16th Sep 2003, 12:36

I have a 2002 model Navara with 12,000 miles, I too get a rattle from the top end on start up. This only happens when it has been stood for more than twelve hours. It sounds to me like oil starvation for the first few seconds. I have had the first two services done at my local Nissan agent. I note they use Shell synthetic oil. Could this be the problem? The dealership are unable to detect a problem, but I suspect my three year warranty will come in handy soon. Has any one had a similar problem on these late 2.5 engines? noiseynissan@roncobb.com.

24th Oct 2003, 09:36

I have the exact same problem with the rattle as everyone else. I have a 97 4wd with 72,000 miles. After some research, I found out that the rattle is from the timing chain. The factory tensioner is made of plastic and it ability to hold enough tension to prevent the rattle fades quick. Other than the annoying start-up noise, the rattle is harmless, it's not gonna jump timing or break the chain or anything like that. If you ever tear your engine down and want to eliminate the noise, they make an aftermarket tensioner that is metal and I have read that makes a huge difference.

Carter_3_16@yahoo.com

11th Nov 2003, 06:26

My 1997 Nissan 2WD has been a great truck with 110k miles. but has the same start-up rattle. Others mention this and refer to timing chain tensioner. Are they referring to the 4 or 6 cylinder, or both? Thanks for this site.

25th Nov 2003, 09:33

I have a 1996 Nissan Pickup. Same problem with the rattling. I found when I tighten belts the rattling goes away. My assumption is bad bearings somewhere along the belt system, but have not done a complete analysis of the problem.

8th Jan 2004, 13:31

Is the sound that everyone has mentioned heard while driving as well as start-up? Mine is pretty loud, especially when A/C kicks on.

22nd Feb 2004, 17:31

I am considering buying a 1997 Nissan XE 4x4 king cab pickup, and I would appreciate any comments or input folks may have regarding this year/model. Thanks.

8th Jun 2004, 21:45

I have a 97 Nissan XE 4x4 with 90,000 miles. I LOVE THIS NISSAN. Honestly have never had a problem one, other than the regular repairs through the years. I live in the snow and this truck, by far, has handled the snow better than anything else I've seen. And Yes... I have the same rattle at start up...I've had it since the first time I started the truck. I'm hoping to drive it to 300,000 miles! Love It!

24th Nov 2004, 09:48

Hi I own a honda and I get that rattle noise that most of you get on your truck, but I took my car to a mechanic and I had him lift it and that rattle noise came from the Catalic Converter HEAT SHIELD it was hitting against the converter, but only for like 3-5 seconds after starting the car for the first time on the day.

24th May 2005, 10:36

I have a 97 Nissan XE pickup that I hate it has 47,000 miles on it and has a vibration after 3200 rpm. It also has really junky quarter window locks made of cheap plastic that have fallen apart and are over 40.00 to repair. I would sell it in a minute if I could get my money back.

22nd Sep 2005, 07:14

I have a 1997 nissan pickup with 90,000 miles on it with the same rattle noise its been doing it for two years. A mechanic told me it was the timing chain also. It's a awesome truck, but I would buy a V6 if I had another choice.

6th Dec 2005, 13:44

Hi! I just bought a 1997 Nissan King Cab Pickup Truck - I filled it up for the first time Sat. and drove about 8 miles, yesterday I probably drove about 25...I've already used almost 1/2 a tank! Could this be right or is there possibly something wrong with my tank or gas gauge? It seems like the fuel is going MUCH faster than it should. Also when I turn it on and off I hear a sort of high pitched wine... is this normal?

Thanks!

10th May 2007, 19:28

Yes, I too have a 1997 Nissan Hardbody Pick-up. It has the same rattle at start up. If all the comments that I have read begin with the start rattle, then it must be a characteristic of the 1997 Nissan Pick-up. I truly love my truck and wouldn't part with for the world.

The only thing that bothers me is the damper for the horn. First you hear a clanking in the steering wheel, and then the horn goes off. I read a comment that it cost 140.00 to replace the part. That's only because a dealership has to do it. And the blue book value is way to low for such valuable and reliable truck.

2nd Jul 2008, 17:07

I have a 1997 Frontier P/U two door with over 230,000 miles on it, bought it new, then loaned to my son, now I have it back and have one problem. A rattle in the steering wheel that makes the horn go off on occasion, I've pulled the fuse and want to remove the wheel cover to see what's rattling, don't know how to remove steering wheel... any help will be appreciated tom@tallensafety.org.

10th Jul 2008, 13:32

I have a '97 Nissan with 152,000 miles. It's been a good reliable truck. I have the same rattle at start-up. Also, the check engine light is a normal thing after two years. Lately, the idle went all to heck and the thing would die at stop signs. A mechanic friend of mine bypassed the EGR valve and it seems to have fixed the problem. Mileage is OK at 20-28 MPG. I use it as a truck so it doesn't get babied, so no complaints at all as to reliability. Probably one of the most trouble-free vehicles I've had--my hat's off to the Japanese and their Total Quality Management techniques.

16th Jul 2008, 21:14

I have a 97' Nissan Pickup. I am having idling problems. Any clue how to fix it? It will idle at 1000 and drop to about 600 and then back up, and then die. Any solution?

2nd Sep 2008, 11:12

I have a 1997 Nissan PU - 5 speed - love it.

I too have a problem with the horn. Only when I turn a corner. I feel like waving to people. It doesn't happen all the time, though.

Just had the alternator and battery replaced, now the truck won't start. My son's going to check the grounding wires - has anyone else had electrical problems with theirs?

I noticed that someone else had a haunted horn.

14th Oct 2010, 00:29

I have a 1997 XE 4cyl 2x4 with 138,000 on it... and it has the rattle too. I took it to a mechanic, and he said not to worry; that this is common with this engine, and I should just make sure I have proper oil levels. Other than that, the timing chain is not going to break.

I owned the same model truck, but a 1992, and drove it to 186,000 and then sold it - it ran as well the day I sold as when I bought it.

These trucks are rock solid - I only wish Nissan was still making trucks that had timing chains instead of belts. The replacement cost for a timing belt on a new Frontier is ridiculous - you are looking at a $1600 job.

The truck I have now has only ever need oil and gas - I replaced the clutch at 120,000, because my girlfriend burned it out - other than that, it is a work horse.