Edited by Jeff Yip

Q. Our 2004 Camry LE with 2.4-liter engine makes a weird sound, almost like a rattle, when accelerating. The service department at the dealership where we bought the car says this is a problem some Camrys have but assures us that it is nothing to worry about.
 

A. Your Camry may have a known problem with some Toyota intake manifolds. In some 2002-2004 Camrys with the 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE engine, a manufacturing process left some plastic "flashing" in the intake tract. The offending plastic acts much like a reed on a clarinet, but, as you've found, the result is not music to the ears. Toyota's take on this intake glitch is that there's no effect on the performance or reliability of the vehicle. The cure is -- you guessed it -- a new intake manifold. If your 2004 Camry happens to be still under warranty there's an excellent chance the work will be done at no cost to you.

Many owners will be out of luck, though, since the crucial numbers are 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date. For California specification vehicles sold, registered, and operated in California, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont, the work is covered if the vehicle has been in service for less than 36 months or 50,000 miles.

The lesson here is that when you buy a new or low-mile vehicle, always,

always

document every noise or problem. Having a notation on a work order or in the dealership's service database can make all the difference in the world. With turnover what it is these days, you can't count on your favorite service writer being there in your corner a year or more from now. And if you're considering having the work done, the new manifold and the 1.5 hours Toyota says it takes to remove and replace will definitely put a dent in your pocketbook. Readers who are hardcore about maintenance matters -- or researching a new or used car -- might want to check out

AllData.com

. The site offers access to technical service bulletins and more for many vehicles.