I took my 350 in this morning. I spoke with a Master Tech and he surprised me with the following information. He said that he got some information on a monthly conference call that they have a ?few? weeks ago about this issue. He said that it appears that it might have something to do with the VVT-i controller. There are two of them on this engine (V6). He said that it appears that when the car is shut off, sometimes the controller doesn't "switch" or rotate the cam shaft or whatever enables the VVT-i back to it's proper position. So, when the car starts back up, the VVT-i is enabled (or something like that) and the valves are not in the proper position? Man, I hope that made sense. He made more sense than I think I can relate here in this forum. Anyway, he said that there will likely be a forthcoming TSB on this issue. He said that a couple other guys at the dealership have the same car and have experienced the issue. We're not alone. Lexus knows about this issue apparently. They have my car and it looks like they'll replace one or both of the controllers. I'll let you know how things turn out.
FWIW, I changed my oil from 5w-30 to 5w-20. After a couple of instances of the noise afterwards, I took it into the dealership. They couldn't replicate and I actually haven't heard it for about a week and a half now.
I know that there are many who are also using 5w-20 that still have the noise but I guess I'm good for now.
Hopefully, they'll have a TSB for this if/when the noise comes back for me.
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'06 IS350 Black on Black, Nav, ML, Sport, Volk Progressive Spoke 18"s w/ PS2's, 6000K d4s Xenondepot HID's
I took my 350 in this morning. I spoke with a Master Tech and he surprised me with the following information. He said that he got some information on a monthly conference call that they have a ?few? weeks ago about this issue. He said that it appears that it might have something to do with the VVT-i controller. There are two of them on this engine (V6). He said that it appears that when the car is shut off, sometimes the controller doesn't "switch" or rotate the cam shaft or whatever enables the VVT-i back to it's proper position. So, when the car starts back up, the VVT-i is enabled (or something like that) and the valves are not in the proper position? Man, I hope that made sense. He made more sense than I think I can relate here in this forum. Anyway, he said that there will likely be a forthcoming TSB on this issue. He said that a couple other guys at the dealership have the same car and have experienced the issue. We're not alone. Lexus knows about this issue apparently. They have my car and it looks like they'll replace one or both of the controllers. I'll let you know how things turn out.
There's already a TSIB. It refers to the VVTi controller not locking properly. The TSIB talks about locking the VVTi controller on install, not start up. It sounds like your master tech was describing this problem. I've often wondered about certain aspects of VVTi, especially since it is oil pressure controlled. This is one of those things I've wondered about specifically.
I doubt it is the tensioners, I suspect it is the cam moving unpredictably until oil pressure gets up to snuff because the VVTi didn't lock itself when the engine was shut off.
Most performance mods need a watch and timed course to demonstrate actual improvement. Few deliver the advertised claims. Many are actually worse than stock. The best performance mods are made to the driver.
Emotional arguments - They're not just for chicks anymore.
so far so good. two days and no sign of the noise. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I guess I should say that I was experiencing this upon every startup before they performed this service.
Count me as another with the noise on an increasingly frequent basis. Only on cold starts in the morning, or after all day at work (rarely)
Took mine in for its 10k service, and had them look at it (I hadn't seen this post yet)
They heard it once, but were unable to pinpoint. They have a lexus rep coming down from Atlanta on Thur and are supposed to get with him on this issue. Sounds like the solution has already been found. When I hear, I'll post back.
hey guys i have also been experiencing this start up clatter noise and also brought it in for the infamous dash rattle...tech said that the start up noise was due to a needed oil change...so they fixed the dash rattle and i got the dash fixed...but it still has the start up clunking noise...not sure what to do...i also showed them the noise but they said it was normal...something about valves resetting...
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2006 Black Onyx IS350
2006 Yamaha R6 Raven
2001 BMW 330ci Black
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hey guys i have also been experiencing this start up clatter noise and also brought it in for the infamous dash rattle...tech said that the start up noise was due to a needed oil change...so they fixed the dash rattle and i got the dash fixed...but it still has the start up clunking noise...not sure what to do...i also showed them the noise but they said it was normal...something about valves resetting...
Is it a clatter, or more like a 2-3 second "ratcheting" type of sound ..... then the regular injector clatter of this engine?
I will try and do a Video/Audio recording of mine tomorrow and post a link.
KC
I took my vehicle in last week (4/27) and just got it back yesterday. The dealer had to replace the "valve lashes" that was recently revised. The vehicle was in for about a week. In that time, they tore apart most of the engine and replaced guides, seals, gaskets, etc. Thus far, I have not experienced any start-up noise or issues with cylinder misfire.
Had this problem with my 2007 IS250, which started about 13K miles. The noise occurs during cold startups when the car has been sitting for 4 or more hours. I finally brought the car into Longo Lexus and they are aware of this issue, but needs the tech to verify the noise by leaving the car overnight.
I should have the car back tomorrow, as they don't carry the parts in stock. Apparently the service advisor is telling me that the camshaft is going to be replaced. I will post the parts to see how consistent these parts are with similiar posts in this forum.
Lately, I've noticed a slight rattle coming from underneath the car, only at start-up. Almost sounds like a vibrating heat shield or something, and only lasts for a second or less. Anyone else noticed this? I've got my 15k coming up in a bit and will have it checked out then, but in the meantime, lemme know if this is a recurring issue with any of you please.
Lately, I've noticed a slight rattle coming from underneath the car, only at start-up. Almost sounds like a vibrating heat shield or something, and only lasts for a second or less. Anyone else noticed this? I've got my 15k coming up in a bit and will have it checked out then, but in the meantime, lemme know if this is a recurring issue with any of you please.
Do you have an aftermarket exhaust? Not sure if that could cause the rattling.
Lately, I've noticed a slight rattle coming from underneath the car, only at start-up. Almost sounds like a vibrating heat shield or something, and only lasts for a second or less. Anyone else noticed this? I've got my 15k coming up in a bit and will have it checked out then, but in the meantime, lemme know if this is a recurring issue with any of you please.
Mine has just recently started.. Been about two weeks and now its getting more frequent. My only concern is.. when I take the car to the dealer on Friday they won't be able to reproduce the sound.
However I want it documented that the car is having issues so should anything happen in the future I can atleast say "I told ya so!"
It sounds like a clatter and it lasts for like two seconds and then its gone. Its usually my first start up in the morning, or mid-afternoon when I go to lunch or leave for the day.
Engine Cranking Noise
Hybrid Mode
