2012 compass loud when first started

[mmthomas1983]

I just bought a 2012 Jeep Compass lattitude, 4x4, 2.4L. It has the CVT Transmission in it. Only 350 miles on it so far. I am loving it, however I am a little concerned about the noise it makes when I first start it up. I am not sure if it is engine noise or the transmission making the noise. I suspect its the transmission. Its kind of hard to explain but the noise doesn't really sound like anything is wrong, it sounds like normal transmission noises, just much louder. After driving for about 1-2 minutes there are no sounds and the jeep is just as quiet as can be. It does this every single time. It shifts perfectly, even when cold. When I start it up its doesn't make the noise until I shift it into gear, which makes me think its the tranny. Is this normal? Is it just something the CVT does to warm up or something? I am thinking about taking it to the dealer but I have a feeling they are just going to tell me its normal. Plus I would have to let it sit there for at least 3 or 4 hours for it to make the noise. Wanted to see if anyone else with the same vehicle has experienced this and what you Jeep experts out there think.

[lucy2423]

Well, I don't have a 2012 but I do have a 2011 Latitude 4X4 2.4L with the CVT. Mine is loud when it's first started too. Seems like when it cools down it sounds like a diesel when it's first running. And it's also a little louder in the shifting when it's cool. But, like you said, once it warms up it's fine. I can still hear it (I've owned mine for almost 3 months) but I've become used to it. I've had many people tell me it's normal.

[mmthomas1983]

Thanks for the response. I did talk to the dealer and they said its perfectly normal. I am glad to hear someone else has the same noise. I guess it is normal. Makes me feel a little better. I still would like to know what makes it louder when its cold. Anyone have any ideas?

[w4rh4wk]

My compass is a little bit loud on cold start ups.... but my wife's 2011 Subaru Outback is EXTREMELY loud when cold started you would think a rocket ship was taking off!

[tripplec]

I didn't realize the 2012's were out. Either wait until more appear on the forum. But better still check with your dealer or other dealer. Ask to hear another in the lot. You should watch your tach and what its running at before and when the CVT is engaged as well. Wait for at least a full minute and repeat again if its any different. The info you have is insufficient.

[mraspen]

My 2012 North 5 spd is loud at startup too. But its normal.

Fred

[tripplec]

Could be whats call "piston slap" and used to be common on some engines due to their sloppy engine design. Once the pistons warm up and expand they don't slap the cylinder walls as much and oils pumped everywhere thickening to its spec from the cold 10w or 5w spec.

I had that on a 1991 Mazda MPV and the Mazda dealer put bigger pistons in (3 sizes were available). There is no reason for it especially these small bore engines.

[2011compass]

Hey folks.. would you describe the sound as something a tractor would make? I have a 2011 4X4 sport model and every time i start the car and/or start driving, it seems like i am driving a tractor lol..
However, the sound disappears after 5-10 mins driving on the road.

[paul2011]

they all do it and it is quite normal. mine is extra loud now in minius 30 c

[tripplec]

Originally Posted by 2011compass

Hey folks.. would you describe the sound as something a tractor would make? I have a 2011 4X4 sport model and every time i start the car and/or start driving, it seems like i am driving a tractor lol..
However, the sound disappears after 5-10 mins driving on the road.

As I said above "Piston Slap" and they tighten up as the engine warms up.

[lucy2423]

lol I never thought of it sounding like a tractor! lol Although I have referred to mine a few times as the "grain truck". lol

[2011compass]

Originally Posted by tripplec

As I said above "Piston Slap" and they tighten up as the engine warms up.

I think you are right.. We had an unseasonably warm day today and today was the fastest that the tractor noises went away.

And i also switched to synthetic oil.. That seems to be doing wonders re: the noise situation also

[2011compass]

Originally Posted by lucy2423

lol I never thought of it sounding like a tractor! lol Although I have referred to mine a few times as the "grain truck". lol

Tractor, grain truck.. they both sound annoying and have no place in a beautiful vehikcle such as the compass.

Its ironic that something that looks so good can sound so bad

[tripplec]

Originally Posted by 2011compass

I think you are right.. We had an unseasonably warm day today and today was the fastest that the tractor noises went away.

And i also switched to synthetic oil.. That seems to be doing wonders re: the noise situation also

A heavier oil would help 10w30 but for an engine engineered for 5w20 the pistons shouldn't be that sloppy in the cylinders when cold. The clearance is too big allowing the pistons to slap sides of the cylinder as they go up and down until they warm up enough expanding in the process.

This is not normal in my opinion.

[2011compass]

Originally Posted by tripplec

A heavier oil would help 10w30 but for an engine engineered for 5w20 the pistons shouldn't be that sloppy in the cylinders when cold. The clearance is too big allowing the pistons to slap sides of the cylinder as they go up and down until they warm up enough expanding in the process.

This is not normal in my opinion.

Well, i got a real good deal on my compass and plan to trade it in a few years before the warranties start to expire and still break even, so i am really not stressing the abnormalities of my vehicle LoL

[tripplec]

You're lucky if that pans out. I checked against a 2011 early last year and they wanted as much nearly as much as this was a year old for it. I thought, do I have Stupid written on my face. I was gone.