My 03 Camry started making engine noises after turning off overdrive and passing someone.
What is your question?
I pulled over and checked oil level and it looked good but I decided to top it off a mile down the road. After topping it off, I headed home and the noise didn’t return for another 5 miles and then it came back intense, as a knocking/ticking/grinding noise. I decided to take another look and found the serpentine belt was worn and I thought that was the problem and that it was just slipping. But upon turning the car back on and putting it into gear, it shut off almost immediately.
Bad noise coming from engine.
Happened after accelerating quickly.
Recently started burning oil.
Has had trouble idling.
Last Oil Change was 10k ago.
Takes 5W-30 oil, I put 10W-30 in it the other day to help keep some better pressure with extremely low temperatures.
Recently installed a huge LED light bar but it’s been driving fine since installation a couple weeks ago.
Noise can be described as a knocking/ticking/grinding noise, really hard to explain
How long has your 2003 Toyota Camry had this problem?
RepairPal Certified shops can diagnose and repair your 2003 Toyota Camry. They provide transparent pricing with a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on repairs and services.
Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team!
It sounds like your '03 Camry may be facing some serious internal engine issues. That knocking/ticking/grinding noise could indicate rod knock or a main bearing problem, especially given the recent high-stress acceleration and the fact that it’s burning oil. Since it’s been 10,000 miles since your last oil change, the engine oil might have degraded, worsening wear on components like bearings or lifters.
The fact that it shut off when you put it in gear suggests it’s struggling with internal damage or low oil pressure. The worn serpentine belt could be a separate issue, but it wouldn’t usually cause a loud engine noise or the car to shut off.
I'd recommend not driving it until a mechanic can look at it—continuing to run it could cause irreversible damage. It might need a lower-end rebuild or, depending on the severity, even a replacement engine.
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