jenglish

Just picked up my first Lexus product, an IS350. I have owned several Acura's and it was time for a new vehicle. I had been searching for a TL with no luck of finding one I loved. I figured why not try out the IS350. I knew I wasn't going to go for the 250 but had nothing to lose when I found a black on black 350 at a local dealer. I am in love. First words to the wife were "I HAVE to have this". A few days later here I am. Still amazed at what I've been missing out on. Seriously, to get comparable options to my 2006 IS, I would have gotten a 2012 TL and either would have settled for front wheel drive or gone to the AWD setup for $ bundles $ more. I prefer the RWD to either. Blown away...

Anyhow, there are a couple of issues.

The motor ticks on the top end. Maybe valves? Lifters? Not sure.

I think I have the illuminated door sills but they are not illuminating. Neither are any of my interior lights (dome lights, reading lights, lights on the doors...). I checked the fuse under the hood which was blown and replaced it. The lights work for a couple of minutes (while the car is started) but go out shortly after starting the engine (fuse blows). Not sure why this is happening and would love to figure it out on my own before I take it anywhere... I know there are threads on this topic but haven't found one that resolves my issue. Any new insight would be helpful.

Any help is much appreciated!

Tarrant64

First of all - welcome!

Secondly - do you have any information as to mods done to the car prior to your purchase? All other electronics in working order? (gauge lights, headlights, stereo, etc.)

And I'm also curious if you knowingly bought the car in that condition? Either way, I hope the community here can help you find out what the problem is.

Bdub619

Congrats on your 350, welcome to the club!! The ticking might be your timing chain? The 350 has a chain and makes a little noise, that's normal. As for your fuses being blown, I'm not sure why this would happen but maybe someone else here would. If you just bought from dealer you must have some kind of warranty so I'd take it back to them. GL

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

Welcom to CL ticking is normal on all IS cause it direct injectors. To the above post all IS are timing chain not belts. If your door sills have the Lexus symbol then they should light up. As along as doom light is on.

jenglish

No mods. The car is completely stock. All other electronics are functional. It's so strange because it works for a couple minutes after starting the engine and then blows... Randomly. I can't correlate anything with the fuse so far.

carlos3366

have an electrical short somewhere, they are hard to find. The ticking noise sounds like the normal noise the IS engines make. if you have electrical background you should be able to find the short, if not, maybe take it to an independent mechanic. stay away from dealers. good luck.

jbjones85

iTrader: (20)

the ticking is normal and the general consensus is that it is the direct injection.

Are the rear sills black/tan plastic or do they have a brushed aluminum part? The reason I ask is if the rear ones are black plastic then most likely the front lighted ones were added after the fact and the wiring might be loose/shorting.

jenglish

Nope, they are all aluminum.

I'm feeling pretty good about the engine noise, thanks all! Now for the electrical issues... The cigarette lighter doesn't work either, I checked the fuse and it's good. Maybe related to the sills??

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Got a pic of the sills? They might not be the illuminated ones.

Icy350

iTrader: (18)

Have you checked to make sure you pressed the light button on the top to make sure it stays on when you open the door? It should say door on it.

jenglish

resurrected post...

Still driving the IS. I got the lights fixed - for some reason they were connected to the driving lights. Replaced one of those and all interior lights and door sills lit up! Good stuff.

I have put about 25k miles on this car and it has been great... thinking of upgrading to a GS though, need something a little bigger.

MWIS350

The noise from the engine is normal because of fuel injector. The headlight you might need new light bulb. If install and same issue then you need new ballast. Got my Phillip light bulb from Amazone.com for $47 and ballast about $110 each.