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3rd Gen Tundra: Tinny rattle under the truck on cold starts or at a certain rpm

Checks, in order

  1. Find it with the engine running
    Have a helper hold the rpm where it rattles while you (safely) reach under and press on each heat shield. The noise stops when you touch the right one.
    easy $ · under about $50
  2. Fix
    A large stainless hose clamp around the shield, or a dealer tack weld, ends it. Dealers will do it under the basic warranty.
    easy $ · under about $50
  3. If it is not a shield
    A rattle from the top of the engine at idle is the wastegate symptom; a knock that gets louder with load is the main bearing recall. Neither should be ignored.
    easy $ · under about $50

Applies to: 3rd generation Tundra, 2022 on, with the 3.4L twin-turbo V35A-FTS V6 and the 10-speed automatic, including the i-FORCE MAX hybrid. Most items are covered by Toyota's 3 year/36,000 mile basic and 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranties or by an open recall, so the first check on this truck is usually a VIN lookup.

Tools and parts for these checks

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Bluetooth OBD2 scanner with live dataReading and clearing codes and watching live sensor dataShop on Amazon

More 3rd Gen Tundra problems

All 8 3rd Gen Tundra symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.