Engine Noise Upon Start-Up
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 229
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From: pa
Engine Noise Upon Start-Up
I did a search but didn't see anything regarding 07's; if I missed it, sorry. Last evening, when I started the car, there was an extremely loud clanking noise. It was horrible. I said, "Is that my car?" Which was a stupid question (I seem to have a lot of those these days 
), because we were in our own garage. Then I remember that I heard the same thing about a month or two ago. It's grinding and/or like metal cans clanking together. Any ideas? Thank you.
), because we were in our own garage. Then I remember that I heard the same thing about a month or two ago. It's grinding and/or like metal cans clanking together. Any ideas? Thank you.
Lexus Connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,896
Likes: 610
From: USA
That noise happens for the first 20-30 seconds upon cold startup. I forgot what it was exactly, but if I recall correctly, it's either all the valves opening up or the injectors opening to help warm up the car and get the car to optimal operating conditions quicker. It's a normal operation in the 3.5L V6 2GR-FSE.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
I am very sensitive to funny noises in my car as most of you guys already know 
If I heard a extremely loud clanking noise that sounds like grinding and/or like metal cans clanking together, I am sure I would know it.
If I heard a extremely loud clanking noise that sounds like grinding and/or like metal cans clanking together, I am sure I would know it.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: VA
There is a TSIB for what sounds like is being described here. The title is "EG020-07 BRIEF ENGINE KNOCK/RATTLE NOISE AT COLD STARTUP.
It requires a new gear assembly to be installed, and takes 6 hours to do according to the TSIB.
Here is an excerpt from it:
"Immediately following a cold soak startup, some 2007 model year GS 350 vehicles may exhibit a brief rattle/knock noise from the engine compartment for approximately one second. Refer to the repair procedure below to address customer concerns.
�� 2007 model year GS 350 vehicles equipped with 2GR-FSE engine and produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.
MODEL PLANT DRIVETRAIN PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VIN
GS 350 Tahara
2WD JTHBE96S*70024487
4WD JTHCE96S*70010861"
It requires a new gear assembly to be installed, and takes 6 hours to do according to the TSIB.
Here is an excerpt from it:
"Immediately following a cold soak startup, some 2007 model year GS 350 vehicles may exhibit a brief rattle/knock noise from the engine compartment for approximately one second. Refer to the repair procedure below to address customer concerns.
�� 2007 model year GS 350 vehicles equipped with 2GR-FSE engine and produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.
MODEL PLANT DRIVETRAIN PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VIN
GS 350 Tahara
2WD JTHBE96S*70024487
4WD JTHCE96S*70010861"
Last edited by irom124; May 8, 2008 at 12:09 PM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: VA
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: pa
Thanks for the replies. These two recent incidents of loud grinding and clanging are completely out of character for my car. From day one, my car has been very quite and smooth on start up; therefore, you can imagine my surprise when it sounded like the engine fell out.