Engine rattling on startup until warm

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bdfoub20
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Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2021 4:06 pm
Drives: 2014 Polo 1.2 Match
Location: Scotland

Engine rattling on startup until warm

Post by bdfoub20 »

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone else has an odd rattling noise on startup when cold, I believe it will be the ancillaries, but not 100% sure. Vehicle is a 2018 gti+

Thanks
SRGTD
Bling Bling Diamond Member
Posts: 3837
Joined: Sun Oct 11, 2015 9:40 pm
Drives: 2020 AW Polo GTI+, Pure White.
Location: UK

Re: Engine rattling on startup until warm

Post by SRGTD »

Difficult to diagnose an engine noise on a forum. Has it always rattled on start up or only recently started? Presumably you’ve checked your engine oil level and it’s OK, so insufficient oil can be ruled out as the cause of the noise? An engine can rattle for a second or two on starting as the oil pressure builds. Can’t say I’ve noticed any odd rattling noises on start up in my 2020 GTI+.

It could be the fuel injectors (more of an tappety noise than a rattle though, and continues after start up). If so, it’s not uncommon and considered to be normal. Not all cars do it though; some cars’ fuel injectors are more tappety than others - those on my car are pretty quiet.

However, as said, it’s difficult to diagnose from a forum post whether the ‘odd rattling noise’ is a normal characteristic or if it’s something you should get checked out.
Fidel
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Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2026 12:03 am
Drives: TSI Bluemotion
Location: Qyeensland

Re: Engine rattling on startup until warm

Post by Fidel »

Does the engine management system starve the engine of fuel at the moment of startup?

After 10 years of listening to this, I:
Depress the brake pad with my left foot.
Turn the key and release as usual but
simultaneously depress & release the
accelerator with my right foot.

No noise. No guarantees either. Just saying that's what I discovered.

Very technical.
Owner of betty
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Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2026 12:13 am
Drives: Aw polo
Location: South Africa

Re: Engine rattling on startup until warm

Post by Owner of betty »

I was facing the same issue, for me it would even het worse as i engaged the clutch but went away at higher rpm
Then i looked towards the back if the engine behind the turbo
You should see your exhaust going towards the back. The heat sheild that sits right on top of that could be lose and the noise is made worse in the morning due to the rough idle after a cold start
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