Hi,
I have a corolla XLi, 2003 which up to now was trouble-free. Recently, however, I noticed that when I start the engine, a gurgling sound can be heard just behind the dashboard. As if some liquid is there that is pumped or driven by the engine. After a few seconds the noise disapears. What is that? Has someone seen (or heard) anything like that? Are there any tubes conveying liquid running behind the dash?

Thats a tricky one...if the sound is coming from behind the dash, the problem may actually be near the engine, which in turn could be one of many things with filters or fluids.

I've had that on my 4Runner. It's the coolant circulating through the core.

Check and see what your heater lever is set at next time you hear this, and see if there's a difference if it's on hot or cold.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/460.gif) I love it when someone know exactly what the sound is and can put some one's fears at ease. It's a great thing when that happens.

My first thought was definitely the coolant, too. I would be interested to know whether you ever figured it out?

My first thought would be something to do with the AC, I noticed mine does that sometime and my stepfather, a former mechanic, told me it was that!

Gigi,
It seems your stepfather was right, at least in my case. That's exactly what the problem was. Thanks!