Transmission Rattle, Need Hybrid Owners to Verify

CometVR4 · 08-12-09, 04:46 PM

I just took my car in for a rattling underneath when car is in reverse with engine running. The dealer called later that day and said they checked with a few other Hybrid and they all make the same noise and that its normal. I think its not normal but when I picked up the car all the service guys where gone for the day. Before I call back tomorrow and so I won't sound like a moron can you RX 400h guys verify a rattle. Start your car and when the gas engine comes on shift to reverse, open the door and listen underneath for a distinct rattle. It's easier if someone would listen from the outside. I'll post a video shortly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMlxes7Ffwc

barry_s · 08-15-09, 11:15 AM

My 2008 RX 400h does not make any noise like that in any gear.

CometVR4 · 08-17-09, 05:10 PM

Barry, Thank you for confirming that for me! I'll talk to my dealer and politely ask them to show me another RX that makes the same sound.

longo · 08-18-09, 04:58 PM

i think its an 06 models i took it in also for the rattle noise an they also said it was normal pls keep me update if u find the problem

mandyfig · 08-19-09, 09:17 AM

Hybrid or not, there should not be a noise on any gear...it is pathetic to hear service guys saying that crap...not worth being Lexus service people!

Caleb1 · 08-19-09, 10:55 AM

My 2006 RX400 that I purchased few weeks ago makes the same rattling noise when the ICE starts. The car has only 12k miles on it. I took it to the dealer and they kept the car overnight to duplicate the problem. The dealer called the next day and told me there is nothing wrong with my car; the engine noise I hear is normal for all Hybrids in which I am not convinced. Please keep me posted if anyone finds the problem associated with rattling noise.

mandyfig · 08-19-09, 02:47 PM

Well, we need to test drive a hybrid so we can listen to this "normal" noise...!!

rcy · 09-17-09, 03:46 PM

I hate to admit that the dealer may know what they are talking about, but my 2006 400h makes a rattling noise at idle too (more noticeable when first started I believe). I can't really make out the noise in your youtube video, but it must be what I am hearing.

Anyway, why do I think this? There is a TSB about resetting the ISC (idle speed control) and one of the things it mentions is that 'transmission gear clatter noise at idle is more pronounced'.

Regardless, if you have ever disconnected or run your battery below 7 volts (the auxillary battery, not the traction battery), you NEED to perform the ISC learning procedure. You can ask the dealership to do it, but it CAN be done without having to hook the vehicle up to the Lexus specific diagnostic computer. I've posted instructions at www.lexusownersclub.com in the hybrid forum. Do a search for "ISC learning". My mileage went from around 10l/100km to 8l/100km and I was able to drive further on battery only.

Here is a page from the TSB that refers to the rattling noise..again, the TSB makes the procedure look complicated, but it can be done by an ordinary mortal

joedaddy1 · 09-22-09, 02:57 PM

our 2006 makes that noise too..