wisdom200632

Hi, my tC has 16k mikes when I turn on the ac there's a rattle underneath the drivers side door. Car is in drive A/C is on, if I turn off ac the rattle stops. Took it to the dealer they say it's normal.
I thought it was a heat shield, took it to a muffler shop the guy said everything looks fine except a $250 part that connects to the catalytic converter. I said no will return to dealer.

Does anyone else know what's the cause?

Manualsonly

The AC uses power from the engine, at idle this is normal, especially if you have and automatic. If it bothers you, turn the AC on and lay on the ground and try to find the source. tCs are known to have lots of rattles, part of the reason the price is so cheap brand new. Mechanically, especially concerning the drivetrain, they're pretty rock solid, but there is not much insulation or sound dampening due to it being an economy car.

Manualsonly

By the way, there is no reason you should have any catalytic converter issues at 16k. Unless you take your car offloading and punctured your exhaust, that shop is messing with you.

wisdom200632

Thanks for the info, the noise does bother me but
Its ok if it's like that. I take care of my car and
Take my car to the dealer for maint, I doubt the converter is bad.
He wanted to charge 250 for a gasket. I'll leave it like that and upgrade later to TRD MUFFLER. Thanks

rnaz1017

really? I have 56k on my 2012 tc and don't have any rattles for the most part. I think just 1 somewhere in the trunk area but its pretty minor.

blackedout14

my 14 does the samething and so does my boys 15 so its a normal thing with these cars.

wisdom200632

Update! Finally spoke to the dealers manager in the mecanics area he heard the noise, told me to come back on Monday. They checked out my car a fourth time, they said the exhaust gasket near the catalytic converter is deformed, they will replace it under warranty. Part 17451-22060 $52.