HELP. Brand new Challenger start noise

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Discussions' started by Michael Rondeau, Jan 18, 2023.

  1. Michael Rondeau

    Michael Rondeau New Member

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    Hey guys. So back in April I bought a 2021 dodge challenger SXT.
    Since I bought it, it has made this horrible noise whenever you start the vehicle (when it is not warmed up).
    The noise lasts about 20 seconds or so and then slowly disappears. I have taken my car to the dealership 3 times now as it is brand new and of course still under warranty. They tell me that they cannot replicate the issue and that I have to drive it until it basically dies. WHAT ?!?!?
    I don't know what to do.
    Any advice would go a long way, thank you so much.
     
  2. 12SRT8392

    12SRT8392 Member

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    Without hearing it sounds like bad starter or chipped fly wheel
     
  3. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    If this was the cause, why would the noise only appear when the engine is cold and then "slowly disappear" after the engine is started?

    Is it a cold start rattling or a whining noise? If so, here are some possible causes:

    Rattling Sound
    • Variable valve actuator (moves oil to camshaft)

    Whining Sound
    • Power steering pump
    • Loose Drive Belt
    • Alternator Bearings
    • Pully Bearings
    • Serpentine Belt Tensioner
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2023
  4. HellKitten

    HellKitten Full Access Member

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    Save your documents showing you brought it in (service receipt). If for some reason it is your flywheel, that's big dough to replace!
     
  5. baccaruda

    baccaruda Full Access Member

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    Does it sound like valve train noise? like Tom mentioned Power steering pump .
    • I think we all know the pumps can make noise too...
     
  6. B5blueRT

    B5blueRT Full Access Member

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    Did I miss something? All I read was "horrible noise for 20 seconds". What's the noise sound like?
    Intermittent or every time on cold starts?
    How can starter, chipped flywheel, power steering, etc. be offered up if there's no description of the noise.

    Michael, welcome to the forum!
    My suggestion is that since you already took it in 3 times, the dealer apparently isn't hearing what you are. It's a hassle but you may want to leave it at the dealer overnight. Drive there in the morning and do the initial cold start with a few of the techs there listening. Then you can point out what you hear. (I ran into this with my Challenger. Was hearing a low dB grunting noise at idle that changed with the engine's RPM. The dealer said all was fine, couldn't duplicate the noise. They agreed with me after we all stood in the parking lot listening to it for about three minutes and I pointed it out. You had to concentrate to hear it. It ended up being the water pump.)
    Let us know what you find out.
     
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  7. baccaruda

    baccaruda Full Access Member

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    ?????
     
  8. Moparisto

    Moparisto Full Access Member

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    I don't know if we'll ever hear from him again.
     
  9. baccaruda

    baccaruda Full Access Member

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    well we tried, that's what this forums are about.
     
  10. Ed Bandics

    Ed Bandics Full Access Member

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    Correct me if I am wrong. I had a problem early on in my ownership that to me felt like a power steering noise, low hum when making extreme turns. I waned to check the fluid in the power steering pump but I could not find it. When I took it to the dealer they told me that there is no pump per se and that it was a electronic steering, kind of like fly by wire technology. Was this BS? It turned out to be something in the suspension on the right side. What ever it was they fixed it. No charge.