Globalinx

My 2003 GX has a loud fan-like noise at almost every start up now. Now even if I shut the car for 5-10 minutes the noise comes after start up. It escalates with the increase of RPMs and goes away after 20-30 seconds. It looks like that the outside tempreture has an effect on this noise. What can it be?

Booyah

Almost sounds like a fan clutch locking up--since it escalates with RPM's. I dont know how to go about checking it for proper operation, but that what it sounds like to me and it it locks up completly, it will be loud all the time as the engine is trying to spin the fan at crazy speeds

VictorGX

It might not be a mechanical problem...it may just be the cooling system at work. The load roaring fan of the GX is a known issue. Here is a thread that touches on the issue:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...-on-gx470.html

Booyah

Hmm I didnt catch the 20-30 second part! Yes I would think thats normal, mine does that too at first start up

hammer0008

Mine does this too. In fact my 1996 es300 did this as well. Someone told me that lexus programs this on purpose to warm up the engine faster.

Globalinx

Thanks alot. It definately sounds like the issue described there. The fan is not easily turned by hand, and it seems to spin faster at a start up than a short while later. It makes sense now that after a car shut off and a restart after 5-10 minutes the clutch fan is fully engaged as engine bay heat soaks and activates a heat sensitive cluch.

mann777

Global---seems you have a 03 model, as what I see, check with your dealer whether the a TSB- EL009-05 carried out which mentioned to change the A/C Magnetic Clutch Relay.Few of the 03/04 Models did have this similar problem Also I want you to observe before you change, while this occurance of low power accelration, Do you seen if you have the Screen Display the A/C light flashing. If you have have then carry out the above TSB. Also you can do a self check by opening the Engine Bay and in the Fuse Box check for the AC MC Relay, remove and check if this is the part number mentioned.
Old Part Number - 90987-02022
New Part Number - 90987-02028
To locate the relay look at the reverse of the Fuse Box cover & check the Relay location in the Fuse Box, and do the identification. The part numbers are embossed on the Relay itself. Here is the image of the relay what is looks like.