Super ECT Transmission of Toyota Corolla GLI 2015 (Loud Tick noise)

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hassan9251 (hassan9251) 2023-06-01 14:41:26 +0500 #1

I own a Toyota Corolla 1.3 GLI 2015 which has a super ECT transmission.
The problem is that I am hearing loud tick sound whenever I start driving the vehicle with a cold engine. It happens multiple times when the RPM gets above 2K. I head a loud tick sounds one after another after a few seconds. As the engine gets warm the sound gets damped and eventually I don't hear that sound then the engine is hot.
I have noticed that this does happen when the car is in neutral. I had the transmission oil changed a few months ago. Can anyone help me about what could be reason for this?

aziz.rehan (Rehan Aziz) 2023-06-01 16:10:58 +0500 #2

Engine oil grade?

haseeb.basharat 2023-06-01 20:27:02 +0500 #3

Check timing chain tensioner.

hassan9251 (hassan9251) 2023-06-05 13:44:05 +0500 #4

It is ZIC X7 10W40.

hassan9251 (hassan9251) 2023-06-05 13:45:02 +0500 #5

Can you please elaborate on this? I don't have technical knowledge about these parts.

hassan9251 (hassan9251) 2023-07-31 21:01:11 +0500 #6

I found out 2 weeks ago that the last time i went for the oil change i had poured ZIC X7000 10W40 which is for diesel engines. I got it changed and poured ZIC X7 10W40. Could this be the reason for this issue? How can I properly get it diagnosed?

aziz.rehan (Rehan Aziz) 2023-07-31 21:06:28 +0500 #7

So now noise is gone?

hassan9251 (hassan9251) 2023-07-31 21:07:38 +0500 #8

No the noise is still there. No change.

aziz.rehan (Rehan Aziz) 2023-08-01 01:51:50 +0500 #9

Most probably it's from timing chain as it's common in corolla when u move from thick oil like 20w50 to less viscous oils due to which issue starts.

hassan9251 (hassan9251) 2023-08-01 12:36:54 +0500 #10

If it is due to the timing chain then should I keep driving or get the issue fixed? Given the condition that the sound goes away after a couple of minutes of driving.

aziz.rehan (Rehan Aziz) 2023-08-01 15:47:39 +0500 #11

Get it fixed for peace of mind

haseeb.basharat 2023-08-02 01:38:24 +0500 #12

Is the sound like crick crick crick?
Comes only when your car is cold and goes away after 5-6kms of driving. It feels like something is grinding in the center? Its at loudest when you move a cold car and only comes afterwards when you move it slowly again? Am I right?

affanhaq94 (Affan) 2023-08-02 07:18:55 +0500 #13

It's most likely the timing chain tensioner. Common issue if you search here. Sometimes if left, the chain can stretch as well.

Get it repaired asap. Worst case, a loose chain can jump timing and cause your engine to blow up.

hassan9251 (hassan9251) 2023-08-03 18:55:41 +0500 #14

Nope.
It is just a loud click/pop sound. Like a metal softly hiting a metal. It doesn't matter if I heat up the car before driving. It would still produce the sound. After driving under 1KM it goes away. If I keep drving under 1.5K rpm it produces clicks at intervals of around 5 seconds and if I go at around 2K rpm the clicks appear quicker like a click every 2-3 seconds. Regardless of the timing, it goes away after 5-10 clicks.

Now i am thinking to try reving up the cold engine while in gear is in P and see if it produces the click sounds. Would that scenario confirm the issue is with timing chain?

hassan9251 (hassan9251) 2023-08-03 18:58:27 +0500 #15

Correct me if I am wrong. The only reason i am reluctant to get it repaired is because the tensioner is inside the engines body and would need to open the engine head to access it. If the head gasket is opened then the car sound would be increased and won't be a quiter driving experience.

affanhaq94 (Affan) 2023-08-03 21:48:08 +0500 #16

This isn't true. The head doesn't need to be removed to do chains.

Only the valve and timing covers will need to be removed if your doing the full chain job.

However, I would recommend for you to get the car checked from a reputable shop to confirm the diagnosis. They can also perform the job properly. Don't want to go and ask for a timing chain job if it ends up being something else.

If you go to your local 'ustaad' mechanic your car will never be the same again and you'll end up spending more money than the reputable shop to fix what Mr ustaad ruins.

haseeb.basharat 2023-08-04 05:02:39 +0500 #18

I am also facing the same issue from last one month. I have changed the timing chain tensioner, but it didn't solve my problem. My engine is 2zrfe so symptoms are slightly change. I get sound on very low speeds, like driving without giving power at all.
I am going for a diagnosis tomorrow from 2 different workshops. Let's see what they'll diagnose.

hassan9251 (hassan9251) 2023-08-04 10:40:21 +0500 #19

Know about any reputable workshops in karachi?

hassan9251 (hassan9251) 2023-08-04 10:44:22 +0500 #20

Know any reputable workshops in karachi?

hassan9251 (hassan9251) 2023-08-04 11:39:40 +0500 #21

@Xulfiqar Bro, can you plz help me with this issue.

Short summary: Hearing loud tick noises on driving a cold engine for about 1KM (5-10 ticks) and then it goes away. The timing of the ticks is dependant upon the acceleration and not on engine temperature. I had mistakenly poured ZIC X7000 10W40 (diesel oil) instead of ZIC X7 10W40 (petrol oil) and drove for about 4k KM then changed back to X7 10W40.