GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Thumpy buzzing behind dashboard

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Old 12-09-15, 12:58 PM
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ucbrenda
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Angry Thumpy buzzing behind dashboard

I own a 2001 GS300 that I purchased brand new. Among it's other ailments, the one that is bothering me lately is this noise behind the dash that started happening about two weeks ago. I recorded it and it lasts about 15 secs after starting the engine. At first I thought it was the ignition and that had me worried. My immediate question is does this sound like something I have to rush to get repaired? It sounds worrisome. Also, there has been a softer clicking buzz more towards the center of the dash that's been happening off and on for a long time. Each time I have the car serviced, I ask them to check for it but because it's not predictable no one has been able to tell me what it is. However, this latest sound is happening every time I start the engine. Thanks for you input!: egads:
Old 12-09-15, 01:00 PM
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ThomasGS4
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Just sounds like temperature and/or mode servos for the air conditioning, seems like nearly every GS does it. My 1998 has made a barely audible click/buzz since I bought it 7 years ago.
Old 12-09-15, 02:15 PM
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ucbrenda
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Thank you, ThomasGS4. I'll have that looked into.
Old 12-09-15, 03:30 PM
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Mr Jokster
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Are you sure the buzzing isnt just the brake booster adjusting? That happens every time you start the car.

In case you dont know what I'm talking about, press the brake pedal 5 or more times and take a listen and see if thats the same sound.
Old 12-09-15, 03:56 PM
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SonicMotor
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My 2002 GS430 has a pretty violent buzz for about 15 seconds as you said, as soon as the key is turned to accessories. Not too sure why it does that, but would like to figure it out.
Old 12-09-15, 04:15 PM
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mate01
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My 2001 GS430 has that weird buzzing clicking sound too. Does anyone know what that is?
Old 12-09-15, 07:24 PM
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ucbrenda
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Mr.Jokester, I don't know if it's the brake booster adjusting. It never happened before 2 weeks ago. But I'll try what you suggest, although I've never heard any noise when stepping on the brake. As you said, SonicMotor, the buzz is sort of violent and lasts about 15 seconds.
Old 12-09-15, 07:31 PM
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Mr Jokster
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Please make an audio/video clip, I'm curious

Yea, normally you shouldnt hear it. Mine began going nuts a few years ago. I assume the gear is old and worn on mine. Sometimes it gets violent but most of the time its normal and then gets violent at its end point of adjustment.
Old 12-09-15, 07:37 PM
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ucbrenda
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Is this something to worry about? How much to get fixed?
Old 12-09-15, 07:44 PM
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Mr Jokster
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Well no need to worry about a $4000 part just yet LoL

You still need to figure out what it is before asking about fixing things
Old 12-09-15, 07:50 PM
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Mr Jokster
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Does it sound like this?


Thats the servo motor
Old 12-10-15, 06:30 AM
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ThomasGS4
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^ OK, mine does not make that noise. If that's what her's sounds like, yikes...
Old 12-10-15, 09:23 AM
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ucbrenda
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Yes, it sounds exactly like that. The servo motor... So what does one do? How much to repair?
Old 12-10-15, 04:43 PM
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Mr Jokster
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The servo is about $100 bucks, do some searching on the install. Heres a DIY thread for the passenger side servo, I believe theres a link for the driver side one somewhere in this tread:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...vo-motors.html
Old 12-10-15, 05:15 PM
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k311in
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Mine made a sound similar to what u described. I was finally able to trace it back to the button that switches fresh air to recirculation.


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