information, dealership, your situation, and current mileage. I hope this is resolved quickly for you.

Matt,

GM Customer Assistance

Buick Owners | Buick Owner Center | Buick

 

[gary9648]

I finally found this on the internet. looks like it may be a widespread, but fixable problem with the 2.4L engine & others. I am kind of ticked off that GM has not sent out a formal letter to all of the owners of the vehicles involved. Bulletin reads as follows:
#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.

I just went through this with my 2011 with 18,000 mile on it.

 

[mluick]

Sorry for the delay on the update. Here's what we found out.
The Code that was stored was P0172. Basically, The high pressure fuel pump failed, and contaminated the crank case. They replaced the fuel pump, and changed the oil. This is a known problem from what I understand, and it was covered under the powertrain warranty. From what the shop told me, the fuel pump's circumference bores out, and puts out too much pressure to the point that fuel passes through into the oil.
Hope this helps out other Regal owners out there.
Also, the same problem is know to happen with the following:
2011 Regal
2010-2011 LaCrosse
2010-2011 Equinox
2010-2011 GMC Terrain
all with the 2.4L engine (RPO LAF)

Just got a letter to make me aware of an issue with some 2011 regals with the 2.4L engine. The chrome layer on the balance chain pins may wear allowing for the chain to stretch and resulting in chain failure and engine damage also the the fuel pump plunger shaft seal may wear and allow fuel to leak into the crankcase. Their remedy is to extend the coverage on the engine to 10 years and 120,000 miles if these symptons occur there will be no charge on the repairs. Has anyone on this board had these issues develope with their regals?.............Mike

 

[SteffanChloe]

Did had that same sort of problem but after the first oil change my ride is just going on fine and perfectly.

Cooly Rocks On!