Questions and Answers

Dodge Is Noisy When Very Cold Q. Hello, I bought a used 2000 Dodge that has 75,000 miles on it. After having it for about two months, I started it up on a very cold morning (about 5°) and the motor began ticking very loudly. I wasn't sure what to do so I left it running and checked the oil which was fine but I noticed that the noise was not as loud as when I first started it.

I let run for ten minutes and the noise went away and it has been running great for two months. I changed the oil two days ago and today I started it up (40° outside) and the noise was back just as loud. I gave it a little gas and the noise went away again. I am concerned that this is a major warning sign. Any suggestions??

Thanks,
Brian

A. I don't think you have any thing to worry about. It is not unusual to here valve lifter noise on a very cold morning with an older engine. The same with changing the oil. You will hear valve noise until oil pressure builds up.

It's when the noise doesn't go away within three or four seconds that you have to worry.

By the way, you don't check the oil with the engine running. You shut it off and let it sit a minute or two before you check it.