Odd noise at startup.

Had my 09 Tundra for about a week now. It came with a Bullydog remote start. Works great but the other day, after sitting for a couple of days in -15C weather I started it to hear a fairly high pitched sort of grinding that went on for a few seconds then cleared up. Hasn't happened again but the previous owner who has a 2013 Tundra said that happens to his too and he thinks it's the alternator. Anyone else experienced this?

 

Yep. Some cold mornings mine will make what I describe as a "honking or wooing"...

Kinda sounds like air escaping a diaphragm or seal. Vacuum line or SAIS??

Truck seems to run fine. Hope it continues to not cause a problem.

 

No this was definitely more of a grinding. Like the fan was grinding away some ice, which it may well have.
But you may be right. Hope it doesn't happen again but if it does I hope I'm right there to hear it. Was in the house when I started it.

 

I have a noise that sounds just like what you are describing. 2015 Tundra Limited, 5.7l engine. I took it to my local Toyota shop.
And they feel its the alternator. They are to have a new one in stock in a couple of days. I will try to check back and let you know how it goes.

By the way. The Toyota price of a new alternator is very expensive. But I want the warranty and documentation from the Toyota shop.

 

My fan will squeal when I first start the truck when it's really cold. I wouldn't call it a grinding, though.

 

My 2016 has always made strange noises on start up, then it settles down after it warms up.
Initially i use to worry its the water-pump or alternator.
Now i just turn my hearing aids down and drive

 

what weight oil do you run? My brand new 21 sounded like a tractor with the 0w-20 in it, my first oil change i switched to 5w-30 and now it sounds like a proper engine should.

 

I have always just driven the truck into Toyota every 8000km and noticed they change the oil every 16000km - I never looked at or questioned the oil weight they use.
I will definitely look into that further.
Thanks!

 

Could be the power steering pump? I've noticed mine is loud when temps are low and fluid is cold. I plan to swap out the fluid this summer when I do the diffs.

 

I have a noise that sounds just like what you are describing. 2015 Tundra Limited, 5.7l engine. I took it to my local Toyota shop.
And they feel its the alternator. They are to have a new one in stock in a couple of days. I will try to check back and let you know how it goes.

I had my service appointment today at the local Toyota Dealer. They replaced the alternator and the serpentine belt.

This service fixed the problem. The technician originally located the noise by using a stethoscope. I thought it may be the belt but the "grinding" noise did not match the belt rotation frequency, or even a frequency associated with multiple bad spots. It did match the rotational frequency of the alternator. So I "green lighted" the pricey repair. Always change your belt anyway with a repair like this.

The price was justified through quick, experienced service. Along with New, not rebuilt Toyota parts. Excellent customer service. And a Courtesy car was provided for my convenience. There is a warranty on all the work. And Service documentation maintaining accurate records to preserve the Trucks future value.

Makes me wonder why I spent decades doing my own work before.

 

Thank you for replying with your results!

The weird sound I hear intermittently definitely seems to emanate from the front of the motor ie an accessory.

...and there is no need to justify paying a professional to do the work. Im sure all who wrench will come to a point where they just dont feel like dealing with it anymore. But I'll probably be the old man taking apart a car I cant even drive, attempting to sooth the ever tightening grip of dementia.